Atma Siddhi Shastra is a spiritual treatise in verse, composed in Gujarati by the nineteenth century Jain saint, philosopher poet Shrimad Rajchandra (1867–1901). Atma according to Jainism means "soul" or the "self" and "siddhi" means "attainment". Hence, Atma Siddhi is translated as self attainment or self realization. It is a composition of 142 verses in Gujarati, explaining the fundamental philosophical truths about the soul and its liberation. It propounds six fundamental truths on soul which are also known as satapada.
The room where Atma Siddhi was composed
The statues of Shrimad Rajchandra and Ambalal erected in Nadiad Ashram commemorating composition of Atma Siddhi
Image of a Siddha: the soul who attains Moksa; although the Siddhas (the liberated beings) are formless and without a body, this is how the Jain temples often depict the Siddhas.
Shrimad Rajchandra, also known as Param Krupalu Dev, was an enlightened master, Jain poet, mystic, philosopher, scholar, and reformer. Born in Vavaniya, a village near Morbi, he claimed to have attained recollection of his past lives at the age of seven. He performed Avadhāna, a memory retention and recollection test that gained him popularity, but he later discouraged it in favour of his spiritual pursuits. He wrote much philosophical poetry including Atma Siddhi Shastra. He also wrote many letters and commentaries and translated some religious texts. He is known for his teachings on Jainism and his spiritual guidance to Mahatma Gandhi.
Rajchandra in Lotus position
Shrimad Rajchandra Janma Bhuvan in Vavaniya
A diorama representing Rajchandra's seeing of cremation, Jain Museum, Madhuban, Giridih
Shrimad Rajchandra Vihar located on the Idar hill where Shrimad Rajchandra gave discourses.
