page_title: Acharya Chandana
hierarchical_section_title: Acharya Chandana
caption_attribution_description: English: Relief Work by Veerayatan, an NGO, during natural calamities.
context_page_description: Acharya Chandana, also known as Tai Maharaj, and Chandanaji, became the first Jain woman to receive the title of Acharya in 1987. She belongs to the Amarmuni Sampradaya which, as of 2013, is the only monastic lineage to promote a nun to the rank of Acharya. This is controversial within the Jain community. She is known for introducing the concept of seva among the Jain.
  In 1972, she began her humanitarian work in a poverty-stricken area in the state of Bihar, India. She founded Veerayatan - a non-profit, non-governmental service organization which as of 2013 has centers in more than ten countries. A biopic Never Before has also been made to commemorate her life.
context_section_description: Acharya Chandana, also known as Tai Maharaj, and Chandanaji, became the first Jain woman to receive the title of Acharya in 1987. She belongs to the Amarmuni Sampradaya which, as of 2013, is the only monastic lineage to promote a nun to the rank of Acharya. This is controversial within the Jain community. She is known for introducing the concept of seva (service to humanity) among the Jain .
  In 1972, she began her humanitarian work in a poverty-stricken area in the state of Bihar, India. She founded Veerayatan - a non-profit, non-governmental service organization which as of 2013 has centers in more than ten countries. A biopic Never Before has also been made to commemorate her life.
caption: Relief Work at Veerayatan, Kutch
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