Answer

In Jain Dharma, becoming Jain is mainly understood through faith, conduct, and acceptance of Jain principles—not only through a legal certificate.

If Terapanthi Shwetambar Maharaj Saheb has given you Guru Vandana and is guiding you to follow Jain rules, that means spiritually they are encouraging you on the Jain path. Their view that “if you follow Jain dharma sincerely, you are Jain” is consistent with the Jain emphasis on right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

However, for government/legal religion change, you must follow the official procedure required by your local administration. Jain monks usually do not involve themselves in legal or government documentation.

What You Can Do

• Speak respectfully with the Jain Sangh trustees where you regularly go and explain that the DM office requires a signature or prior-permission form.
• Ask for a letter from the Sangh confirming that you regularly attend Jain religious activities and follow Jain practices. This may help, depending on what the administration accepts.
• Do not pressure Maharaj Saheb for legal paperwork. Jain sadhus and sadhvis generally avoid worldly/legal involvement.
• Ask the DM office clearly whose signature is acceptable:
  • Jain Sangh president/trustee
  • recognized Jain organization
  • notary/affidavit
  • local religious authority
  • self-declaration
• Continue your Jain practice sincerely: ahimsa, satya, achaurya, brahmacharya as appropriate, aparigraha, vegetarianism, avoiding root vegetables if you follow that discipline, samayik, pratikraman, and respect for guru-sangh.

Important Jain Understanding

Changing surname to “Jain” and changing documents may have social/legal value, but in Jain Dharma the deeper identity is based on:

• Samyak Darshan – right faith
• Samyak Jnan – right knowledge
• Samyak Charitra – right conduct

A person becomes close to Jain Dharma by living with non-violence, self-control, compassion, and devotion to Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay, and Sadhu.

Practical Suggestion

You may say this to the Sangh trustees:

“I sincerely follow Jain Dharma and regularly come to the Sangh. The government office requires a confirmation/signature for religion change. If Maharaj Saheb cannot sign due to sadhu maryada, can the Sangh president or trustee please guide me or give a simple confirmation letter?”

This is a respectful and practical approach.

Takeaway

Spiritually, keep following Jain Dharma sincerely. Legally, take guidance from the DM office and Jain Sangh trustees, because monks may not participate in legal conversion paperwork. Your conduct, faith, and discipline are the most important part of being Jain.