JAINISM AND SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
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Swami Vivekananda, the great saint of
India, viewed Jainism in its true perceptiveness and objectivity. He opined
that Jainism was a great religion which putforth the concept of Ahimsa and Truth as its main principles. The philosophy of Jainism is based on the
fact that there is no existence of 'God'. However one should not consider
Jainism as atheistic in its religious concept. It believes in the existence
of a super natural power controlling the universe. Though it does not call it
in terms of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara as cited in Hinduism, the
priesthood has created the concept of God referring to creation and begetting
some reward in turn. It is really worthless and meaningless. There exists
only the nature and living beings. The living beings are en sheathed in their
psychosomatic coverage. This led to the belief that all physical things are
of low order. The Jain seers putforth the view that the body be nullified as
it is the store house of loathsome dirt (Sallekhana). Very arduous but firm practices existed
among the followers of Jainism in the yester years. Jains were the founders
of such deep penance. Their deeds were highly praiseworthy. They preached
nonviolence and doing good to all to the extent possible. This is the real
concept and meaning of karma which
one should be cognizant. They spread out and followed this principle widely
in practice and percepts. It is a wonderful motto of the religion. It is
really intriguing to note that nonviolence and doing good to others formed
the basis of contentful living. The Jaina tradition existed at least 500
years earlier than Buddhism. Lord Buddha was living in a period at least 550
years earlier than Jesus Christ. The Jains never confined to their own welfare
instead they tried to protect other creatures even at their cost of life. Buddhists and Jains are not dependent on
God but their religions had the supreme power of diverting the attention and
concentration of people towards truth and converting human beings into super
humans. The critical attitude of Jains considered as charvakas by Hindus and who
subvent the sensuous pleasures. Jainism paved the way for nonviolence and
the religion stood on the basis of chastity and purity which flourished the
Indian subcontinent through the centuries.
-Dr. H.A.Parshwanath |
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'DHAVALA' BOOKS RELEASED AT A GLITTERING FUNCTION |
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Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), July 3: His Holiness Parama Pujya Sri
Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj the pontiff of Shravanabelagola Jain Muth
emphasised the need for protecting the great classical works on religion,
culture, temples and sculptor keeping in mind the posterity. He was speaking
on the occasion of releasing of the Kannada version of Dhavala Granthas in a glittering function. He felt that life
becomes prosperous by studying and following these works. These should be
translated to all the languages of the globe in order to propagate its
content. He called upon the people to study the Dhavala Granthas to its core.
It helps in resolving many problems in life. Religion and science have never
patronised superstitions. Science increases knowledge technically where as
religion helps in increasing one's knowledge. It could be recalled here that the
teachings of the tirthankaras were recorded on the palm leaves about 2000
years ago. The verbal preachings were derived and transcribed into written
forms through the works called Shatkandagamas
which involves the entire core of Jainism. The Dhavala works were written
as interpretation to these Shatkandagamas.
The only one copy of this great work in Prakrit with its scripit in Kannada
was preserved in Moodabidri Jain Muth, Karnataka. Later on it was translated
to Hindi from its original work in Prakrit due to the efforts of some great
scholars over a span of 25 years. Its translation to Hindi has helped Hindi
speaking people to understand Jain Agamas. Jagadguru Sri Charukeerthi
Bhattarakha Swamiji of Shravanabelagola, the chief editor of this work, has
ventured for its translation into Kannada and its publication in ! 39
divisions at the cost of one crore rupees. A team of Jain scholars had been
working in this work since the past four to five years under the guidance of
Sri Bhattarakhaji. The first four volumes were released on this occasion and
entire collection of 39 volumes is ready for printing. The translation works were released by
Dharmadhikari Dr. Sri D. Veerendra Heggade of Dharmasthala. Unlike the other
book release functions this was a unique of its kind with the Dhavalatraya
volumes (Dhavala, Mahadhavala and Jayadhavala) being brought to the stage in
an attractive procession in a silver car (palaki). Many Jain ladies with
Purnakumbha Kalash on their head, many religious flags and many cultural
troops participated in the procession. Thousands of Jains from all over India
witnessed this colourful event. The first copy of the books were sent to
Acharya 108 Sri Vidyanandaji Maharaj, New Delhi. -
Jain Heritage Centres News Service
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TWO COMMISIONS FOR MINORITIES : MANMOHAN |
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New Delhi, July 3: The Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, today
proposed the setting up of a Commission to provide professional institutions
run by the minorities with direct affiliation to Central universities. He
also proposed another Commission to enhance the welfare of the socially and
economically backward sections among the religious and linguistic minorities,
by including reservation in education and employment. Additional funds would
be allocated to the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation
for its effective functioning. The two Commissions had been promised in the
Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA)
Government to "systematically remove barriers that prevent the empowerment
of the minority communities, as well as the Scheduled Castes and the
Scheduled Tribes." Inaugurating a conference on "A Dialogue on Minority Welfare
and Education," organised by the Ministry of Human Resource Development,
Dr. Singh said the Commission for Minority Educational Institutions would
also promote modern and technical education among all the minority
communities. Calling upon the participants to come up with ideas that could
enable the Government to increase the educational attainment of the minorities
across the country so that they were empowered socially and economically, he
said the need was to go beyond providing education to examine issues
pertaining to employment. "I am distressed by the low representation of
the minorities in many walks of life, both in the public and the private
sectors,'' he said drawing attention to the gravity of the problem in
creating an inclusive and tolerant society, where the benefits of economic
development were shared by all. Suggesting the possibility of integration of community efforts and
governmental initiatives for the uplift of the minority groups, Dr. Singh
said that community-based educational institutions could be effectively used
as a means to promoting other important social objectives such as primary
health care and family welfare. These institutions would also be used to
promote delivery of better services by the State to segments of the
population that were harder to reach, such as women and girls among the
minorities. Access to education was the most important equalising social
force and it was important to understand that investment in education was not
merely a welfare measure but a means of empowerment. "By empowering and
creating capabilities, education increases the productive potential of a society
and it is not at all surprising that every modern industrial and newly-
industrialising econo! my has a literacy rate upwards of 80 per cent,"
he said. - News Courtesy: The Hindu |
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GOWDA ASSURES FULL SUPPORT FOR MAHAMASTHAKABHISHEKHA |
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Hassan (Karnataka), July 1: With the former Prime Minister and
Hassan MP, H.D. Deve Gowda, assuring of all possible help from the Central
and State Governments, the exercise of holding the first Mahamastakabhisheka
of the 21st century, at Shravanabelagola in February 2006, has gained
momentum. A meeting of the district officials was convened on under the
president ship of Sri Gowda, to discuss a 20-point proposal submitted by
Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of Shravanabelagola for the overall
development of the Jain pilgrimage centre in view of the Mahamastakabhisheka.
Mr. Gowda said that he would try his best to bring in all help from
all quarters to make the Mahamastakabhisheka a memorable event. The minister
for Public Works and Energy, H.D.Revanna, the Shravanabelagola MLA, C.S.
Putte Gowda, the Arkalgud MLA, A.T. Ramaswamy, ex member of the parliament
Sri Javare Gowda, ex minister Sri Veerakumar Patil, Hassan Zilla Panchayat
president, G.T. Indira and other dignitaries attended the meeting. Terming the Mahamastakabhisheka as a
trans-national cultural event, Mr. Gowda said that it was a challenge to
organise an event, which was massive in nature and would be attended by
people across the world. He called upon the people's representatives to work
for the success of the event. He said that, he would appeal to the Chief
Minister, N. Dharam Singh, and the Deputy Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, to
extend all possible help. On the 20-point proposal presented by the Swamiji,
he asked the district administration to discuss the proposal in detail and
approach the State Government with specific demands. In his plea to the elected representatives
and the officials, Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji said that he did not
anticipate either ostentation or grandeur but only expected the basic
amenities for the pilgrims who would visit Shravanabelagola on the occasion,
especially proper drinking water supply and place to stay. Recalling the help
extended by the previous Governments in holding Mahamastakabhisheka
successfully, he said that he would expect similar cooperation from both the
district administration and the State Government. The Swamiji appealed to the
Deputy Commissioner, M. Maheshwara Rao, and the District in-charge Minister,
H.D Revanna, to take up the responsibility of conducting the event
successfully. Jains from all over Karnataka had
participated in the meeting and gave useful suggestions towards making the
event a grand success. The working president of the Rashtriya
Mahamasthakabhishekha Mahotsav Samithi Sri A.R.Nirmal Kumar briefened the
gathering about the event. - Jain Heritage Centres
News Service |
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THE DIVINE ROOTS OF INDIAN SECULARISM |
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New Delhi, June 28: Launching
the People’s Foundation for Development of Enlightened Citizenship
recently,President A P J Abdul Kalam emphasised the need for religious
co-existence. Excerpts from his speech: When I visited Bihar, I was really moved by the way the land of
Bihar emanated as an integrated spiritual entity. I saw through my visit to
Pavapuri, a very sacred Jain pilgrim centre with a beautiful temple of white
marble where Lord Mahavira had delivered his sermons. At the Jal Mandir, the
place where Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana, I undertook the traditional
parikrama of the temple while chants of religious slokas rent the air. During
the Parikrama, I saw lotus flowers around me blooming in the Jal Lake. When
my mind was engulfed in the flowers, I remembered a couplet written by the
famous Tamil poet Tiruvalluvar 2000 years ago, which gives the axiom of life.
The couplet means: ‘‘whatever be the depth or the state of
cleanliness of the pond, the lotus flower springs out and blooms majestically
looking towards the sun. Similarly, human living can be transformed into a
purposeful high living, only when a great aim engulfs the mind of the individual.’’
The Bihar School of Yoga, which guides yoga projects and medical
research in association with prestigious hospitals draws inspiration from Adi
Sankaracharya. We visited Khanquah Rahmani, a holy shrine established over
100 years ago by the eminent Sufi Hazrat Moulana Mohammed Ali. This shrine
commands respect from both Muslims and non-Muslims. We went to the Mahabodhi
Temple, where Lord Buddha who was born on a full moon day and attained Maha
Nirvana also on a full moon day. We visited Takht Shri Harmandir Sahib in
Patna, one of the holiest of the five Takhts. It happens to be the birthplace
of Shri Guru Gobind Singhji. -News Courtesy:
Expressindia.com |
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FIRST DAY COVER AND COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP ON
ACHARYA BHIKSHU RELEASED |
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The First Day Cover and the Postal Stamp on Acharya
Bikshu released on June 30 by the Vice President Shri Bhairon Singh
Shekhawat. New Delhi, June 30: The Vice President Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
released the first day cover and a commemorative postage stamp on the founder
of the Jain Swetamber Terapanth Sect. Shri Aacharya Bhikshu at a function
here today. The Minister of State for Communication and Information
Technology Dr. Shakeel Ahmad and other senior officials of the Department of
Post (DoP) were present on the occasion. While addressing the gathering, the Vice
President described Aacharya Bhikshu as a great social reformer who showed us
the path of wisdom and advocated Ahimsa in his preachings which were even
true to this date. Earlier, Dr. Shakeel Ahmad described Aacharya Bhikshu as a
great philosopher saint and said that the release of commemorative postage
stamp marks an important occasion, for Aacharya Bhikshu stood for great
social reforms and high ideals. Aacharya Bhikshu, the founder of Jain
Swetamber Terapanth Sect, was a man of revolutionary ideas who was propelled
to react after he made an intense study of ancient texts and became acutely
aware of not only their misinterpretation, but also the distorted version of
religion prevalent in society. Aacharya Bikshu was born to Shah Balluji
Saklecha and Deepanji on the thirteenth day of the waxing moon in the month
of Ashad in the village of Kantaliya in Pali district, Rajasthan. He was
married to Sugannibai of the neighbouring village but due to sudden demise of
his father and wife in quick succession that he took to ascetic life under
the guidance of Aacharya Raghunathji. He set out from the village of Bagadi
expressing his disenchantment with conservative fundamentalists, false
beliefs and blind faith and reached Kelba in Mewar, Rajasthan. There he took
a vow and established the Terapanth religious Sangha on June 28, 1760. Aacharya Bhikshu was a philosopher saint,
perceptive writer, sensitive poet and social reformer. He composed about
38000 shlokas and his writings have been compiled in two volumes as “Bhikshu
Granth Ratnakar”. Among his compositions, “Nav Padarth Sadbhav”, is regarded
as a significant philosophical composition that deals exhaustively with the
nine gems of Jain philosophy. It advocated a society free of exploitation. Aacharya Bhikshu was the harbinger of a
religious revolution and he plodded to rid society of several evils. He
advocated strongly the purity of means in achieving the goal. He said neither
the fear of punishment nor the temptation of reward can make a religion work.
For this a transformation of the heart is essential. He believed that violence
committed out of necessity is also violence and quelling weaker beings for
the gain of bigger ones was not acceptable to him. He gave to the world
knowledge about the different premises of religion and society. He said where
ever there is goodness and truth, it is conducive, irrespective of caste,
creed or place to the well being of the society. Help rendered to the
suffering, exploited and helpless was labeled by him as duty, responsibility
and social obligation; he gave the clarion call for a revolution in
society. Aacharya Bhikshu attained eternal bliss in
the Vikram Samvat year 1860 at Siriyari, Rajasthan. However, his teachings
have been carried forward by Aacharya Mahaprajna, the tenth Aacharya of the
Sangha, whose ‘Jeevan Vigyan’ is an invaluable elucidation of the system of
meditation. He meditated deeply to revive the 'Preksha Dhyan' found to be
useful in many problems like stress, addiction and other emotional
mental and physical problems. Contemporary Terapanth philosophy upholds and
furthers the teachings of Aacharya Bhikshu that are centered around the
humanitarianism, secularism and peace. Siriyari (Rajasthan): Another function was organised at
Siriyari in Pali District of Rajasthan the nirvan place of Acharya Bikshu to release the first day cover
and the postal stamp. -PIB & Mr.Sudhir Jain, Satna |
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SHRUTASKANDA CHARIOT GETS ROUSING WELCOME |
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The Shrutaskanda Chariot Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), July 7: The Shrutaskanda Chariot
received a rousing welcome all over India during the course of its journey
from Girinar to other parts of India. Girnar, the sacred pilgrim centre of
Jains since 2000 years has advented a religious episode in the
milestone of Jainism. The place is known for Agamagnana be noted
by the ascetics Pushpadanta and Buthabali the devotees of the Paramapujya
Acharya Dharasena. The place is the adone of Nemi Trithankara. The ascetics
composed the Shatkandagama in the later years. To mark the eventfull 2000
years, the "Shrutaskanda Chariot"
was inaugurated and run on the auspicious day of Shrutapanchami i.e. 24th
May, 2004 by the vice-president of India Sri Bharion Singh Shekhawath. This
chariot will travel from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and is intended to evoke
religious sentiment amongst the people. The Jain samaj! of Karnataka welcomed
the chariot to Karnataka after its journey in Tamil Nadu in the presence of
Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Shravanabelagola Jain Muth. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service |
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JAIN SOCIAL GROUP'S ALL
INDIA DIGAMBAR JAIN DIRECTORY |
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Indore (Madhya Pradesh), July 15: The All India Jain Social Group
Federation has intended to publish a directory on the religious, social and
educational activities culminating in the organisation of society. Writers,
Artists, poets, singers, athletes, industrialists, politicians in different
fields and calibers, talented students, office bearers of Jain societies,
donors and members of philanthropic organisations, others are requested to
send the details for the ensuing directory. The achievements of the eminent
scholars of all the states in India will be included in this work. Furthermore
the people are requested to send the details of the population of Jains
(Digambar & Swethambar), Jain temples and Jaina educational organisations
to the directory. The information can be sent either in English or Hindi to:
Digambar Jain Social Group Federation Office, Mahaveer Empire, No.62, !
M.G.Road, Indore - 452001. Sri Pradeep Simha Kasliwal the national president
of the organisation and Sri Manikchand Patni, Sri Ashok Badjatiya, Sri
Rajkumar Pataudi are the esteemed members of the organisation. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service |
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HASSAN - SHRAVANABELAGOLA RAILWAY LINE TO BE COMPLETED
BY YEAR END |
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New Delhi, July 6: The much awaited Hassan - Shravanabelagola
railway line has received grants for its completion in the recently presented
railway budget by the union minister for railways Sri Laloo Prasad Yadav. Mr.
Yadav has assured that the 43 Kms long work would be completed by the year
end. The Hassan - Bangalore railway line had been under taken since 1996 at a
cost of Rs. 413 crores. But due to many unavoidable reasons the work had been
delayed. The Hassan - Shravanabelagola railway line is a part of the Hassan -
Bangalore route and if completed would be instrumental in connecting
Shravanabelagola with other parts of India through the railway route.
Recently the member of parliament from Hassan and ex-prime minister Sri
H.D.Devegowda and the Hassan district incharge minister Sri H.D.Revanna had
meet Sri Yadav and requested his help in the completion of the project. Mr.
Yadav! had assured them that the Union Government would present the Jain
samaj with this railway line and has now kept up his words through these
grants. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service
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KUMARI SNIGDHA JAIN RANKED 2ND IN ICSE EXAMS |
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Barabhanki (Indore, Madhya Pradesh), July 15: Kumari Snigdha Jain
(daughter of Dr. Vinay Kumar Jain and Dr. Neelam Jain of Jain Nisarg Home) of
Indore has secured 2nd rank in the Indian Council for Secondary Exams at the
all India Level. She has secured a total of 97.4 percent and has expressed
here desire to become a scientist in the field of Genetics Engineering. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service
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QUARRYING THRIVES EVEN AS GOMMATAGIRI CRUMBLES |
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Mysore (Karnataka), July 3: Even as the preliminaries for the
"Mahamastakabhisheka" of Lord Gomateshwara at Shravanabelagola to
be held in 2006 gains momentum, Jains here feel the need to step up their
campaign to preserve a similar monument languishing at Gomatagiri near here.
The statue of Gomateshwara at Gomatagiri (Hunsur taluk) could be saved from
imminent destruction if the Government and political leaders pay attention to
it, the Jains feel. Prabha Mandal, President of Sri Gomatagirikshetra Seva
Samithi, told that a delegation of experts and senior Jain scholars from
Delhi recently visited Gomatagiri to assess the damage done to the monument. Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner, Kumar
G.Naik, on Saturday held a meeting with Dr. Mandal to discuss ways to
conserve the statue of Gomateshwara. Mr. Naik has ordered the local police to
step up vigilance to prevent quarrying around the hillock on which the statue
is situated. Dr. Mandal said the Jains had sought land in Gomatagiri to
develop the area. They had demanded a ban on quarrying to preserve the
pilgrim centre. Although an order banning quarrying around Gomatagiri was
issued in January, quarrying and blasting continued causing cracks in the
monolith stone structure. Even the Deputy Director of Mines and Geology
issued an order on January 6 stating that no quarrying should be carried out
within a radius of two km. from Gomatagiri as was done in the case of
Shravanabelagola. An expert review committee comprising
officials from the Department of Mines and Geology submitted a report stating
that if the hillock was not strengthened, the statue would collapse. They
said the joints supporting the hillock were widening because of blasts. It
was suggested that the hillock be strengthened by providing
"abetment" from the western side. The report pointed out that
Gomatagiri was tectonically a disturbed region and comprised gneiss that was
over 2,200 million years old. Located near Bettur village on a diversion
road from Bilikere and about 12 km. from Yelwal, Gomatagiri is emerging as a
popular Jain pilgrim centre. The statue here is atop a 50-metre hillock and
is reckoned to be an early Vijayanagar creation in granite though its origin
is shrouded in mystery. The devout Jains believe the statue at Gomatagiri to
be a contemporary of the Shravanabelagola statue given the similarities between
them. Gomatagirikshetra comes alive during the
annual "mastakabhisheka" held here during September-October in
which thousands of Jains participate. The Jains have planned to establish an
institution to develop the place and set up a medical centre to cater to the
local community, a school and provide other facilities to the pilgrims and
tourists who visit the monument. The Gomatagirikshetra Seva Samithi has urged
the Government to hand over 100 acres of land around the hillock for the
purpose. -News Courtesy: The Hindu |
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2ND SOUTH INDIAN JAIN PRIESTS CONFERENCE AT BELGAUM |
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Belgaum (Karnataka): The 2nd South Indian Jain priests conference
will be held at Belgaum on 8th of August 2004. The conference will be held at
Sri Parshwanath Digambar Jain Temple (Chickkabasadi), Belgaum. The conference
is being organised by Sri Digambar Jain Archak Sangh (Mysore) and All India
Jain Purohit Parishath (Belgaum). Sri Bahubali Parshwanath Upadhyae Shastri
of Anagol will be president of the conference. The conference will be held
under the presence of Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kolhapur
Jain Muth, Bhattarakha, Sri Jinasena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Nandani Jain
Muth and Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of Moodabidri Jain Muth.
Seminars on the topics such as Poojavidhans, Jyotish, Vasthu, Yantra, Mantra
and others have been organised on the occasion. Many Jain scholars will
present their papers on the above topics on the occasion. It could be recal!
led here that the 1st South India Jain Priests Conference had taken place at
Shravanabelagola. - Jain Heritage Centres News
Service |
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REQUEST TO DECLARE ACHARYA SHANTHISAGARJI'S HOUSE AS A
NATIONAL MONUMENT |
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Gadag (Karnataka), July 15: Sri S.B.Patil, ex president of the Gadag district
Digambar Jain samaj and other Jains of the Karnataka Jain Samaj have
requested the state and union governments to declare the houses of Charitra
Chakravarthi Acharya Sri Shanthisagarji Maharaj (at the Bhoj Village of
Belgaum district in Karnataka) and Rashtra Santha Sri Vidyanandaji Maharaj
(at Shedabala in Belgaum District of Karnataka) as national monuments. They
have felt that during the forth coming Mahamasthakabhishekha of Bhagawan
Bahubali at Shravanabelagola in 2006 the tourists and pilgrims from all over
world would be visiting the Jain pilgrim places in Karnataka and if declared
as national monuments these would be instrumental in attracting them and
there by popularising the two places. They have requested to renovate these
two houses and exhibit the photos, works! and other important articles
related to the Acharya's lives. They have requested the National Jain
Organisations to work in this connection. - Jain
Heritage Centres News Service
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ATTAIN MOKSHA THROUGH RELIGION |
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Chandigarh, June 22: ‘‘RELIGION is necessary to achieve the supreme
discipline of life and purity of soul felicitating the eternal bliss of
Moksha,’’ asserted Yuvacharya Dr Shiv Muni, on the eve of the Chaturmas
Shobha Yatra today. The love and zest for the bounties, grace and benedictions of
worldly life has denied the human soul of its ‘self purification’. Hailing
the cardinal beliefs of Jainism, Yuvacharya, interacting with with the
Newsline, maintained that the centuries-old philosophy and theology of
non-violence propounded by the 24th spiritual head (Tirthankara), Lord
Vardhman Mahavira, had relevance even today. Besides, he said the Jain doctrines had a great influence on the
Indian society as they tried to mitigate the evils of caste system and
ritualistic practices. Regarding certain other concepts, customs, and beliefs
of Jainism, such as practicing self mortification to achieve self
realisation, the disciplines of plucking the head hair, self abnegation,
complete denial of the benedictions of nature and abjuring enjoyment, the Yuvacharya,
ruled that there were always a different criteria applicable to an ascetic
and the common follower. He lamented the misinterpretation of Jain doctrines. Jainism means,
love for all and malice towards none. Commenting on the comparatively much younger
Buddhism, he agreed that it was due to the patronage of King Ashoka that
Buddhism had spread far and wide. Earlier, Dr Nitin Jain, introducing the Shiv Muni, said holding the
legacy of a Jain family of Malout Mandi, Punjab, he was initiated into Jaina
monastic order with his three sisters in 1972. -News
Courtesy: Expressindia.com |
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'SHE ISN'T THEIR CHILD ANY MORE' |
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Mumbai, June 27: Prakash Jhaberi of the Shvetambara Murtipujak
Mahamandal which “organised” Priyal’s diksha ceremony is vehement: “Bal sadhviji
(Priyal) does not fall under any of the categories in the Juvenile Justice
Act that define ‘a child in need of protection’.’’ Through the stormy debate, Priyal’s parents remain conspicuously
absent. The affidavit is ostensibly in her father Santosh Bagericha’s name,
but Jhaberi says, "he need not be present in court". In Pune, religious head Harsh Sagarji, who anointed Priyal, says:
“They are upset by the whole controversy. But Priyal is now no longer their
daughter, she belongs to the sangh and the entire Jain society.” It is precisely such sentiments, the state-appointed Child Welfare
Committee (CWC) and non-governmental organisations argue, that constitute a
violation of child rights. As the court navigates through this perplexing debate, the wishes of
Priyal—ostensibly religiously inclined—are paramount. CWC Chairperson Dr Nilima Mehta, also from the same community, says,
“We will certainly take her desires into account.” She is convinced of the
need to palliate some of the harsh strictures of the ascetic life Priyal
currently follows. For many Jains, however, this would mean striking at the very heart
of a religion which places a premium on austerity and detachment. “This life holds immense peace and self-fulfilment. It is the only
true path,” says sagacious Vinamra Sagarji (16), a bal sadhu who embraced
asceticism when he was 11: “My mother wanted at least one of her three sons
to be a sadhu.” Priyal’s training involved studying lives of the great saints
through Jainism’s 2,000-year history. She now relates powerful, fantastic stories of past Jain saints who
embraced the harsh ascetic life even before they turned five. -News Courtesy: Expressindia.com |
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500-YEAR-OLD VILLAGE GETS 'HERITAGE' STATUS |
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Tera (Kutch), July 4: Difficult to be located not only on Gujarat’s
map but also on the map of Kutch district, the 500-year-old Tera village in
Abdasa taluka of Kutch has now been declared as a ‘‘heritage village’’ by the
Government of India. One of the worst-affected in the devastating earthquake,
Tera is the first village of Gujarat to be recognised as a heritage village. With 20 ancient temples, Jain derasars,
450-year-old havelis, forts and three lakes, the village attracts tourists
even after the 2001 quake. The village will be restored by a team of experts
picked by the Government from various conservation agencies. ‘‘We are glad
that the Government has recognised our village, it is an honour for the 3,000
residents of Tera,’’ says sarpanch Virubhai Chauhan, who has set-up a village
committee that will assist and support the team of restoration experts. Built by Bhayats, the ruling family of
Kutch, Tera has been declared a heritage solely for its priceless culture and
unique architecture. The Jain temples of Tera are one of the five pilgrimages
of Kutch called Nani Panchtirth. Besides, the temples of Goddess Modheswari
and goddess Ashapura are also famous. ‘‘According to an estimate over 60,000 Jain pilgrims visit Tera. The
development will not only facilitate economic rehabilitation of the area
through promotion of tourism, it will also lead to preservation of culture
and heritage,’’ says Debasish Naik, a heritage advisor for the Rs 5.5 crore
project. The team will be working on 22 projects
individually. This includes Darbargarh fort, one of the oldest structure in
Tera; the Shamalji Parshwanathji Jain temple (approximately 300 years old);
the Selor step well (450 years old); delicate carvings on the cenotaphs,
havelis, and entrance gates. A series of wall paintings describing the life
of Lord Rama in Kacchi will be restored in the Tera palace. A wild life
sanctuary, a village bazaar, a waste water disposal system and an art gallery
will be also be set up. Thrilled by the Centre’s announcement, the residents,
who are primarily farmers and artisans, opine: ‘‘We are ready to provide
support for we are eager to see the temples without cracks and fissures.’’ ‘‘Over the past few decades, Tera’s growth
has been hampered due to lack of significant activities. The village suffered
70 per cent damage during the earthquake,” says Vakubhai Khatri, who is
helping the experts to restore houses. Kutch district collector P Sharma says,
‘‘It is an opportunity to rebuild the village for upgradation of livelihood
and to uplift the socio-economic condition of the village for a sustainable
future.’’ -News Courtesy: Expressindia.com |
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900-YEAR-OLD JAIN IDOLS UNEARTHED |
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Vadodara, July 6: Jains in Khambhat taluka of Anand were overjoyed
when around 65 idols temple were unearthed at a construction site in the
town. Inscriptions on them suggested that they were over 900 years old. While, the first statue was unearthed on
Sunday, many more structures, including idols of Jain deity Ambica Devi, were
unearthed on Monday at the site where a mamlatdar office is being built.
Senior community members believed excavation might uncover a Jain temple
belonging to Tirthtankar Neminath Swami. Officials have taken the idols in custody
and are awaiting a team of archaeologists. "The structures include that
of temple 'Parikar' and 'Gaadi'. The year inscribed on the plaques range from
1001 to 1130 of the Hindu calendar. This puts the structures at over 900
years old. Also, the idol of Ambica Devi is usually found in temples of
Neminatha Swami. Hence, further digging can lead to more
such revelations," says Satish Choksi, member of Swetambar Murti Pujak
Sangh. "Khambhat is known for such finds. Three years ago, we had found
two such idols. A major site was unearthed 30 years ago when government officials
were digging a road for gutter line in the Manek Chowk area," he added. Coordinator of Jain Academy at the M S
University, professor L M Joshi says, "Parikar is a decorative motif
found near places of worship in Jain temples. Most of the images are of Jain
deities like Yaksh and Yakshini. The structure re-sembles 'Kalakshetra'
decorative temples, usually found in Khambhat and Kavi regions of the
state." Khambhat has 72 Jain temples and excavation
at the site can yield more idols. "Khambhat has 27 names, including
'Stambhpur'. The excavation has established a connection with these
historical name as most of the structures unearthed from the site are usually
used in pillars (stambhs) in Jain temples," says Dinesh Za-veri,
representative of Anandji-Kalyanji Trust, which looks after several Jain
temples in the country. "Many Jain traders had settled when
Khambhat was a major trading hub. Most of the temples were developed in that
period. Hence, even rarest of idols like those of sapphire and nilam are
found here." Senior community members have urged the government to hand
over the place to the community." It is a great matter of faith for us. It is better if the structure remains in
Jain temples. We have requested several ministers, too," adds Zaveri.
"There is a huge rush of Jains at the site. But, we have taken the
images in our custody till the archaeology experts reach the place,"
says S I Patel, deputy engineer. Anand collector R B Dave confirmed that
many Jains have demanded the idols be given over to the community. "We
have to go through a norm of issuing notification regarding the images and
then decide on the custodian," said Dave. -News
Courtesy: Times News Network |
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BHAJANS BRING OUT FERVOUR AT YATRA |
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Chandigarh, June 23: RELIGIOUS fervour marked the grand Shobha Yatra
of the spiritual head of the Shraman Sanghiya Chaturth Patdhar, Jain Dharma
Divakar, Acharya Shiv Muni on the occasion of Chaturmas-2004. A large number
of devotees took the acharya in a procession from the Sector 21 residence of
Dr M S Jain for mangal Parvesh to Jain Sathanak, Sector 18. The students of Jainendra Gurukul School,
21 women shramikas, attired as the celestial Indranis holding kalash atop
their heads and hundreds of disciples, all barefeet, chanted bhajans en
route. The acharya, after having travelled over 25,000 kilometres barefeet
for discourses all over India, now during his four months of stay here, will
administer religious discourses and self Meditation. A proponent of the fundamental principle,
live and let live, the acharya held that satsang brings people close to the
truth of love in all its manifestations. Holding a doctorate and D.Litt, the lucid
exponent of Jain philosophy, the acharya claims that crores of inhabitants in
the world practice the Jain doctrines propounded by Lord Arihanta, the first
Tirnthakara of Jainism, even when they are not formally baptised to the sect.
Shirish Muni also spoke on the occasion.
Earlier, Dr M S Jain paid rich tributes to the acharya. The newly built Jain
Bhavan was inaugurated by Arihant Vishav Jain of Ludhiana at the Sathanak
while Abhey Kumar Jain performed the Dhwaja arohan ceremony. -News Courtesy: Expressindia.com |
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SANSKRIT SCHOLAR FELICITATED |
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Ahmedabad, July 15: Sanskrit Sahitya Akademy on Thursday felicitated
noted scriptologist Lakshmanbhai Bhojak at L D Institute of Indology for his
life time contribution in decoding ancient and medieval Prakrit and Devnagari
manuscripts. Bhojak has deciphered nearly five lakh manuscripts over a period
of six decades. Philanthropist Shrenik Kasturbhai presented
Bhojak with a cheque of Rs 11,000, a shawl and a set of books. Bhojak, born
on October 31, 1917 in Patan, had to discontinue his studies after sixth
standard due to his father’s death. After that, he started studying Sanskrit
at different Jain pathshalas, worked as a librarian in Patan and Dabhoi and
as a cataloguer at L D Institute of Indology. He has also worked under many
Jain seers for completing library catalogues of old manuscripts.-News Courtesy: Expressindia.com |
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TWO JAIN TEMPLES IN WAYANAD TO BE PROTECTED |
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Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Jul 13: The Tourism
Department in Kerala has identified two Jain temples in Wayanad district for
protection with the help of the Archaeology Department, State Tourism
Minister P Sankaran, informed the Assembly today. The temples selected were
Janardhana temple at Puthanangadi and Krishnagudi temple, he said. The
Archaeology Department had been taking steps to preserve these temples without
causing damage to their original design, he added. -News Courtesy: Sunnetwork.org |
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SOUTH ASIAN RELIGIOUS LEADERS
ESTABLISH MULTI-FAITH COUNCIL TO ADDRESS HIV/AIDS |
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Bangkok, Thailand, July 15: Faith-based leaders from across South
Asia launched a bold initiative to provide leadership and mobilise
communities and resources in responding to the growing HIV/AIDS crisis,
especially among young people. The South Asia Inter-Religious Council on
HIV/AIDS established during the XV International AIDS Conference in Bangkok
this week, will include senior representatives of Hindu, Moslem, Buddhist,
Christian, Sikh, Jain and Baha'i faiths. “This partnership breaks new and fertile
ground,” said Dr. Sadig Rasheed, UNICEF's Regional Director for South Asia. “Millions
of people across the region are unsure how best to react to HIV/AIDS. And
their spiritual leaders are uniquely placed to provide comfort and guidance
to those affected by the disease. Their examples can help end the stigma and
discrimination that perpetuate HIV/AIDS.” The initiative is a direct outcome of the
“South Asia Interfaith Consultation on Children, Young People and HIV/AIDS”
organised by UNICEF in Kathmandu in December 2003. At the meeting,
participants pledged to strengthen their cooperation in addressing the impact
of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The new alliance recognises the tremendous
capacities of faith-based organizations in delivering direct support to
communities. “Religious communities have tremendous
influence that can be brought to bear in addressing the complex and
far-reaching social challenges of HIV/AIDS,” said Jim Cairns, director of
advocacy and action for children at the World Conference on Religions for
Peace. “This alliance among faith-based groups in South Asia provides a vital
entry point for reaching tens of millions of people with much needed
spiritual, moral and social support.” Young people are at the centre of South
Asia's fast growing HIV/AIDS problem. More than half of all new HIV
infections each day are among young people, many of whom lack the most basic
knowledge and support to protect themselves from HIV infection. Akharul Wasey, interim convenor of the
Council and a leading scholar of Islamic studies, said the group's work would
respect religious differences. “The Council is intended to provide a
platform where common concerns can provide a starting point for developing a
shared agenda,” Wasey said. “And we are grateful for the support being
provided by UNICEF and the World Conference on Religions for Peace in helping
establish and maintain this new alliance.” |
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IDOLS ARE JAIN SCULPTURES EXPERT |
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Chandigarh, July 8: Serendipity has paid off. The authenticity of
the Jain sculptures discovered in June by construction workers while digging
at Prachin Shiv Mandir, Burail, has been established. The sculptures belong
to the 13th and 14th centuries and will be showcased in the City Museum. DC Bhattacharyya, honorary consultant
museum and art gallery and former chairman department of fine arts at PU, has
classified 16 such medieval structures as rare in a report prepared after
analysing them for over a week. Talking to The Times of India, he said,
"Usually Jain sculptures are representations of Lord Mahavira and
Parshvanath. But this set of idols bear images of the early Tirthankaras,
which is quite rare." A new section called 'Cultural Heritage of
Chandigarh' is being created at the museum to display the 16 sculptures that
are representations of Ajitnath, the 2nd Tirthankara, Suvidhinath, the 9th,
Dharmanath, the 15th, Kunthunath, the 17th, and Aranath, the 18th
Tirthankara. The sandstone sculptures with broken heads,
hands and torsos covered with lime deposits are currently being restored at
the museum by technicians. Bhattacharyya said the condition of the sculptures
strongly indicated that they were kept in Jain temples that might have been
desecrated by invaders. He said, "Broken idols aren't worshipped. They
were perhaps buried in the earth to prevent them from further sacrilege. Even
in their present state, the idols are very valuable." Bhattacharyya has recommended that the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) should carry out digging in the area for
more such 'finds.' He has advised the UT administration to prohibit any
digging activity in the vicinity of the Shiv temple as it could damage
sculptures that might still be buried in the ground. Museum director VN Singh said it was for
the first time in the history of the city that so many medieval Indian
sculptures had been excavated. The idols will find place on the museum
shelves in August. -News Courtesy: Time News
Network |
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RAJAT JAIN APPOINTED WALT DISNEY INDIA HEAD |
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Walt Disney Co. has announced the appointment of Rajat Jain as Vice
President and Managing Director of Walt Disney Company India Pvt Ltd and Walt
Disney Television International India. Jain would report to Dough Miller,
Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Walt Disney Television
International Asia Pacific, a statement from Walt Disney said. Jain was Vice
President and Business Head at SET MAX, part of the Sony Entertainment
Television (SET), for the past two years and eight months.Prior to this,
Rajat was Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and New Media at
SET. Before joining SET, he was Senior Vice President, Business Operations at
ASC Enterprises, the DTH venture of Zee Telefilms. Earlier this month, Walt
Disney announced plans to launch three television channels in India in the
next 12 months with a local company, but refused to divulge the name of the
partner.! -News Courtesy: indiainfoline.com |
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JAIN TEMPLE LOOTED |
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Villupuram (Tamil Nadu), July 9: Burglars gained entry into a Jain
temple in Agaloor Village near Gingee and decamped with gold jewellery worth
22 sovereigns besides the hundi collection
of Rs 3,0000. According to police, burglars entered the temple by breaking
open the doors late last night, took away gold and cash. Following a
complaint from the temple trustee Bheemanatha Nainar, Gingee police have
registered a case and are investigating. -News Courtesy:
newstodaynet.com |
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BIRTH DAY CELEBRATIONS OF ACHARYA SRI DEVANANDIJI
MAHARAJ |
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Jatwada (Aurangabad, Maharashtra), July 15: The 41st birthday of
‘Pragyashraman Acharya Shri 108 Devnandiji Maharaj’ will be celebrated on the
15th of August, 2004. The ‘Chaturmas’ of Acharyashri is started at
‘Jaingiri’, formerly known as Jatwada. It is 10 km. far from Aurangabad
(Maharashtra). At Jaingiri, the pilgrims can have a darshan of Shri 1008
Sankathar Parshwanath Bhagwan. - News Courtesy:
mahavir2355@yahoo.co.in |
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ADMISSIONS OPEN AT SHREE PARSHWANATHA VIDYALAYA VARKANA
HOSTEL |
|
Mumbai
(Maharashtra), July 1: Admissions are open to the Jain students at Shree
Parshwanath Jain Vidyalay Varkana Hostel, Mumbai. Interested persons can
contact Shri Chandmalji Hingad, Smt. Kusumben Chunnilal Shri Shrimal Boys
Hostel , Virar, Plot No.359, Kusum Vihar, 100 feet Chauda Rasta, Opposite
Banjara Hotel, Virar (w), Bombay , Maharashtra 401 303, Ph: 022 28768211/ 022
28737705,available time: 10.00 am to 7.30pm. The hostel is well equipped with
latest equipments , library and other facilities. The fees for each terms of six
months is rupees 2100. - News Courtesy: Panks Jain |
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|
SRI BALASAHEB LOKAPURE GETS DOCTORAL AWARD |
|
Bagalkot (Karnataka), July 15: Sri Balasaheb Lokapure of Bagalkot
has been awarded the doctoral award (PhD) by the Kannada University Hampi for
his research work on the topic 'Jaina Expression in Modern Kannada Stories'.
Sri Lokapure has said that a detailed analysis of the Jaina expression in
Kannada stories from the time of Adikavi Pampa (the first Kannada poet) to
till date has been made in his work. He submitted his thesis under the
guidance of Dr. Rahamat Tarikere. Dr. Lokapure happens to be a popular
novelist in Kannada and his novel Bisilupura
had bagged the Karnataka Sahitya Academy award, his other novel Hutta had bagged the Chaduranga award.
- Jain Heritage Centres News Service
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Sponsor any of the JAIN
HERITAGE CENTRES page in at an affordable cost which you haven't heard of before
on the internet For Further Details contact Email: info@jainheritagecentres.com Sponsoring Rates: Rs. 200/- Per Page for 1 year. Rs. 500/- Per Page for 3 years. Rs. 800/- Per Page for 5 years. The amount you donate will be utilised for the
developmental works on Jainism such as books publications, organization of
seminars and other activities. |
|
BOOK REVIEW |
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'JAINA SHOBANEGALU' : A UNIQUE FOLK WORK |
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Title: Jaina Shobanagalu Editor: Prof. T. Keshava Bhatt Year Published: 2004 Pages: 168 Price: Rs. 75 Published by: Ratnatraya
Prakashana, 713, E&F Block, Chitrabanu Road, Kuvempu-nagar, Mysore - 570
023 The folk literature has found a unique
place in Jaina composition. It has encompassed the observations of the various
celebrations on sacred occasions. These include worshiping God, ritualistic
activities and also marriage, etc. These are usually sung by women folk which
is regarded as literature with singing possibilities. These were composed by
folk poets & poetesses alike since the bygone years. These were scribed
on palm leaves and books. The tradition of singing of these composition has
declined in the recent years. These are named as Shobane songs in
Kannada. Further this has not drawn sufficient attention by the society. It
has been ignored by the folklorists and the scholars alike. This is in
contrast to the encouragement given to the Gamaka (a form of narrating epics)
art also. No attempts have been made to sing the Shobane songs in the c!
lassic form. These songs are endowed with the qualities of literature and are
easy to express. 'Jaina
Shobanegalu', edited by Prof. T. Keshava Bhatt has included the
compositions on Yakshas and rudras. The present work is a
compilation of 58 traditional songs. The style of narration and the implicit
language denote that these compositions were the contributions of
litterateurs of high order. The story of Bharatha, the emperor is very well
portrayed here. Subhadra as his wife is well discussed. The songs in this
work also contain the vivid description of Nagakumara, where this information
is not available elsewhere. It is interesting to note the mentioning of Lord
Krishna in this work. The folk literature on Lord Gommateshwara is also found
with eloquence and beauty. A song called 'Sobagina Sone' is composed in
unique Kannada style and prosody. The researchers like Dr. S.P.Padmaprasad is
of the opinion that atleast a few songs in this wor! k are written by a poet
hailing from Madhugiri. Furthermore the monk Chandrasagarji is said to have
written a few stanzas. This work has been compiled from the resources of palm
leaves found in Parshwanatha temple Mysore. The book also deals with social
practices among Jains such as marriage related customs and rituals. It is a good research work with various
possibilities of other stalwarts in the field have followed it in their
works. It is a unique contribution to folklore as rarely found in Jaina
literature. -Dr. H.A.Parshwanath We hereby request our esteemed readers to make use of
this exclusive section of book review. The publications on Jainism would be
reviewed in this section by our team. For further details please contact
email: info@jainheritagecentres.com
or nitin_hp@sancharnet.in
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Please recirculate JAINA VOICE among
as many Jains and other readers as possible. Please introduce new subscribers to JAINA
VOICE by sending their emails to info@jainheritagecentres.com |
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POOJA MAHOTSAV |
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The main intention of this column is to provide a
platform to the news of even the small villages spread all over India. We
here by request our readers to kindly send the news of the pooja mahotsav's
in the Jain temples taking place at the nooks and corners of the world. |
|
Bantwala (Mangalore District, Karnataka): The 35th annual pooja
mahotsav of the Bhagawan Sri Aninatha Jain Basadi was held on 1st June under
the presence of Sri Ratnamma Hegde of Dharmastala. Smt Vijaya Kumari Indira
gave a religious discourse on the occasion. |
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Huncha (Shimoga District, Karnataka): The special pooja to Goddess
Padmavathi Devi during the month of Shravana has been organised on August
20th & 27th and September 3rd & 10th under the guidance of Sri
Devendrakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Huncha Jain Muth. |
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Markuli (Hassan District, Karnataka): The special pooja to Tirthankara Adinatha of the
Panchakuta Basadi during the month of Shravana has been organised on August
20th & 27th and September 3rd & 10th under the guidance of Sri
Charukeetrhi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Shravanabelagola Jain
Muth. |
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Mysore (Karnataka): The 107th annual pooja mahotsav of the Bhagawan
Sri Shanthinatha Basadi was held on June under the guidance of Sri
Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kanakagiri Jain Muth. The member of
the parliament Sri C.H.Vijayashankar and the member of the legislative
assembly Sri Somashekar were be the chief guests. Dr.K.Anantharamu gave a
religious discourse to the gathering. - Jain
Heritage Centres News Service |
