Editorial

PANCHAKALYANA

     Panchakalyana ceremony is observed at the time of installation of idols in new temples. It is an important ritual qualifying the worship of images in Jain temple. Panchakalyana are referred to the Tirthankaras who are also called Jinas or Kevalis. Usually it lasts for 3 to 5 days. The angels will take an active part in the celebration. It depicts 5 great events in the life of Tirthankaras. These include:

1.Conception (Garbhakalyana)

2. Birth (Janmakalyana)

3. Renunciation (Parinishkramanakalyana or Diksha Kalyana)

4. Enlightenment (Kevalagnana Kalyana)

5. Attainment of Salvation (Nirvana Kalyana)

     To begin with pooja is offered to Panchaparameshtis - Arhat, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya and Sadhu. Panchakalyanas are observed before attaining the status of Tirthankara. On the first day Jina idol is taken out in procession. On the second day devotees play the role of parents and image will be worshipped by Indras. This is followed by Indra and Indrani taking the idol with them on a decorated elephant (Iravata). Then it is coroneted on a royal chair. Finally there is a relinquishing of all the decorated clothes and renouncing the worldly pleasures. This signifies that Tirthankara has entered the path of knowledge and this is the state of enlightenment. That is final liberation or nirvana.

     Panchakalyana celebration is vividly described by poets and scholars alike, usually Tirthankaras were born in Kshatriya family and finally relinquishing all the worldly pleasures. The mother of Tirthankara is blessed with sixteen auspicious dreams. These dreams are seen occurring in the early part of morning, they include the appearance of elephant, ox, Lakshmi, garland, moon, sun two towerheads (Kalashas), two fishes, pond with lotus, sea, throne, pushpakaviman, naga bhavan (weal's), treasure of gems and fire without smoke. During Garbhavatarana the land will be fertile. Mother of Tirthankara enjoys supreme satisfaction on hearing that a great son will be born who attains the Tirthankara status latter on. Devendra worships and hails the parents of Tirthankara.

     The messengers of heaven look after the mother with veneration. The elephant carrying the child possess 32 facets carrying flowers. Janmabhishekha describes the glorious celebration of the birth of    Tirthankara and in praise of his parents. During Diksha Kalyana which starts at the 8th year of age includes the observation of shravaka rituals. The path of meditation signifies the core of Jainism. Kevalagnana Kalyana includes observing fasting. Tirthankara is released from all the bondages of life cycles such as a Jnanavarniya, Darshanavarniya and Mohaniya. Tirthankara preaches the principles in the samavasarana designed by Kubera. In Samavasarana the preachings are observed with great reverence.      

     The idol undergoing panchakalyana attains divinity and thus paving the way for salvation. Panchakalyana are observed with the deep sense of devotion and consecration.      

-Dr. H.A.Parshwanath

21ST CENTURY'S 1ST MAHAMASTHAKABHISHEKHA OF BHAGAWAN SRI BAHUBALI IN 2006

       Late Prime minister Smt Indira Gandhi participated in the celebration held in 1981. Furthermore Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma the President and P.V.Narasimha Rao also participated in the event in 1993. It is enterprising to remember that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru the first prime minister of India had expressed admiration for the serene beauty of lord Gommateshwara. He was dumb founder and looked at this magnificent statue.  

     The committee has envisaged many measures to be taken as part of preparation for the celebration of mahamasthakabhishekha these include providing of basic facilities for the pilgrims and incumbents at the place. The Swamiji has strongly urged for the completion of Hassan-Bangalore Railway project initiated by former Prime Minister Sri H.D.Devegowda. Attempts have been made to Beautify the place and thus providing an aesthetic background to the town.

     The message of ahimsa for the welfare of mankind is spread through out the country on the occasion. The state and central governments and the member of the parliament from Hassan Sri H.D.Devegowda and Sri C.S.Puttegowda, member of the legislative assembly from Shravanabelagola have assured full fledged support for this mega event to make it a grand success. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service 

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VICE PRESIDENT INAUGURATES SHRUTASKANDA CHARIOT

Girnar (Gujarat), May 24: 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. Paramapujya Tirtha Raksha Shiromani Girnargaurav Acharya 108 Sri Nirmalsagar Maharaj has induced and blessed the occasion. Under the able direction of Paramapujya Upadhyaya Sri 108 Nayanasagar Maharaj and Paramapujya 108 Sri Samarpanasagar Maharaj and under the programme launching by Bala Brahmacharini Shantha Behen, the Shrutaskahda Chariot will travel from Kanyakumari to Himalaya. Sri Bairon Sinha Shekawath the vice president gave an impetus to this event.

This venture is intended to evoke religious sentiment amongst the people of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Orissa, Kashmir, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujarat. The main objective of Sruthaskanda Ratha is to design the proposed Sri Nandishwara Dweepa Mandir in Girinar. The foundation stone of it was laid on 24th May. Shatkandagama was inscribed on the copper plates, wherein a similar attempt was made about 2000 years ago. The other acharya's who participated on this occasion include Acharya 108 Sri Darshansagar Maharaj, Acharya 108 Sri Nirbhayasagar Maharaj, Upadhyaya 108 Sri Nayanasagar Maharaj, Muni 108 Sri Girinarasagar Maharaj and also kshullaka Sri Samarpana Sagar Maharaj. There was also a conglomeration of aryikas namely Aryika 105 Sri Vishuddamathi Mataji, Aryika 105 Sri Achalamathi Mataji and Aryika 105 Sri Viragamathi Mataji.   In addition to the saints and the religious heads the industrialists from different parts of the country were the chief patrons. The intellectual class of people actively participated in this event. Swasti Sri Dhavalakeerthi Swamiji, Tirumalai; Swasti Sri Lakshmisena Swamiji Chitambore; Swasti Sri Lakshmisena Swamiji, Kolhapur; also participated in the programme. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

KALAM ROOTS FOR RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE

New Delhi, June 15 : A pledge taken to promote the acceptance and respect for all religions, economic and social well-being and practice of ahimsa (non-violence) nine months back was established today by registering a society named Foundation for Unity of Religions and Enlightenment of Citizenship.
     This was done in the presence of President APJ Abdul Kalam at Rashtrapati Bhavan by the signatories of Surat Spiritual Declaration on the occasion of the celebration of the 85th birth day of Acharya Sri Mahapragyaji. On 15 October last year, on the President’s birthday, various religious sects supported by the Jain Vishwa Bharti Institute made the SSD and today it was registered. The society will combine objectives of the SSD and President’s Vision 2020 to carry out the task. 
Dr Kalam said he was delighted to participate in the project and spoke about his spiritual pilgrimage to various parts of the country. He suggested a novel way to involve citizens in nation-building, saying all devotees who visit religious places be asked to take a vow to do something for society.
Among the vows suggested by him were that each devotee pledge to educate five children, dig one pond in his neighbourhood or a nearby village, remove enmity within his family and withdraw court cases, plant five fruit-bearing trees, not succumb to temptation of addictive substances and treat male and female children equally.
Translations of the SSD in two South Indian languages were presented to Dr Kalam. - News Courtesy: The Statesman

TULSA JAIN SANGH PRATISTHA MAHOTSAV: A LONG - AWAITED DREAM COME TRUE

Tulsa (Oklahoma, USA), May 30: May 30th, 2004 is a historical day for the Tulsa Jain Sangh. That was the day a long-awaited dream - by a small Jain community in Tulsa - of having a Jain Temple came true, with inspiration of Pujyashri Chitrabhanuji.

     Seven years of hard work and the last five months of planning and preparation made possible to have Pratishtha Mahotsav and Murti Sthapana of Mulnayak Shree Mahavir Swami, Shree Parswanath Swami, Shree Rushbhdev Swami and Gokhla for Navkar Shila, Padmavati Devi and Ghantakaran Mahavir.

     More than 500 persons witnessed the glorious Pratishtha Mahotsav under guidance of Shree Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, Swami Devendrakirti Bhattraka of Huncha Jain muth and Shreemati Pramodaben.

     Participants came from Dallas, Houston, Lubbock, Austin, St. Louis, Wichita, Missouri, West Munroe, Detroit, Chicago, California, Phoenix, and many other small towns. They were hosted by the community of just 32 Jain families of Tulsa and surrounding suburbs. Inspiring discourses by Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji, Bhattrakaji and Pramodaben added to the blissful joy of the weekend. Vidhicar Nareshbhai Shah from New York and Narendrabhai Nandu and his group from India performed so well that everybody enjoyed the Devotional Ceremony which opened up the hearts of participants in Gheebolies donations.

     Gurudev Chitrabhanu asked one and all the Jains to unite and spread the message of our Lord Mahavir. He spoke of our religion as “Dharma”- as our true inner nature: the one that seeks peace and liberation. The correct phrase to use is: “Jain Dharma“. He cautioned against using the word “Jainism” implies being against something separatism, sectarianism, etc. JAIN DHARMA guides us to get in touch with our true nature: Atma Dharma, to free from “Kashyas“- to attain liberation.

     The evening cultural program was also a great success. Local talent and school children from Dallas and Houston performed well within our main play of King Kumarpal. Narendrabhai and his son Kayval explained the importance of the play.

     The small Jain community of Tulsa Sangh is a shining example of what a dedicated group of people can achieve when they work together. They waited for seven years but persevered and have built a beautiful Jain Temple. They have 940 square feet of Derasar, 2500 sq. ft of Main Hall, 270 sq. ft Upashray, 160 sq. ft of Library and Classroom. They also have kitchen and shower facilities, and a 1.8 acre lot (for 72 parking spaces), with vast open areas where young people can conduct their various activities.

     Visitors were offered free accommodations in motels and they enjoyed the traditional Jain hospitality. President Kantibhai Shah of Tulsa Jain Sangh thanked every one for coming and offered his help to the members of other small Sanghs who wish to build their own Temple. - News Courtesy: Jaina Spectrum

TRANSPARENCY IN LIFE IS DHARMA, SAYS SEER

Bangalore (Karnataka), June 15:  An all-religion conference here today emphasised the role of "dharma" in eschewing hatred and violence and maintaining peace and harmony in society. The conference was organised by the Karnataka Jeevan Vigyan Academy on the occasion of Acharya Mahapragyaji's 85th birthday. Shivarudra Swamiji of Beli Math said that it would be pertinent to call the conference a dharma sammelan instead of sarvadharma sammelan as dharma is a unified entity. Though the interpretation of dharma varied from culture to culture, its essence remained unchanged. In the purest sense, transparency in life was dharma. However, the mundane notion of sarvadharma was essential for harmony and world peace, he added. Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Puttige Math said that it was unfortunate that the very concept of dharma had been subjected to morbid interpretations. There was a need to identify its innate and unified characteristics. "Metaphorically, dharma is the throne of the God," he added. The Archbishop of Bangalore, Ignatius Pinto, said dharma was a vehicle and a kind of enactment in achieving human excellence underlined by compassion and peace. It was the root of life, he said. A number of religious heads participated in the conference. -News & Photo Courtesy: The Hindu

M.P.VEERENDRA KUMAR ENTERS INDIAN PARLIAMENT FROM KOZIKODE

Kozikode (Kerala), May 13: M.P. Veerendrakumar, chairman and managing director of the Mathrubhumi newspaper group and chairman of the board of directors of the Press Trust India (PTI) has been elected to the 14th Loksabha of the Indian Parliament from Kozikode in Kerala as a candidate of Janata Dal (secular). Mr. Veerendrakumar has served as the Union Minister of State of Finance and Labour and is the deputy president of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) as well. He has proven his command in almost all areas of life such as an orator, thinker, author, parliamentarian. He has been steering the social, political, economic, cultural and literary scenario of Kerala for a long time.

     Born to M.K. Padmaprabha Gowder and Marudevi Amma, Veerendra Kumar inherited the tradition of Socialist Party from his father, who was a famous planter and veteran leader of Socialist Party. He overjumped the rudimentary political spectrum of Socialist Party and rose to the height as a leader of Socialist Front. His contacts with Ram Manohar Lohia and leftist leaders enabled him to develop his intellectual and philosophical acumen.

     He endearingly called Veeran is proficient in English, Malayalam and Kannada languages. He has  authored several works. He is considered as a good writer in Malayalam literature. Interested in reading and book collection, Veerendra Kumar owns a large collection of books ranging from philosophy to literature, religion, economics and politics. His deep knowledge in these subjects is evident through his different articles and works.

     He is married to Usha and has four children-Asha, Nisha, Jayalakshmi and Shreyams Kumar. Born at Kalpatta in Wayanad district, Veerendra Kumar had his basic education at Karnataka and later joined Subba Krishna Memorial Jain High School, Kalpatta. After schooling, he had his intermediate studies at Kozhikode Samoothiri College (now, Guruvayoorappan  College). He took his M.A. in philosophy from Madras Vivekananda College. He acquired MBA from US. Several awards were given to Veerendra Kumar for his yeoman contributions in the field of instructive literature. He is also the recipient of many coveted awards which include C Achutha Menon Award, Odakkuzhal Award, First Bharat Soorya Award, Kerala Sahitya Academy Award,   Koduppunna Award and  Dubai Kairali Kalakendram Award for Religious Integration.

     He is the author of 11 books in Malayalam which include Samanavayathinte Vasantham (1992), Buddhante Chiri (1992), Gattum Kaanaacharadum (1994), Raamante Dukham (1995), Aatmaavilekku Oru Therthayatra (1996). - Jain Heritage Centres News Service & Mahavir Sanglikar   

JAINS CREATE HISTORY AT THE ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS IN KARNATAKA

Bangalore (Karnataka), May 14: It is for the first time in the history of Karnataka as many as half a dozen candidates have been elected to the Legislative Assembly in the recently concluded assembly elections. They include Sri Abhaychandra Jain, Sri Abhay Kumar Patil, D.Sudhakar, Nirmal Kumar Surana, Anil Lad and Santhosh Lad.

Sri Abhayachandra Jain: Sri Abhayachandra Jain has been elected from the Moodabidri assembly constituency from the Mangalore district as a candidate of the Congress Party for the second consecutive time. He secured a total of 29,926 votes. He defeated his nearest rival by a margin of 2949 votes.

Sri Abhaya Kumar Patil: Sri Abhaya Kumar Patil has been elected from the Bagewadi assembly segment from the Belgaum district as a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party for the first time. He polled a total of 32,854 votes. He defeated his nearest rival by a margin of 3692 votes.

Sri D. Sudhakar: Sri D. Sudhakar has been elected from the Challakere assembly constituency from the Chitradurga district as a candidate of the Congress Party for the first time. He secured a total of 47,456 votes. He defeated his nearest rival by a huge margin of 27,303 votes.

Sri Nirmal Kumar Surana: Sri Nirmal Kumar Surana has been elected from the Bharathinagar assembly segment of the Bangalore north Lok Sabha constituency as a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party for the first time. He polled a total of 27,860 votes. He defeated his nearest rival by a margin of 4568 votes.

Sri Anil Lad: Sri Anil Lad has been elected from the Kudligi assembly constituency from the Bellary district as a candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party for the first time. He secured a total of 58,977 votes. He defeated his nearest rival by a margin of 17,181 votes.

Sri Santhosh Lad: Sri Santhosh Lad has been elected from the Sandur assembly segment of the Bellary district as a candidate of the Janata Dal (Secular) for the first time. He polled a total of 65,600 votes. He defeated his nearest rival by a huge margin of 35,546 votes. 

Defeated Candidates: Ex M.L.A. Sri Ilkal Vijaykumar of the Janata Dal (Secular) who had contested from the Hosadurga assembly constituency of the Chitradurga district, Sri Kiran Kumar of the Congress party and Ex M.L.A. Sri Mohan Shah of the Janata Dal (Secular)  both of whom had contested from the Kagawada assembly segment of the Belgaum district could not make their way to the Karnataka assembly. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

PUSHP JAIN ENTERS INDIAN PARLIAMENT FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE TIME

Pali (Rajasthan), May 14: Mr. Pushp Jain, the sitting member of the parliament from the Bharatiya Janata Party from Pali district of Rajasthan has been re-elected to the Indian parliament for the second consecutive time in the recently concluded loksabha elections. Mr. Pushp Jain by profession an advocate was first elected to the Indian parliament in the year 1999. Son of Sri Johrilalji Jain, Mr. Jain was born on 4th April 1956, at village Jaytaran, Distt. Pali, Rajasthan, received his law degree from Jaipur Law College. Actively involved with several social organisations from childhood days is the zonal chairman of Mahavir International. Contact Address: 1, North Avenue, New Delhi-110 001, Tel. (011) 23792687. - News Courtesy: jainsamaj.org

JAINA SPONSORS AHIMSA CENTRES: "CREATING A CULTURE OF AHIMSA : VISIONS AND STRATEGIES"

Cal Poly Pomona, May 15: The Ahimsa center held its inaugural conference on “Creating a Culture of Ahimsa: Visions and Strategies” at Cal Poly Pomona from May 14-15, 2004. Prof. Padmanabh Jaini noted that this is the first time that Jain community has come together to support an academic institution. The inaugural conference was named after Madhu & Jagdish Sheth of Atlanta who are the “Ahimsa Sponsors” of the center. The center was established by the efforts of Dr. Tara Sethia, Professor of History and the Director of the new Center housed in the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences at the university. This is the first such center where Ahimsa (nonviolence) will be looked at a deeper than merely in the context of “war & peace.”

     The Ahimsa Center’s inaugural conference was highly successful with attendance of over 200 people. It brought together prominent practitioners and scholars of nonviolence from all over the world. The conference was filled with an air of nonviolence energy flowing from the world class speakers and practitioners of Ahimsa. The inaugural conference was opened with a welcoming message by the Cal Poly Pomona President, Dr. Michael Ortiz , who noted that “silent majority of the American population want a nonviolent and peaceful resolution of the conflicts” and this center will promote this wish of the silent majority. The key speakers included A. T. Ariyrante of Sri Lanka,. Padmanabh Jaini, Mary Elizabeth King, Chris Chapple, Dolores Huerta, Samani Sanmati Pragya and Unnat Pragya, Sulak Sivaraksa, Prof. Glenn Paige, D. R. Mehta, Krisna Ahuja Patel, Jagdish Sheth, Jack Duvall, to name a few. These are all heavily involved in promoting nonviolence in public life. The Provost Tomas Morales and Dean Barbara Way thanked all the sponsors for their support and presented Letter of Recognition. For more information on the Ahimsa Center, please visit, www.csupomona.edu/ahimsacenter.    

     JAINA through its recently formed committee, Academic Liaison Committee, became a “Charter Sponsor” of the Ahimsa Center (Nonviolence in Thought and Action) by pledging $25,000 to the Cal Poly Pomona for the Ahimsa Center. This was made feasible by the initial support of Asha & Mahendra Pandya, Datta & Girish Shah, and Sarla & Dilip Shah. Members of the Jain community have pledged over $200,000 to support the Ahimsa Center. In congratulating Prof Sethia, Anop Vora, President of JAINA said "JAINA is very pleased to support this noble initiative of Prof.Tara Sethia to promote the concept of non-violence- the fundamental tenet of JAINISM. The long term impact of Ahimsa Center could be enormous."

     Key addresses in the inaugural conference were named after Center’s “Charter Sponsors” including Madhu & Navindra Jain, Sandhya & Prem Jain, Rekha & Bipin Shah, Neeraj & Parveen Jain. The “Founding Sponsors” of the Center include Savita & Manilal Mehta, Gita & Tulsi Savani, Nitin & Hiten Shah. Center’s “Major Sponsors” include Sunila & Harish Daga, Asha & Sunil Daga, Vimala & Suresh Lodha, and “Sponsors” include Madhu & Ratan Baid, and Roshni & Pramod Patel.

     The Academic Liaison committee is actively working to compile a list of Jain studies programs offered at institutions in North America. It urges the readers to inform alc@jaina.org if they are aware of any such programs at institutions in their geographical areas. After creating such a list, the committee will evaluate and support appropriate programs. The committee also urges the community to support this “gyan dan” activity by contributing funds. - News Courtesy: Jaina Spectrum

THOUSANDS WITNESS RARE EVENT AT GUJARAT TEMPLE

Gandhinagar (Gujarat), May 23: For the past 17 years, thousands of devotees have been converging to a Jain temple in this Gujarat capital to witness the rays of the sun create a 'tilak' on the forehead of an idol of Lord Mahavir. The phenomenon occurs every year May 22 at 2.07 p.m. and is seen by people as a divine event.  "The devotees have been witnessing this phenomenon for the past 17 years," said Muniraj Ajaysagar, a priest at Mahavir Swamy Jain Aradhana Kendra temple. Giving a rational explanation of the event, he said: "The temple architect designed the structure in such a way that when the sun is at 110 degrees, its rays dart through a small hole in the wall and form a tilak on Lord Mahavir's forehead." The temple was built to commemorate the death anniversary of Jain guru Kailash Garsurishwer Maharaj.

     Hemant Shah, the man behind the design of the temple, said: "I wanted to commemorate our religious leader's death in a special way. Maharaj's death also took place at 2.07 p.m. on May 22, the exact time of the sun applying tilak on Lord Mahavir's forehead. "We consulted an astrologer to realise this phenomenon. The first year was a waste, since the sun's rays missed the forehead of Lord Mahavir but the next year, we worked with precision and now the result is here for the world to see." Kirit Kobavala, a temple trustee, said: "Thousands of devotees have been witnessing this event and on many occasions, when the sky is covered with clouds on the day, the sun comes through just as the clock strikes 2.07 p.m. to create the magic." - News Courtesy: NewKerala.com

NON VIOLENCE AND SOCIAL CHANGE

Cal Poly Pomona, June 15: The Ahimsa Centre has arranged a dialogue on the topic Non Violence and Social Change with Dwarko Sundari on July 17, 2004. The dialogue scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. will be held at Cal Poly Pomona Blue Room, Los Olivos Commons. This Dialogue will focus on experiments in nonviolent social change and will highlight the critical link between spiritual development and socio-economic development—an idea central in the life and work of Mahatma Gandhi as well as the savant-saint Vinoba Bhave. Dwarko Sundrani will share his own insights and anecdotal stories of nonviolent transformation brought about by Vinoba Bhave, including peaceful surrender and rehabilitation of the Dacoits in the Chambal Valley of India.

     Dwarko Sundrani, at age 82, is one of the last active disciples of Mahatma Gandhi. He was born in Sindh (now in Pakistan). For many decades he worked closely with Vinoba Bhave, the spiritual successor to Gandhi. Vinoba started the land gift (Bhoodan) program for rural India to solve the problem of the landless people, who were in bonded slavery. The movement helped distribute millions of acres of land (obtained through land gifts) to the landless laborers. Vinoba established the Samanvaya Ashram in the Bodh Gaya in Bihar (eastern India) and Dwarkoji was asked to be the in-charge of this Ashram in 1962. At the Ashram, Dwarkoji launched an education program for children. The principle he adopted was "education for life, education of life, and education through life." Education was correlated to the life needs of rural villages. As of 2002, the school has been in continuous operation and has grown to cover 10,000 children in 167 villages. Two residential schools provide shelter, clothing, food, health care, education and loving care for 140 students. For the last 18 years, the Ashram has been also conducting very successful cataract eye operation camps. About 15,000 patients receive free eye operations each year. Local "terrorist" groups respect the social service provided by the Ashram to the villages and (diabolically) offer protection to the Ashram. In 1991, Dwarkoji was awarded the Bajaj International Award for Humanitarian Service.

     For further Details of the dialogue contact : Professor Tara Sethia, Director, Ahimsa Center, Email: tsethia@csupomona.edu. For Directions visit the Center web site : www.csupomona.edu/ahimsacenter. - News Courtesy: Professor Tara Sethia.

MAHASABHA'S CONVENTION AT MUMBAI

Mumbai (Maharashtra), May 23: The national convention of the Central Committee of the Sri Bharatavarshiya Digambara Jain Dharmasamrakshan, Tirth Samrakshan and Shrutasamrakshan were held at Mumbai on the 22nd and 23rd of May, 2004. The regional convention of the Maharashtra and Bruhanmumbai's branch was also held. The proceedings were held in the presence of Acharya 108 Sri Pushpadantha Sagarji Maharaj and Acharya 108 Sri Gunadhara Nandi Maharaj. The convention was held at the Kalpadevi Mahapragna Bhavan. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service 

SEERS PREPARE DRAFT RESOLUTION

COMMEMORATIVE POSTAGE STAMP ON INDRA CHANDRA SHASTRI

New Delhi, May 27: The Department of Posts (DoP) released here today a commemorative postage stamp on Dr. Indra Chandra Shastri. The stamp is in the denomination of Rs.5/-. Dr. Indra Chandra Shastri was a great philosopher, exceptional author and an authority on poetics. A pursuer of individual spiritualism who was inspired by Jain Anekanta, he was a man of courage and dedication and remained a fervent champion of rationalism.

     Born on May 27, 1912 at Dabwali Mandi, now in Sirsa district of Haryana, Dr. Indra Chandra Shastri came to Bikaner for education where he studied Sanskrit and Prakrit. He was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi and actively participated in the freedom movement. In 1942, he campaigned against Bal Diksha, a practice of forcible adoption of poor children by Jain ascetics in Rajasthan, prevalent in those days. This resulted in the tabling of a bill in the Assembly of Bikaner.

     Dr. Shastri became Secretary, Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrit Sahitya Sammelan in 1954-58. In 1957, he organised Delhi Session of All India Oriental Conference. In 1959, he was appointed as the first Head of the Department of Sanskrit in the Institute of Post Graduate Studies in the University of Delhi. Due to loss of eyesight in 1961, he resigned from the post. He was subsequently appointed Professor emeritus under the University Grants Commission Scheme. His writings were marked with high scholasticism. He wrote about 70 books and more than 600 research papers.

     As a recognition of his pioneering efforts and creative talent, he was awarded the ‘Sahitya Seva Samman’, by the Hindi Academy. He was also conferred the ‘Sahitya Ratna Alankaran’ by the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University. The President of India awarded him a ‘Certificate of Honour’ on August 15, 1986. Dr. Indra Chandra Shastri passed away on November 3, 1986.

     The First Day Cover alongwith the information sheet will be available on sale at all Philatelic Bureaux/Counters and at selected Post Offices. - News Courtesy: Press Information Bureau, pib.nic.in; Stamp Courtesy: Mr. Sudhir Jain

ILLEGAL JAIN TEMPLE TO BE RAZED

Mumbai (Maharashtra), June 10: The Bombay High Court has asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to demolish an illegal Jain temple in Jagdusha Nagar, Ghatkopar (east), in eight weeks. Following a public interest litigation filed by a resident, Satish Bane, the division bench of acting Chief Justice A P Shah and Justice S U Kamdar reprimanded the BMC for not taking any action against the illegal temple despite court orders. The judges rejected a plea by advocate A Y Thackeray who appeared for the trustees Shri Shwetambar Murti Poojak Tapogachh Jain Sang Pedhi. “We are trying to get the temple legalised and an application is pending with the Maharashtra government.”

     The BMC informed the court that the temple was illegally constructed in 1998 and it had issued orders for demolition under section 351. Bane said that the area where the temple was being constructed was reserved for a recreational ground and a playground. The plot belonged to the Jagdusha Nagar Plot Owners Association, an association of 40 buildings in the area. Bane said that the trustees had illegally constructed the temple. - News Courtesy: mid-day.com 

TRUSTEES CAMPAIGN TO SAVE DERASAR

Mumbai (Maharashtra), June 15: Frantic efforts are being made by a section of the Jain community to save the controversial Jagdusha Nagar Jain Temple after the Bombay High Court ordered the structure be demolished, following a petition by local resident Satish Bane.  Mangal Prabhat Lodha, BJP MLA from Malabar Hill, visited the temple on June 13 to express solidarity with the trustees on the issue. The trustees of Shree Shwetambar Tapgaccha Jain Derasar have formed a 12-member committee to monitor the progress on the issue. Says Suresh Pattani, president of the trust, “We have received support from major Jain organisations in Mumbai. Though there is disappointment about the court order, we will try to fight it out in the Supreme Court as the derasar was being used for meditation. In fact, we prevented slumdwellers from encroaching upon the land.” He adds that among other steps to prevent the temple’s demolition, the temple trustees will also make a representation to the state government. 

     Lodha says, “We will request the government to approach the court with a plea to protect the Derasar from being demolished.”

     When asked why he was supporting the trustees as they had indulged in an illegal act, Lodha said, “To the best of the my knowledge, this is the first time that such an order has been passed against a religious structure. There are many recreational areas and playgrounds which have been encroached upon by religious structures.” Asked about the nature of protest, he said, “We will not take any action that will result in contempt of court. We will not indulge in protest or dharnas.

     Our efforts to save the structure will be within the framework of law.” Apart from seeking the help of BJP, the trustees have tried to seek help of local MP and Mumbai Regional Congress Committee chief Gurudas Kamat on the issue. A division bench of the high court, comprising justices AP Shah and Kamdar had on June 9 ordered demolition of the structure. The court ruled that the Derasar was illegal as it had come up on a plot reserved as a recreation ground. The BMC’s building proposal department also rejected the trustees’ application to regularise the temple.

     The BMC has said that the demolition could not be undertaken as it was unable to get police protection. The court has given eight weeks to the police and the BMC to demolish the structure. - News & Photos Courtesy: mid-day.com

LAWYER WANTS TO BE THIS SADHVI'S GUARDIAN

Mumbai (Maharashtra), May 28: A Jain temple trust in Malad was asked by the family court yesterday, to trace the parents of eight-year-old Priyal who was ordained a nun at the temple two months ago. Last week, the court issued summons to Priyal’s parents, Santosh Kumar and Seema Bagricha at their hometown, Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh. They were asked to attend the court yesterday, for the hearing of an application filed by a city lawyer asking to be the child’s guardian. But the summons came back because the Bagrichas could not be traced. The court has asked the trustees of the Chandravadan Jeevanlal Kothari Sangh, the organisation that runs the temple, to trace the address of the parents who are believed to have moved to Indore now. The trustees have been asked to give the information to the court by June 9.

     Priyal underwent ‘Bal Diksha’, a ritual where children are ordained into monastic orders on March 11. Following the ceremony, a lawyer Ravindra Parekh, who is not a relative of Priyal asked for her custody under the Guardians and Wards Act arguing that he was entitled to ask for the child’s guardianship because her parents had treated her cruelly by ordaining her. A child who is not mentally capable of rational judgement has been forced to become a Sadhvi, he had said.

     Apart from the Bagrichas, summons had been issued to the temple trustees and two others, Harshsagar Maharaj Saheb, the senior monk who presided over the ceremony and Mangalguni Maharaj Saheb, the nun who took charge of Priyal after the ceremony. Neither attended court. The trustees of the temple were however, present yesterday.

     Meanwhile, Priyal has been traced to a monastery in Pune. Following a complaint filed by child rights organisation, Bal Prafulta with the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), a statutory state body that investigates violation of children’s rights, a CWC team tried to meet Priyal at Madhu Ashram, a monastery near Nigdi in Pune on Tuesday. They were however, refused permission to meet her or talk to her. Bal Prafulta had approached the police on March 10 after it came to know of the plans to ordain Priyal. “But the police refused to filed a complaint saying that it was a religious issue and that they did not want to interfere. We then approached the CWC,” said Santosh Shinde of the organisation. - News Courtesy: mid-day.com

JHARKHAND BODY MOOTS MINORITY STATUS FOR JAINS  

Ranchi (Jharkhand), June 6 :  The Jharkhand Minority Commission has mooted a minority status for the Jain community of the state. "Jain community members enjoy religious minority status in some states and we have recommended their inclusion as a minority," said Mohammad Kamal Khan, chairman of the commission. - News Courtesy: NewKerala.com

SPREADING THE MESSAGE OF ONENESS

New Delhi, June 7: Plants and trees are the best example for mankind to learn the universal live-and-let-live mantra. Revered by all religions, these unique gifts of nature must be used by man to transform religion into a spiritual force. This was the message that President A P J Abdul Kalam and Times Foundation chairman, Mrs Indu Jain, delivered to the country's youth on a sun-kissed Sunday morning. The solemn occasion took place to mark the opening of the ' Sacred Garden ' by Times Foundation. The President blessed the effort and enriched it by gifting some plants from his own Sacred Garden at Rashtrapati Bhavan. There was some fresh planting too of anjir, grapes and banana, not to speak of Star of Bethlehem and Ficus Krishna that is supposed to be a favourite of the Lord, by the two dignitaries, as also other members of the Times Foundation.

     Mrs Jain said that the plants "inspired" by the President would form part of the Oneness Centre at 4, Tilak Marg, New Delhi . "They will serve as a platform to spread the message of Oneness," she added. Mrs Jain said

this was only the beginning and the establishment of "Unlimited Oneness Centres, or Multiversities", will be value-based and have Spiritual Quotient. Agreeing with Kalam on the need for "Unity of Minds" Mrs Jain said: " India 's uniqueness is that it has embraced multiple faiths and religions. So, it is to be declared as a 'Spiritual Country' that should spread knowledge and vision to others." Terming it "a global mission", Mrs Jain said the Indian youth, whom she called "Karmayogis", should carry out this task. The NRIs should also join in as "global Indians". Mrs Jain noted that the all-powerful United States had achieved its status "by bloodshed", while Japan had done so by sheer force of its money power. By contrast, the Indians - the Yuva and women, the "Karmayoginis", that have now become "Iron Women", were pursuing and spreading knowledge. "It was brain drain once, today it is brain-gain" she said. - News Courtesy: Times News Network

NEW RELIGIOUS TV CHANNEL LAUNCHED IN DELHI

New Delhi, May 16: Junapeethadhishwar Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avadheshananda Giri Ji said that the television channels have to come forward to check the poisonous atmosphere of today in the society. He was launching the channel Sadhana Super belonging to the Sadhana Parivar [family]. Electronic media today is influencing not only the country but the whole world, therefore not only Indian heritage but the path of spirituality can also be shown to the whole world through these channels, Swami Ji added. In a function organized in New Delhi, the Junapeethadhishwar formally inaugurated the new channel by lighting a lamp and pushing the button to start the broadcast. Besides the managing director of Sadhana Parivar, a large number of sadhus and saints and other prominent personalities were also there to attend the event. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Rakesh Gupta said that through Sadhana Super Channel besides spirituality, serial devoted to the national spirit, education, career, health, entertainment and sanskar nirman will also be given place. - News Courtesy: Hinduism Today

MAHASABHA'S BRANCH IN KERALA INAUGURATED

Kalpetta (Wayanad, Kerala), May 26: The kerala Branch of the Bharatha Varshiya Digambara Jain Dharma Samrakshan Mahasabha was inaugurated by the national president of the Mahasabha Sri Nirmal Kumar Sethi. Speaking to the gathering Sri Nirmal Kumarji spoke about the Tirthsamrakshan, Dharmasamrakshan and Shrutasamrakshan units of the Mahasabha. He requested the Digambar Jain Samaj to work towards the development of the Mahasabha. Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Moodabidri Jain muth graced the occasion.

     The member of the parliament Sri M.P.Verendrakumar, Sri Vardhaman and Sri Vasantha Kumar have been chosen as the chief patron, patron and working president of the Kerala unit respectively. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

JAINOLOGY CERTIFICATION COURSE AT MUMBAI UNIVERSITY

SHASTRI PARISHAD AWARDS CONSTITUTED

Kolkata (West Bengal), June 15: The All India Digambar Jain Shastri Parishad has constituted two awards of Rs. 51,000 to its members from this year. These awards are constituted to recognise the contributions to Jainism and Jain literature. These awards are constituted in memory of Sri Amarchand Pahadia and Sri Kalyan Chandraji Patni. Recently these awards were distributed to Sri Sanathkumar Rajavansh and to Prof. Nihalchand Jain. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

'ADIPURANA' IN ELECTRONIC FORMAT

Mysore (Karnataka), June 15: 'Adipurana' a great poetic work in Kannada on the life of Bhagawan Adinatha the first Jain Tirthankara written by Pampa will be available in its electronic format shortly. Pampa called as the  Adikavi (first poet) in Kannada literature has written 'Adipurana' and 'Vikramarjunavijaya', the two great works in Kannada. Vikramarjunavijaya is the oldest available poetic work in Kannada containing the story of Mahabaratha. The Kannada Ganaka Parishath has undertaken the work of converting 'Adipurana' and 'Vikramarjunavijaya' to its electronic format and will present it to the Kannada Sahitya Parishath shortly. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

INDRA DHWAJA ARADHANA MAHOTSAV

Jaisinghpur (Maharashtra), May 12: A grand Indra dhwaja aradhana mahotsav was held for six long days under the guidance of Acharya 108 Sri Gunadharanandi Maharaj and Sri Jinasena Bhattarakha Maharaj of Nandani Jain muth. On the occasion Deepotsav, Vratopadesh, Sri Kalyana Mandir Vidhana, Ratha Yatra, special poojas and religious gatherings were organised. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service     

BOOK 'GNAN KI HIMALAYA' RELEASED

Agra (Uttar Pradesh), May 1: The book 'Gnana Ki Himalaya' based on the life and achievements of Upadhyay 108 Sri Gnanasagarji Maharaj in Hindi was released. Sri Suresh Jain 'Saral' has written this book.  - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

'JAIN JYOTSNA' AWARD

Shivapuri, April 15: The editor of the Jain periodical 'Jain Mahiladarsha' (a publication of Bharata Varshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha) Dr. Nilam Jain Gaziabad has been honoured with the 'Jain Jyotsna' award. The Pulak Jain Chetan Manch of Shivapuri has constituted this award. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

JAIN MATRIMONIAL MEET AT BELGAUM

Belgaum (Karnataka), June 15: The Yogayogaa organisation of Belgaum has organised a Jain matrimonial meet at Belgaum. The meet will be held in the premises of the Chikka Basadi on the 20th of June, 2004. This is the 10th annual meet of the Yoga yogaa organisation. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

SUMMER SHIBIR SPONSORED BY VERAYATNA

Sadhviji Shilapiji will conduct a three day Shibir from Friday, June 25 to Sunday June 27th at Holiday Inn in Montvale, NJ. Lectures and discussions (non-violence, meaning of life, stress management etc.) workshops, cultural games & open sessions. -News Courtesy: Jaina Spectrum

PUBLICATIONS BY PRAKRIT BHARATI ACADEMY

Ahimsa : The Science of Peace; Language - English; Author - Surendra Bothara; Foreword - D. R. Mehta; Edition - Second (revised and enlarged), 2003; Pages - xxxiv + 176; Price - Hard Cover - Rs. 125/-, Paperback - Rs. 100=00, PBP No.43.

Ahimsa : The Ultimate Winner; Language - English; Author - Dr. N. P. Jain; Edition - Second (enlarged), 2004; Pages xvi + 265; Price - Hard Cover - Rs. 250/-, Paperback - Rs. 200/-, PBP No. 149.

For copies of the books please contact: Prakrit Bharti Academy, 13-A, Main Malviya Nagar, Jaipur- 302017. Phone: 0141 - 2524827, 2524828. Email: prabharti@datainfosys.net. 

BOOKS AVAILABLE AT HINDI GRANTHA KARYALAY

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. 

Mayasandra (Magadi Taluk, Bangalore Rural District, Karnataka): The annual pooja mahotsav of the Bhagawan Sri Ananathanatha Swamy Jain temple was held on 23rd May under the guidance of Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of the Kanakagiri Jain Muth. Sri Nagaratnaraju of Bangalore will addressed the religious gathering On the occasion.     

Sitakal (Tumkur District, Karnataka): The annual pooja mahotsav of the Bhagawan Sri Parshwanatha Swamy Jain temple was held on 16th May under the guidance of Sri Bhanukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of the Kambadahalli Jain Muth. Sri Padmavathi Seva Trust of Sitakal had organised the pooja mahotsav.  

Mayasandra (Tumkur District, Karnataka): The 17th annual pooja mahotsav of the Bhagawan Sri Parshwanatha Swamy Jain temple built under the guidance of Sri Rajamathi Mathaji was be held on sunday the 30th May, 2004.

Mysore (Karnataka): The 107th annual pooja mahotsav of the Bhagawan Sri Shanthinatha Basadi will be held 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 will be the chief guests. Dr.K.Anantharamu will address the gathering. 

Belaguli (Tumkur District, Karnataka): The fourteenth annual pooja mahotsav of the Bhagawan Sri Shanthinath Swami Jain temple was held on 16th May under the guidance of Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Jain Muth at Narasimharajapura (Simhanagadde) and Sri Bhuvanakerrthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of the Kanakagiri Jain Muth. Sri M.P.Sanmathi Kumar of Tumkur presided the religious gathering. Smt Parimala Mohan of Bellur addressed the gathering.- Jain Heritage Centres News Service    

http://www.ibiblio.org/jainism/ : This webpage gives access to the Jain Database and Jain BBS. Jain Data Base and Jain BBS is a Computer Based Education and Information Service of Jain Study Center of North Carolina and the Federation of JAINA.

http://www.san.beck.org/EC8-Mahavira.html : This webpage gives information about Mahavira and Jainism.

Wednesday 16th June 2004 - Janma Kalyana, Diksha Kalyana and Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Shanthinatha.

Thursday 17th June 2004 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Ajithanatha.

Thursday 24th June 2004 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Mahavira.

Friday 25th June 2004 - Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Neminatha.

Saturday 26th June 2004 - Nandishwara Ashtahnika Vratha begins, Chaturmas Vratha begins.

Friday 2nd July 2004 - Sri Veerashasana Jayanthi.

Saturday 3rd July 2004 - Release of the Dhavala series of the Kannada books at Shravanabelagola.

Sunday 4th July 2004 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Rishabanatha.

Wednesday 7th July 2004 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Vasupujya.

Friday 9th July 2004 - Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Vimalanatha.

Sunday 11th July 2004 - Janma Kalyana and Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Naminatha.

Saturday 17th July 2004 - The Ahimsa Centre has arranged a dialogue on the topic Non Violence and Social Change with Dwarko Sundari one of the followers of Mahatma Gandhi.

Additions as on 1st June 2004:

Calendar Wallpapers

Additions as on 15th June 2004:

Photo Gallery:

Photos of the Jain temples and idols at the pilgrim centre Saligrama in Karnataka