A publication of www.jainheritagecentres.com

Editor-in-Chief: Dr.H.A.Parshwanath

Vol.1      Issue 1

May 2002

Editorial

Jainism is one of the Indian born religions with a forbearance of high values living and which have found an in depth ground substance in the history of man-kind. It has promoted the culture of the land with in dominant spirit and pride. It has percolated into the taughts moods and memories of all the people irrespective of socio economic levels of caricature. It has defined the way of life with a perspective thinking. Its valued based core of preaching has perpetrated across the globe with unique conformity. It has reiterated through pages and is embellished with inexplicable chart of heritage. It has enjoyed the debut of prosperity and has cherished for centuries under the royal patronage. The innumerable classics embellished with cosmic ultras have made the religion sustained through years.  Furthermore the rituals and percepts have pervaded incessantly its contribution in the sphere of literature and sculpture bear testimony in corroboration with other religions of the land. the principles of Jainism, though found arduous to follow, are of sanctified pruneries and beckoned with historical dents. The message of ahimsa, spread far and wide, has made the living worthy and fruitful. The prophets of Jainism propagated  the path of salvation through Karma Siddantha circumventing the life cycle of an individual who is in quest of tranquility.

The present magazine intends to bring to the fore the content of Jainism in the form of brief articles, news, information and achievements of the people who have enshrined themselves in the work. It firmly believes that survival of a religion depends on its revival from time to time, bemodelling with the test of time. Paradoxically it tries to inculcate and interact with the other religions in view of conglomeration of percepts and concepts for the standard care of mankind. Enough space and time would be provided for the exchange of views and ideas in a pellucid manner. We appeal to the esteemed readers to extend the fullest cooperation in this endeavour of coexistence.

The JAINA VOICE will be published as a monthly output on every 15th day. It reflects the medium of your Voice. We express deep sense of gratitude to all the fans, admirers, critics and the media personnel who have stood as a scaffold in this venture.

JAI JINENDRA

-Dr.H. A.Parshwanath

SARVODAYA DHARMA SAMMELAN AT HUNCHA

Huncha (Karnataka) April 5: The Sarvodaya Dharma Sammelan was held here at Huncha on the occasion of the annual pooja mahotsav under the guidance of His Holiness Paramapujya Swasti Sri Deevendrakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj. Speaking on the occasion he emphasised on the importance of woman in th Jain religion. He call for the people to give much emphasis on the to the freedom of woman and to follow the teaching of Bhagawan Mahavira.

The function was precided over by   Sri Chatur Vijayji Maharaj. Sri Vijay Patri of Imphal was the chief guest of the function. The books Jaina Dharma Matthu Adara Nathika Moulyagalu (Kannada) by  Dr.M.D.Vasantharaj and Chaturmasa (Kannada) by Dr.B.K.Kadabadi were released on the occasion. Also the audio cassette on Goddess Padmavathi published by Sandeep Live Cassettes was released. Thousands of Devotees participated in the pooja Mahotsav followed by the rathotsav. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

COINS ON BHAGAWAN MAHAVIRA RELEASED

New Delhi April 26: In memory of the 2600th Janma Kalyan of Bhagawan Mahavir Prime Miniter A.B.Vajapayee released the five rupees and the hundred rupees coins brought out by the government of India. He also released the silver and gold coins published by the government of Punjab. Also the book on Jain temples in India and Abroad Written by Lakshmikanth Singhvi was released.

The coins released by the government of Punjab in being made of silver and gold exported from Switzerland. On its one side it consists of the carving of Bhagawan Mahavira in the Padmasana and on the other side it consists of the Jain Symbol, Mangala Kalash and the writings 'Ahimsa Paramodharma' and 'Jiyo Auo Jeene Dho' . An arrangement has been made in the Bank of Punjab and the H.D.F.C. banks for the distribution of the coins.   - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

BHAGAWAN MAHAVIR JAYANTHI CELEBRATIONS AT DELHI

New Delhi April 25:The message of ahimsa, nonviolence, love and brotherhood given by Bhagawan Mahavir is more relevant now than ever said Prime Minister Mr.A.B.Vajapayee while addressing the Mahavira Jayanthi Celebration function organised by the 2600th Bhagawan Mahavira Janma Kalyan Mahotsav Simithi and the ministry of tourism at a fully packed Siri Port auditorium. Further he emphasised on the principles of Ahimsa and Anekanthavad preached by Bhagawan Mahavira.

The function was presided over by Sri Jagamohan Central Minister for Tourism. Home Minister Sri L.K.Advani, Finance Minister Sri Yeshavantha Sinha, Central Minister for Textiles Sri V.Dhananjaya Kumar, Minister Sri N.Gopala Swamy, Jain Scholar Dr.Lakshmikantha Singhvi, Smt Indu Jain were also present in the occasion. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.    

SRI GOMMATESHWARA VIDYAPEETHA AWARDS CONFERED

Shravanabelagola April 25: The Gommateshwara Vidyapeetha Awards was conferred on eight scholars here at Shravanabelagola. The awardees include Dr.Ejasuddin, Dr.H.S.Madanakesari (Bangalore), Sri Anantharao Bhosage(Shedabala), Sri Phoolchand Premi (Varanasi), Smt G.S.Vasanthamala Jayachandra, Sri D.Parshwanatha Shastry (Shravanabelagola), Sri K.R.Sheshagiri (Mysore) and Sri S.M.Nemirajaiah (Shravanabelagola) for their outstanding contribution to Jainism. The gommateshwara Vidya Peetha Award Established in the year 1980 encloses a cash prize of Rs.11,000 and a certificate. These awards were conferred by His Holiness Parama Pujya Swasthi Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj under the presence of Acharya Sri Subhala Sagar Maharaj and his Sangh, Sri Bhanukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of Kambadahalli and Sri Dharma Keerthi Maharaj.

Speaking on the occasion Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj said that each an every Jain should have some or the other books on Jainism which would there by help to build the consciousness of the religion among the people. He called for the people to read at least a few pages every day from the holy books so as to keep the religious consciousness intact.

After receiving the award Sri Ejasuddin Said that the Award conferred on him is the award conferred to the entire Muslim community of the world. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

MAHAVEERA JAYANTHI CELEBRATIONS AT SHRAVANABELAGOLA

Shravanabelagola: The annual Pancha Kalyana Mahotsav, Rathotsav and the Mahavira Jayanthi celebrations took place with the presence of 108 Sri Subhala Sagar Maharaj and Sangh under the guidance of His Holiness Parama Pujya Swasthi Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj  from 19th of April to 29th of April.

The celebrations began with its inauguration by the District Minister Sri H.C.Srikantaiah. Speaking on the occasion he promised to provide all sorts of cooperation for the improvement of Shravanabelagola. The function was presided over by Sri Balagangadaranatha Swami of Adichunchanagiri.

Member of parliament Sri Raghuvamsha Prasad Singh the chief guest of the second days proceedings said that it is matter of pride for him to represent Vaishali the birth place of Bhagawan Mahavira. On April 21st the procession of the various tabloos depicting the life of Mahavira was held. On the afternoon many books on Jainism were released. On 22nd a discussion on the Mahavira literature was held. Kannada Scholars Prof. Venkatachala Shastry, Prof. Chandrashekara Kambara and Prof. Hampana participated in the discussion. On the 23rd, 24th and 25th preachings by Munis, Bhattarakhas and the confering of the various Awards took place. On 26th Ahimsa Dharmasammelan, on 27th Rathayatra Mahotsav and confering of the Sri Bahubali Vidya Peetha Awards took Place. On 28th the pooja mahotsan of Bhagawan Bahubali and the teppotsav in the water tank took place. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.       

SHARMANA SAMSKRUTHI SAMMELAN AT MOODABIDRI

Mudabidri April 25: The message of truth and ahimsa given by the Jain religion is very important for any religion said Sri Vishweshatirtha Swamiji of the Pejawara Muth Udupi. He was speaking on the occasion of the annual poojamahotsav of the tribhuvana tilaka chudamani basadi and the Shramana Samskruthi Sammelan here at Mudabidri. Te Shramana Jyothi was lighted by Dr. D.Veerendra Heggade, speaking on the occasio he said that the atmakalyan of any individual can be achieved only on the grounds of truth and ahimsa. Central minister for textiles Sri VDhananjaya Kumar released the special issue Vivekabudhya on the occassion. Sri Niraj Jain of Madhyapradesh was honoured. The proceedings were carried out under the guidance of Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of Mudabidri Muth. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

RS.30 LAKHS AID BY GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Karkala April 21: The Government of India will grant Rs.30 lakhs each towards the improvement of the Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani temple at Mudabidri and the Atishayakshetra Nallore (a famous shrine of Goddess Kushmandini) from the Rs.100 crore fund reserved for the improvement of the Jain pilgrim places. It can be recalled here that the fund has been established by the government of India to celebrate the 2600th Janma Kalyan of Bhagawan Mahavir. This was informed by central minister Sri V.Dhananjay Kumar while addressing a religious gathering at Karkala on occasion of the mahamasthakabhishekha of Bhagawan Bahubali organised by Karnataka Digambara Jain Samaj.

He also assured the Jain samaj that he would talk with the central minister of tourism in connection with the improvement of Karkala, Mudabidri, Varanga and other Jain pilgrim centres in Karnataka. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

DANCE PERFORMANCE BY DR.VYJAYANTHI MALA

Bangalore March 10: In connection with the celebrations of the 2600th Janma Kalyan of Bhagawan Mahavir, the Jain Milan of R.T.Nagar Bangalore had arranged a dance performance by well known actress and dancer Dr.Vyjanyanthi Mala here at Bangalore. The performance included the dance dramas depecting the message of ahimsa and the Vairagyoday of Bhagawan Neminath.

Governor of Karnataka Smt V.S.Ramadevi, Speaker of the lower house Sri Venkatappa, Mrs Sudha Murthy of Infosys, M.L.C. Sri M.R. Tanga, industrialist Sri R.N.Shetty, President of Jain Milan Sri D.Surendrakumar and other dignitaries were present in the function. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.    

AHIMSA VARSH CELEBRATIONS

 The Ahimsa Varsh Celebration, commemorating Bhagwan Mahavir's 2600th Birth Anniversary, sponsored by Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan and cosponsored by various organizations like JAINA, YJA, Institute of Jainology, UK, World Jain Confederation, India, Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation, India and numerous Jain Centers and institutions in the U.S. was held on April 13th and 14th at Royal Albert's Palace in Fords, New Jersey. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

 UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION

Jalgaon's Solar colour lab's director, Mahendra Visariya's paintings exhibition on Jain Temples in India was organised in New Jersy, USA on the 13th & 14th April. The same exhibition was also organised in Losangels on 20th & 21st and in San Francisco on 27th & 28th. This exhibition was organised on the eve of 2600th Birth year of Lord Mahavira by Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, USA. -Umesh B. Sethia,Jalgaon.

JAIN PERSONALITIES HONOURED

On the occasion of 2600th Janma Kalyanak of Bhagwan Mahavir, Kolkata Jain Samaj have honored 26 eminent Jain personalities of India. In a grand function organized at the Science City Auditorium, Kolkata on 15th April 2002, All India Digamber Jain Pratibha Samman Samaroh Samiti had honored following Jain personalities of various fields - 
1. Shri Sudhir Jain (Satna) : Philatelist & coins-note Collector
2. Master Nitin Jain (Saharanpur) : Young Scientist
3. Master Ayush Jain (Merut) : Sports/skating
4. Smt. Anjali Jain (New Delhi) : Computer Communication
5. Dr. D.C.Jain ( Lucknow) : Medical Science
6. Ku. Pallavi Kasliwal (Nasik) : Magician
7. Ku. Sneha Gandhi (Sholapur) : Tabla Player
8. Shri Parshwanath Upadhyay (Belgaon) : Multifarious Activities
9. Ku. Akriti Shaha (Bilaspur) : Child Pravachankar
10. Dr. Anupam Jain (Indore) : Jain Mathematics
11. Shri Vijay Dada Avati (Jaisinghpur) : Teaching
12. Smt. Surekha C. Shaha (Solapur) :Literature
13. Shri sultan Singh Jain (Rurkee) : Scientist
14. Dr. Pramod Godre (Sagar) : Eye Surgery
15. Dr. G. Jawaharlal (Hyderabad) : Archaeologist
16. Smt. Archana Patni (Thane) : Classical Dance
17. Ku. Sarika Jain (Tejpur) : Vocal
18. Shri D.N.Ekki (Gulbarga) : Drawing
19. Shri Suresh Jain (New Delhi) : Artist
20. Pro. Chandra Kumar Jain (Bhuvaneshwar) : Linguistic
21. Sushri Indu Jain (Varanasi) : Theatre Artist
22. Pro. Bhagchand Bhagendu (Damoh) : Prakrit Scholar
23. Ku. Asmita Kala (Jaipur) : Folk Dance
24. Dr. Sandip Narad (Indore) : Diabetes Specialist
25. Dr. S.M.Jain (Kota) : Forestry Specialist 

26. Shri Mishri Lal Jain (Guna) : Poet  

-Sudhir Jain, mrsudhirjain@yahoo.com

INDIAN GOVERNMENT GRANTS RS 15 LAKHS FOR TEMPLE RENOVATION

Arasikere (Hassan District, Karnataka India) May 15: The government of India has granted a sum of Rs.15 lakhs towards the renovation of the 900 years Sahasrakuta Digambar Jain temple at Arasikere. This amount would be utilised by the trust fr the renovation of the temple and the construction of the munivas, yatrinivas and dharmashala in the temple premises which is spread over an area of 120feet by 300 feet. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.   

FOUNDATION STONE FOR MAHAVEERA KIRTHISTHAMBHA LAID

Hubli (Karnataka) April 21: The foundation stone for the Mahaveer Keerthi Sthambha was laid by Sri Firdoos Konnour (Mayor, Hubli Dharwar Municipal Corporation) here at the Ahimsa Circle Hubli. This Keerthi Sthambha is being constructed to celebrate the 2600th Janma Kalyan of Bhagawan Mahavir. The function was presided over by Sri Annappa Nelavigi (Editor- Jain Gazeet- Kannada). - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

POOJA MAHOTSAV AND PANCHA KALYANAK MAHOTSAV

ChickkaMunavalli (Khanapur Taluk, Belgaum District, Karnataka) April 21: The second annual poojamahotsav of the Bhagawan Adinatha temple and Bhagawan Mallinatha in the Shikar was held on the 14th of April. It can be recalled here that the Panchakalyanak mahotsav was carried out in the month of april 2000. Chickkkahanasoge (Mysore District) April 14: The tenth annual pooja mahotsan of the trikutachala basadi at Chickkahanasoge was conducted under the guidance of His Holiness Paramapujya Swasti Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of Kanakagiri. Thos temple has the idols of Bhagawan Adinatha, Shanthnatha and Neminatha.

Shanthigrama (Hassan Distict, Karnataka) April 19: The prathishta mahotsav of the Bhagawan Shanthinatha Digambara Jain temple was conducted on the 17th, 18th and 19th of April under the guidance of Hih Holiness Sri Charukeertrhi Bhattarakha Maharaj of Shravanabelagola. Sri Chandrakantha Padesoora, Dr.H.A.Parshwanath, Sri A.N.Chandrakeerthi and Sri S.N.Ashok Kumar gave religious lectures on the occasion. Sri Bhanukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of Kambadahalli and Sri Dharmakeerthi Maharaj were present in the procedings.  - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

PLEASE SEND US NEWS AND INFORMATION ABOUT THE VARIOUS ACTIVITES RELATED TO JAINISM AND MAKE "JAINA VOICE" THE VOICE OF THE ENTIRE JAIN COMMUNITY

PLEASE SEND YOUR INFORMATION TO info@jainheritagecentres.com