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

Vol.2      Issue 2

JUNE 2003

Editorial

SALLEKHANA - THE HOLY DEATH

    Sallekhana is a ritual form of attaining salvation or relinquishing the adoration of body as the end of an individual comes to the fore. This one attains by forbidding the taking of food with self-introspection and  quest of soul through dhyana. It is a form of reformation where an individual achieves his aims of life. He surrenders to God and pleads for condonation of his sins and follies. The saints observe this as part of Mahavrata. The people and also the munis endeavor to achieve the same. They plead for exoneration  of their mistakes. Acharyas whisper the preachings in the ears of the attainer. The attainer looses the breath of life by pronouncing pancha namokara and renouncing the worldly bondage.

    One has to observe strict compliance of one's deeds and misdeeds. The concentration of mind and body brings solace to the individual. One fulfills his life by observing Sallekhana in its true form of spirits and merits. It has a unique placement in Jaina culture and tradition. There are mainly two kinds of Sallekhana observed. These include Sharira Sallekhana and Kashaya Sallekhana. The former emphasises on the application of sallekhana mainly on the body as the unit through fasting whereas the latter includes the cause and effect relationship between relinquishing the possessions and oddities.

   The Shravakas and Munis can observe this form of attaining samadhi in anticipation of their end when suffering from a long drawn illness, senility, famine and distress. One is advised to relinquish his body and move more towards point of perfection of life and death. It entails purity of mind and body and thus disclosing the purity of thoughts and ideas during the life cycle of an individual. It is described as death while in meditation. It is a holy manner by which one undertakes 'controlled death'. Jaina law books enlist the performance of sallekhana in four situations:

1.Upasarga - it means an unavoidable calamity. 2.Durbiksha - It means a great famine. 3.Jara - Old age. 4. Nita pratikara ruja - it means a state of terminal illness with imminent death.

    A person observing sallekhana is seen to be modest, peaceful and serene. A large number of inscriptions found all over india stand as a testimony to its rich heritage. The aspirant of sallekhana receives it with a sense of self determination, self control, self confession and self censure and thus withstanding the rigors of sallekhana. There will be no room for disturbance of contentment and mindfulness. It is an act of consecration. Acharya Shanthisagarji and Ananda, a lay disciple of Mahavira undertook sallekhana in the final phase of their life. Thus sallekhana stands supreme in the ritualistic history of Jaina ascetics and shravakas.           

Thanking you,

-Dr. H.A.Parshwanath

AHIMSA MIGHTIER THAN NUCLEAR WEAPONS

Pavapuri (Bihar), May 30:  The president of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam visited Pavapuri the Nirvan bhoomi of lord Mahavira and offered prayers to Mahavira at the Jalmandir. Later he listened to the Namokar Mahamantra chanted by the temple priests and tried to understand its meaning. The members of the Pavapuri Management Committee explained the life of Bhagawan Mahavira to the president and Dr. Kalam said that it is a thrilling experience visiting the Jalmandir. Latter on in a special function organised to mark his visit to Pavapuri Kalam said that "the weapon of ahimsa is a more mightier than the nuclear weapons of the present day". The function was held under the auspices of Aryika Sri Gnanamathimathaji.   Many dignitaries of the Digambar and the Swethambar community were present on the occassion. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

SRI NAYANA SAGARJI MAHARAJ AND SRI SAMARPAN SAGARJI MAHARAJ MOVE TOWARDS BADRINATH

Saharanpur, May 3 : The digambar Jain ascetics Upadhyay 108 Sri Nayan Sagarji and Kshullak 105 Sri Samarpan Sagarji Maharaj started their journey on 3rd May, 2003 from Saharanpur towards Badrinath, the tapobhoomi of Lord Adinatha the first Jain Tirthankara. Badrinatha is located at a height of 10,500 feet above the sea level. The only other Jain Muni, who has traveled to Badrinath in the past is Elacharya Sri Vidyanandji in 1972. News courtesy: Jain Gazette

BHARATIYA SAMSKRUTHIKA PARISHATH ESTABLISHED

Ooty (Udhakamandala, Tamil Nadu), May 18th: With the aim of revival and propagation of the ancient traditions ,culture and religious values of India the Bharathiya Samskruthika Parishath was establish here at Chinthana Goshti Samaroh of the religious heads of south India. The Parishath has been constituted as a result of the initiative taken by the Jagadguru Sri Shivarathrishwara (J.S.S.) Muth Suttur (Mysore District). This Chintana Goshti Samaroh held from 12th to 18th of May, 2003 was organised to bring the religious heads and seers of all religious faith under a common platform. This week long conference saw a series of lectures and discourses from the pontiffs and seers of all religious faith. It focused on the varied religious and cultural heritage of India and adopted a series of resolution to be taken for the revival and propagation of the Indian culture and religions. Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kanakagiri Jain Muth was the sole representative of Jainism at this conference. More than 200 seers, pontiffs and religious heads from all over south India participated in the conference. It was organised by the JSS Veerashiva Muth of Mysore under the guidance of Jagadguru Sri Shivarathrishwara Mahaswamiji of Suttur. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

ASI ASKED TO PRESERVE 10TH CENTURY JAIN TEMPLE

Jaipur (Rajasthan), June 3: The Rajasthan High Court has issued notice to the Archaeological Survey of India and the state government on a Public Interest Litigation seeking conservation and preservation of a tenth century Jain Temple in Sanganer near here. A division bench of the court consisting of Chief Justice Anil Dev Singh and Justice K S Rathore, while issuing the notice last week to the respondents, including management of the Digambar Jain Temple, known as Sanghiji Ka Mandir, ordered them to "take steps to conserve and preserve the temple." The court considered a letter addressed to the Chief Justice by Shiva Jan Samasya Nivaran Samiti as a writ petition and issued notices returnable by July 30. The samiti complained that in the name of renovation of the temple, declared as protected monument, unauthorised basic and substantive changes were being made in it by some elements in their vested interests. Quoting the 1997 Supreme Court judgement in the case of conservation and preservation of viceregal lodge in Shimla, the samiti said the apex court in its order also asked all the state governments to ensure proper maintenance of historic monuments. Therefore, it was the duty of the state to stop the construction work that was playing havoc with the basic structural characteristics of the Jain Temple. - News Courtesy : Times of India

MR NEMU CHANDARIA HONOURED BY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

London, June 14: Mr Nemubhai Chandaria, Deputy Chairman of the Institute of Jainology, U.K. was honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in her Birthday Honours List of June, 2003, for his services to the Jain community.  This is a great honour for all Jains world-wide.  This adds to the award of  'Jain Ratna' which was conferred upon Mr Nemubhai Chandaria by  the Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, on the auspicious occasion of the celebration of the 26^th Birth Centenary of Bhagwan Mahavir in New Delhi. Mr Nemubhai Chandaria was awarded the OBE (Officer of the British Empire) in Her Majesty's June 2003 Birthday Honours List for his services to the Jain Community.

Nemubhai is the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Institute of Jainology and has been the primary driving force behind the IoJ activities. IoJ has undertaken a wide range of activities under the banner of 'The Jains'. A quick view of the projects at jainology.org  will give an idea of the extent to which the cause of Jainism has been promoted. All of these projects bear the imprint of Nemubhai's foresight, meticulous planning and hard work. Notable, amongst the projects is the publication of the Jain Declaration on Nature. It was for the first time, that all Jain sects worldwide were united and acted jointly when they presented the declaration to HRH Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace. IOJ as a result joined the family of WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) and Jainism thus became the eighth recognised faith of the World. This award in the Queen's Birthday Honours List is absolutely well deserved and the IoJ can take justifiable pride in having him as the Deputy Chairman of its Board of Trustees. - News Courtesy: harshad@mpcnet.co.uk       

JAIN CHATURMAS DIRECTORY 2003

Mysore (Karnataka), June 15: The Chaturmas is one the most important period for the Jain ascetics and the community every year. Where in the Jain community can come in contact with the ascetics and there will greater interaction between the two about the religion. With an intension of providing the visitors and the travelers the first hand information of the Chaturmas carried out by the various Jain ascetics www.jainheritagecentres.com under the guidance Sri Nirmal Sanghvi of Indore, is bringing out the JAIN CHATURMAS DIRECTORY 2003 that would be available to all the visitors. This guide will published in their website. Jain Heritage Centres has requested the Jain community to send the details of the "Chaturmas" in the format mentioned: Sect, Sub sect, Name of the Ascetic/s, Place of Chaturmas, Phone, Email, Nearest route to reach the place, Contact address, Other Details. All the information can be sent to: Mr.H.P.Nitin, Webmaster and Chief Coordinator, jainheritagecentres.com, No.62, Sonia, 3rd Cross, Kurubarahally, Near Siddartha Nagar, Mysore - 570011, Karnataka, India, or by email to nitin@jainheritagecentres.com or info@jainheritagecentres.com .    

BHAGAWAN MAHAVIR FOUNDATION ANNUAL AWARDS

Chennai (Tamil Nadu), June 1: To recognise and encourage the meritorious contributions of the individuals/organisations in the fields of Propagation of Ahimsa and Vegetarianism, Education and Health Service and Community Service nominations have been invited by the Bhagawan Mahavir Foundation, Chennai. The Bhagawan Mahavir Foundation Annual Award- 2003 consists of a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs, a memento and a certification. The nominations have to be sent to Mahavir Foundation on or Before August 15th to   Sri Sugalchand Jain, Bhagawan Mahavir Foundation, No. 11, Ponnnappalane, Triplicane, Chennai - 600005 (Tamil Nadu), Phone - 28418246. The awards would be decided by a panel of experts headed by the retired judge of the supreme court of India justice Sri M.N.Venkatachalaiah. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

PANYAS ARUNVIJAYJI MAHARAJ AWARDED DOCTORATE

Pune (Maharashtra), June 1: In a unique achievement, Panyas Arunvijayji Maharaj, spiritual head of the Jain Shwetambari Murtipujak sect in Pune, was awarded a doctorate by the University of Pune. His two volume thesis on Universe and God, according to the Jain perspective, which took him two years to complete, is in 650 pages and has nine chapters.  And this research got Panyas Arunvijay Maharaj a doctorate from the University of Pune at a function organised at the Jain temple in Adinath Society on Sunday. Guided by B H Shukla, The thesis talks about the Jains belief in God and explains the existence of the universe on the basis of five elements-space, motion, rest, atoms, soul in relation to time.

Born in Pali, Rajasthan, Arunvijay Maharaj decided to seek deeksha when he was 18 much against his wealthy family’s wishes. Having decided that, he left home one night and accepted monkhood. His love for learning and the quest to seek answers to who was the creator of this universe led him to pursue reading. ‘‘When I posed this question to several learned people, their answers did not satisfy me and they would advise me to seek answers in the books. That’s how I got my BA and MA degrees from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. When I still did not find the answer, I decided to study further and approached the University of Pune to do my doctorate,’’ he says. In the process, he has conducted a comparative study of Hinduism, Islam and Christianity and met scholars who gave him an insight. ‘‘While these religions believe that God is the creator of this universe, Jainism believes that the universe already existed before God and that a living being’s karma leads him into the cycle of birth and death. For my thesis, I have deeply studied the Vedas, vedanta philosophy, the Upanishads, the Bible and the Koran,’’ he says. ‘‘My studies in Jain philosophy have led me to believe that karma is equal to all and there should be no compulsion to call God as the creator or the director of this Universe. He shows us the path to salvation. The 24 tirthankars were human beings who became gods through salvation through meditation.’’

- Jain Heritage Centres News Service

'BHAGAWAN MAHAVIR JAIN CHAIR' AT SHIVAJI UNIVERSITY

Mumbai, May 31: The Higher & Technical Education Dept. of Maharashtra Government has issued a circular  for establishing the 'Bhagawan  Mahavir Jain Chair' at the  Shivaji University of Kolhapur.  The Education Dept. has granted Rs. 25 Lakhs to Shivaji University in this connection. This is the result of the demands made by Dakshin Bharat Jain Sabha and the interest shown by ex-Chief Minister Sri. Vilasrao Deshmukh and Chief Minister Sri Sushil Kumar Shinde. The vice-chancellor Mr. Takwale is very much interested in this project and appealed the Jain community to take interest in the project. - News Courtesy: Mahavir Sanglikar

SEMINAR AT KOPPAL TO MARK THE 2600TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF MAHAVIRA

Koppal (Karnataka), May25: As a part of the 2600th birth anniversary celebrations of Bhagawan Mahavira the Gulbarga University; Depart of Kannada and Culture, Government of Karnataka and the Jain organisations had organised a day long seminars focusing on the various aspects of Jainism. The seminars were inaugurated by Dr. H.A.Parshwanath, professor and head, department of pathology, Mysore Medical college, Mysore; Dr. M.R.Tanga member of the legislative assembly of Karnataka presided over the function. Dr. H.A.Parshwanath spoke on Jainism and Karnataka, note scholar Dr.B.V.Shirur spoke on Jain Kashi Koppal, Prof S.Shivanand on Jain Samavasaranamantapa and Dr. Shanthinatha Dibbada spoke on Jain Darshana and World Brotherhood. The president of the Jain sangh Sri Champalal Mehta and his colleges were the nucleus of the celebrations. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service     

DACOITS ATTACK KANAKAGIRI HILLOCK

Kanakagiri (Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka), June 6: A group of dacoits have attacked and looted the Sri Vijaya Parshwanath Digambar Jain temple situated a top the hillock at the Digambar Jain atishaya tirth Kanakagiri. They have looted many valuable jewels from the temple. The police department have registered a complaint in this connection and the investigations are under way. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service     

HEART DISEASE REVERSAL PROGRAM BY ADYATMA SADHANA KENDRA

New Delhi, June 30: One of the recent research's conducted has revealed that the 90% of the Vegetarian people who undergo heart attack are Jains. Isn't it shocking, then here is a solution for this, the Adyatma Sadhana Kendra a unit of Akhila Bharatiya Anuvrata Nyas New Delhi has started a heart disease reversal program for such people. The programs include a series of programs for the people of varied age groups, for further details visit www.heartdiseasereversalprogramme.org . - Jain Heritage Centres News Service  

JAIN SAMATA VAHINI CLAIMS BHOJASHALA SITE

Jodhpur (Rajasthan), June 9: Jain Samata Vahini, which had earlier claimed that a Jain temple existed at the disputed site in Ayodhya, on Monday demanded handing over of the controversial Bhojshla-Kamal Maula mosque structure in Madhya Pradesh to the Jain community claiming the monument was a "Jain chaitya-sthal" and not a Hindu temple.  "The monument called Bhojshala was one of the several chaitya-sthals constructed by Raja Bhoj during his rule between 1000 AD and 1053 AD under the influence of a Jain Acharya (preacher)," the outfit's national general secretary Sohan Mehta and chief spokesman Kailash Raj Singhavi claimed in a statement in Jodhpur. The executive committee of the vahini, which held its meeting presided over by former Rajasthan High Court Judge S R Bhandari here on June 6, demanded immediate handing over of Bhojshala to Jain community, the statement said. - News Courtesy : expressindia.com .

'KARNATAKA JAINS ASSOCIATION' GOES ONLINE

Dharmasthala (Karnataka), May 15: The website www.jainassociation.com of the Karnataka Jains Association (KJA) an apex organisation representing the Jain Samaj of Karnataka was recently launched by Dr. D.Veerendra Heggade. KJA is a registered organization established in 1918, promoted by Late M.L. Vardhamanaiah, with an objective of overall development of the community inclusive of religious, economical, social, educational and sustained progressive development. During the commemorative year of the 2600^th Janma Kalyana Mahotsav of Lord Mahaveera, KJA has conceived a venture into a mega project : The Karnataka Jaina Bhavan With the blessings and guidance of Jagadguru Karmayogi Swastishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of Shravanabelagola Jain Math and Padmabhushana Rajarshi Dr. D. Veerandra Heggade of Dharmasthala. The project requires all Kind of support from the Jain community. The donation details and other information about the progress in the project can be had from the newly launched website www.jainassociation.org . - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

ACHARYA BADRABAHU AWARD

New Delhi, June 15: Sri Bahubali Parshwanath Upadhyay of Belgaum (Karnataka) has been conferred with the Acharya  Badrabahu Award for the year 2003. The union labour minister Dr.S.Verma gave the award in the auspices of Elacharya Sri Vidyanandaji Maharaj. The Kunda Kunda Barathi Trust of New Delhi has constituted this award to encourage the work done in the field of Jyotish, Vastu, Pratishta Vidhi Vidhan and Jain Agam. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service     

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR ALL INDIA JAIN STUDENT AWARD

Ajmer (Rajasthan), June 15: Applications have been invited for the All India Jain Students award from students who have secured more than 90% in the class 10 and 12 exams during the academic year 2003. The interested students are here by requested to send their hand written applications either in Hindi or English with the following details: name of their parents/guardians,  name, address, hobbies, prizes obtained in extra curricular activities and other details. The applications can be sent to Sri Kailash Grdiya Jain, Organising Secretary, All India Jain Lalenh Encouraging Scheme, No.38, Parshwanath Colony, Vaishalinagar, Ajmer (Rajasthan) - 305006. It can  be recalled here that this award has been given from the past three years to encourage the Jain students for their aceademic excellence. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

HINDU AND JAIN TEMPLE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED AT HASLETT

Haslett (USA), June 13: Members of the Bharatiya Temple of Lansing are celebrating the consecration of the gods, a ceremony they believe gave their temple life and divine power. About 900 mid-Michigan families attend the temple to practice Hinduism or Jainism, two related religions that began in India. It is the fifth anniversary of the consecration of the temple's seven groups of Hindu gods. It's the third anniversary of consecrating the two Jain Tirthankaras, revered as liberated souls and teachers of the religion who lived thousands of years ago. And it's the first year the temple is celebrating both anniversaries together. Hindu and Jain worshipers from the western and southern parts of Michigan were expected at the celebrations, which include devotional songs, talk and prayer. The celebrations kicked off with a performance by Hindustani classical musician Veena Sahasrabuddhe. The ceremonies let members reflect on their faith and the temple's history.  "It's a time to recall the feelings of devotion for the temple," said Raman Anantaraman, temple librarian and historian. The Bharatiya Temple was established as a religious, nonprofit organization in 1982. - News Courtesy: detnews.com

DIPAK JAIN APPOINTED TO UNITED AIRLINES BOARD

ACHARYA SUBHALASAGARJIS CHATURMAS AT SEDABALA

Sedabala (Belgaum, karnataka), June 15th: The chaturmas of Subhalsagarji Maharaj and his sangh would be carried out at the Shanthisagar Ashram at Sedabala. In all there are nine munis, five aryikas, one ailak and one kshulak would be participating in the chaturmas. This happens to be the last chaturmas of Acharya Subhalasagarji as tihs is the 12th and last year of his Niyama Sallekhana. The other ascetics participating in the chaturmas include Muni Sri Narasena Maharaj, Muni Sri Vijayasena Maharaj, Muni Sri Devasena Maharaj, Muni Sri Padmasena Maharaj, Muni Sri Sagarasena Maharaj, Muni Sri Somasena Maharaj, Muni Sri Parshwasena Maharaj, Muni Sri Suparshwasena Maharaj, Muni Sri Arunasena Maharaj, Muni Sri Vajrasena Maharaj, Aryika Sri Suvrata Mataji, Aryika Sri Sanmathi Mataji, Aryika Sri Vishalamathi Mataji, Aryika Sri Lakshmimathi Mataji, Aryika Sri Suvarnamathi Mataji, Aryika Sri Brahmimathi Mathaji, Ailak Sri Druthisena Maharaj, Kshullaka Sri Badhrasena Maharaj and Kshullika Sri Jinamathi Mataji. Every day there will be special discourses during the chaturmas period and special Pooja has been organised on different occasions. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

SRI BAHUBALI PRAVAHCNA MANDIR INAUGURATED AT KARKALA

Karkala, (Mangalore District Karnataka), May 10: The Bahubali Pravanchan Mandir was inagurated at Jain Atishaya Kshetra Karkala bu Dr. D.Veerendra Heggde. The Pravachana Mandir is the result of the developmental works undertaken at Karkala during the Mahamastakabhishekha ceremony of Bhagawan Bahubali. The function was held under the auspices of Sri Lalithakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of  the Jain Muth Karkala. Fromer unin minister and the member of parliament Sri V.Dhananjayakumar Presided the function. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

26TH DIKSHA DAY OF MUNI SRI SUYASHPRABHA SAGARJI MAHARAJ

New Delhi, March 30: The 26th  Deeksha day of Param Pujya Muni Sri Suyashprabhsagarji  Maharaj  was graciously celebrated at Mayur Vihar,  Phase-1, New  Delhi  under the auspices of Thresath Shalaka Purush Pawan Dham Kalash Mandir Trust. The  function was attended by Digambar Acharya Sri Nishant Sagarji  Maharaj, Acharya Sri Roop Chandji Maharaj , Muni Sri Mahendra  Muniji and Sadhvi Ratna Shri Manjulaji Maharaj, and Shri Rashmiji,  who  all felicitated him. It was a unique occasion when saints of  all  major  Jain community assembled under one roof, a historic moment. The programme  was  covered  by  Astha  Channel & was telecasted on 25th April'03 during "Bhakti Samachar". It can be recalled here that Sri  Suyashprabhsagarji Maharaj had taken Diksha at the age of fifteen years under Jain Acharya late Sri Kantisagarji Maharaj . - News Courtesy : sksipani@adityabirla.com

AKRAM VIGNAN : YOUTH SPIRITUAL RETREAT 2003

DIKSHA CEREMONY AT LALITPUR

ROBBERY BID AT JAIN DERASAR , 5 INJURED

Ahmedabad (Gujarat), June 9: A gang of armed robbers fired three rounds from a countrymade pistol at a Jain Derasar injuring five persons, two of them seriously, on the Sarkhej-Dholka Highway on the outskirts of Fatehpura village. The 15-20 member gang targetted the donation box of the temple. They fired on facing resistance from two watchmen and three other local persons. The robbers later decamped with Rs 200 from the donation box.  The injured were the two watchmen — Sanjay Kalu Thakor of Vejalpur village and Satyajit Singh. The former sustained a bullet injury on his right leg, while the latter was hit on his right hand. Three other persons, whom the robbers injured with the help of sharp-edged weapons, were identified as Bharat Ishwar, Sanjay Laxman and Sanjay Laxman. All the injured have been admitted at the V S Hospital.

According to Police Sub-Inspector L G Solanki of the Aslali police station, the incident occurred at about 2 am on Saturday night. A few of the gang members had kept watch outside the temple, while their accomplices had entered the temple. Seeing the robbers, Thakor and Singh attacked them only to be mowed down in a hail of fire from the intruders’ firearm. The ensuing commotion attracted the attention of three other persons from the nearby village. They were attacked by the gang with sharp-edged weapons and wooden battons. Two villagers were stabbed on their limbs and back after being first beaten by wooden battons. After injuring the men, the robbers broke open the donation box and decamped with just Rs 200 in the box. No arrests have yet been made. - News Courtesy : expressindia.com 

BHOOMI PUJA MAHOTSAV FOR ANANTHANATHA SWAMY TEMPLE

Saragur (Mysore District, Karnataka), June 5: The bhoomi puja (ground worship) mahotsav for the Bhagawan Sri Ananthanatha Swamy Digambar Jain temple was held under the guidance of Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kanakagiri Jain muth. Sri Ashok Sethi president of the Karnataka Digambar Mahasabha did the bhoomi puja for the temple. Sri D.Veerendra Heggade of Dharmasthala presided the function. The ancient Digambar Jain temple of Bhagawan Ananthanatha will be renovated and rebuilt at the proposed site. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service         

CHATURMAS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tindivanam, Tamil Nadu: The chaturmas of Sadhvi Sri Ujvalakanvarji M.S., Sadhvi Sri Keerthisudhaji M.S. and Sadhvi Sri Unnathisriji M.S. will be held at Tindivanam in Tamil Nadu.

Tirupatttur, Tamil Nadu: The chaturmas of Sri Suryodayavijayji M.S., Sri Rishabachandravijayji M.S., Sri Rasendravijayji M.S. and Sri Vishwendravijayji M.S. followers of Srimad Vijayaratnakarasurishwarji M.S. will be held at Tirupattur in Tamil Nadu.

Mysore, Karnataka: The chaturmas of Sadhvi Sri Sumanasriji M.S. follower of Acharya Sei Mahapragyaji will be held at the Terapanthi Sabha Bhavan, Mahavira Bhavan, Mysore.

PRASHANTH JAIN BAGS BUSINESS STANDARD AWARD

Mumbai, June 12: Prashant Jain, the chief investment officer at the erstwhile Zurich India Mutual Fund, now part of the HDFC Mutual stable has bagged the Business Standard Fund Manager of the Year Award. Jain follows a stream of eminent fund mangers who have made an extraordinary effort to deliver value for their unit holders in good times and in bad. - News Courtesy : business-standard.com  

DHARMA BHUSHANA AWARD

Mumbai, April 27: Noted industrialist and social worker Sardar Sri Chandulal Hirachand Shah was felicitated with the Dharma Bhushana award by the chief minister of Maharashtra Sri Chagan Rao Bhujabal on his 75th brith day. The function was held in the auspices of Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Swamiji of the Kolhapur Jain Muth. A feliciataion volume was released to mark the event. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service 

KEVALAGNANA KALYANA OF BHAGAWAN MAHAVIRA

Kundalpur (Nalanda, Bihar), May 11: The Kevalagana kalyana of Bhagawan Mahavira was held at Kindalpur the birth place of Bhagawan Mahavira under the guidance of Aryika Sri Gnanamathimathaji. The panchamrutha ahishekh, mahashanthidhara vidhan and the samosaran mandal vidhan were organised on the occassion. The foundation stone was laid for the construction of the Choubis Tirthankara Jain temple. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service  

NEW PUBLICATIONS

'ATMABHUTI KE MOTI' RELEASED

New Delhi, March 30: the book  "ATMANUBHUTI KE MOTI "published by Shri Pratap Singh  Sipani  of  Gwalior  was  released on  the  occasion  of the 26th diksha day celebrations of Parama Pujya Muni Sri Suyashprabhasagarji Maharaj. The book is a compilation of the virtues  of  the different religions along with Jainism. The book highlights the basics  of Jainism and the importance of non-violence. It contains  Bhaktamar  Strota  in  Sanskrit, Hindi, Hindi poetry and English translation  with  its  history  of  origin. Navkar  Mantra  with  the Hindi translation and its impact  giving  factual  examples  of  miracles. It has unique collection  of thoughts and teachings of saints.  The book also encompasses responsibility  of  young  generation  towards  their parents, gurus in the light of invading western culture. This  collection  will  benefit  the people of all age groups and the people of all faiths. The book is available on request at the following address : Shri P.S. Sipani, 18-A, Jawahar Nagar, Kampoo, Lashkar, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh)- 474 001 India, Tel : 0751-2325521(R) Email: sksipani@adityabirla.com

Acharyadev Srimad Vijay Surishwarji Maharaj: passeD away on the 12th of June 2003 at the Siddachala Sthulabadhra Dhama of Devanalli near Bangalore. Titled as Dakshina Kesari, Acharyaji was the pratishtacharya for 45 Jain temples in South India.

Moodabidri (Karnataka), May 14: Noted Jain writer in Kannada and author of many Jain classic works like Sanmathi Kagga, Jivandhar Swami Charitha, Tatwarthsuthra (Hindi to Kannada translation), Smt Ratnamma Jain passed away on 14th May here at her residence in Moodabidri. She leaves behind her husband one daughter and four sons.

Greater Boston (USA), June 6: The first annual pratishtha mahotsava of the Jain temple at the Jain centre of Greater Boston was celebrated on Friday, June 6 2003.

Mayasandra (Tumkur Dsitrict, Karnataka), June 10: The 16th annual pooja mahotsav of Bhagawan Parshwanatha Digambar Jain temple was held under the guidance of Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Narasimharajapura Jain muth.

Kapu (Udupi District, Karnataka), June 15: The first annual pooja mahotsav of Bhagawan Dharmanatha Swami Digambar Jain temple was held on June 15th. Special pooja was also offered to Goddess Padmavathi and Sri Kshetrapala.

Bidare (Tumkur District, Karnataka) May 18: The fifth annual pooja mahotsav of Bhagawan Sri Suparshwanatha Digambar Jain temple was held under the guidance of Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Narasimharajapura Jain muth. 108 kalasha abhishekha, special pooja and the religious gahering were arranged on the occassion. Noted Jain scholar Sri Ramachandra Syadvadi was honoured by the Digambar Jain samaj of Bidare.

Hubli (Dharwar District, Karnataka), May13: The annual pooja mahotsav of the 900 years old Adinatha Digmbar Jain temple situated in the old Hubli area were held on May 13th, 2003.

www.jainology.org - Website of the Institute of Jainology, UK. Gives information about the activities and projects undertaken by the Institute of Jainology. Information about Jainism, Jain links and lot more. 

www.jainassociation.com - A website giving information of the Karnataka Jains Association, the apex Jain Organisation representing the Karnataka Jain Samaj, its activities and  the projects under taken. 

Saturday 17^th May 2003 – Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Parshwanath.

Saturday 24^th May 2003 – Janma Kalyana and Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Munisuvratha, Samadhi Day of Acharya Jayakeerthi Muni.

Wednesday 28^th May 2003 – Garbha Kalyana  of Bhagawan Dharmanath.

Thursday 29^th May 2003- Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Naminitha.

Wednesday 4^th June 2003 – Moksha Kalyanak of Bhagawan Dharmanatha, 131^st Birthday of Charitra Chakravarthi Sri Shanthisagarji Maharaj.

Wednesday 11^th June 2003 – Janma Kalyanak and Diksha Kalyanak of Bhagawan Suparshwanatha.

Thursday 12^th June 2003 – Pattabishekha Vardhyanthutsava of Bhattarakha Maharaj of Kanakagiri.

Friday 20^th June 2003 – Garbha Kalyanak of Bhagawan Shreyamsanatha .

Tuesday 24^th June 2003 – Garbha Kalyanak of Bhagawan Vimalanatha.

Thursday 26^th June 2003 – Janma Kalyanak and Diksha Kalyanak of Bhagawan Ananthanatha.

Saturday 28^th June 2003 – Janma Kalyanak, Diksha Kalyanak and Moksha Kalyanak of Bhagawan Shanthinatha.

Sunday 29^th June 2003 – Garbha Kalyanak of Bhagawan Ajithanatha.

Wednesday 2nd July to Sunday 6th July 2003 - 12th Biennial Jaina Convention at Greater Cincinati, USA.

Saturday 5th July 2003 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Mahavira.

Sunday 6th July 2003 - Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Neminatha.

Monday 7th July 2003 - Nandishwara Ashtahnikaparva begins, Chaturmas begins.

Sunday 13th July 2003 - Gurupoornima, Sri Veerashasana Jayanthi.

Tuesday 15th July 2003 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Rishabanatha.

Saturday 19th July 2003 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Vasupujya.    

Monday 21st July 2003 - Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Vimalanatha.

Wednesday 23rd July 2003 - Janma Kalyana and Deksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Naminatha.

Thursday 31st July 2003 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Sumathinatha.

Additions as on 15th JUNE 2003

Functions and Ceremonies - Photos of the Panchakalyana Pratishta Mahotsa of the Mahavir Jain temple  at Hassan, Karnataka, India.

Photos of the Mahamasthakabhishekha of Bhagawan Bahubali at Veenur held in 1999, Karnataka, India.