JAINA VOICE
A publication of www.jainheritagecentres.com

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

Vol.2      Issue 3

JULY 2003

   

Editorial

NAMOKARA MAHAMANTRA
 

Om

Namo Arihanthanam

Namo Siddhanam

Namo Ayariyanam

Namo Uvajjayanam

Namo Loye savvasahunam

  

    Mantras are symbolic of unique exposition of religious sentiments and beliefs. Though they look invain they constitute the central foci of spiritual spirit. Namokara mantras lack historical background and hence are regarded as an infinite and obscure seedling hymn. Namokara mantra includes salute to Arihanta, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya and Sarvasadhu who are also called as Panchaparameshtis. It is strongly believed that by praying to the Panchaparameshtis one attains moksha, the fifth stage in search of celestial happiness. It is essential that one should know its meaning and greatness. Namokara mahamantra denotes the concepts of Jainism such as equality and equanimity among the various religions. Panchaparameshtis possess special qualities. Every living being is capable of attaining the status of Panchaparameshti with a sense of discretion and discrimination in the endeavor of propagation of the inherent spirit of an individual. This should further enhance sincerity and concentration absolved in atma, the supreme. The soul is eternal but becomes extinct completely with the dissolution and release of karma. Panchaparameshtis are not different individuals but are the five stages of sole soul.

   Panchaparameshtis are endowed with several distinct qualities and significant colour. Arihantha is identified with white and 46 qualities signifying purity and elimination of gathikarma, siddha is identified with red colour bearing 8 qualities signifying the removal of agathikarma, acharya has got 36 qualities with yellow colour signifying patronage, upadhyaya  is identified with blue colour and 25 qualities and denoting confidence, sadhu is identified with purple colour and 28 qualities signifying incarnation with great deeds.

Namokara mahamantra is also regarded as Aparajitha Mantra it is equivalent to Gyathri mantra of Hindus and Trisarana mantra of Buddhists. It is also regarded as king of hymns. It has found its unique place among all the sects of Jainism. It is originally derived from Prakrit and is found is shatkandagama. It was expressed in script form about 2000 years ago by Acharya Pushpadantha.

   Namokara mantra is found in the inscription of Hathigumpha cave near Udayagiri, the famous Jain pilgrimage centre in Kalinga (Orissa). This inscription was traced in Hathigumpha cave and it belongs to the famous king Kharavela of 2nd B.C.

   Special mention of it is also made in Pragnapanasutra and Acharya Veerasena's Dhavalakara. Worshiping of Jina through Namokara mantra is a means by which the sins are delineated hence it is considered as the most sanctifying hymn in Jain worship. It acts as a panacea for deciphering all the misdeeds and sins in life.         

Thanking you,

-Dr. H.A.Parshwanath

HUGE GROUP OF DIGAMBAR JAIN ASCETICS JOIN AT SHRAVANABELAGOLA FOR CHATURMAS

Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), July 12: After a gap of several years a huge group of Digambar Jain ascetics have gathered at Shravanabelagola for the Chaturmas of the Year 2003. Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Digambar Jain math Shravanabelagola, a group of sixty Aryikas led by Aryika Sri Gurumathimathaji the disciples of Acharya 108 Sri Vidyasagarji Maharaj, Acharya 108 Sri Kalyanasagarji Maharaj along with his disciples Aryika Sri Keerthimathi Mathaji and Kshullak 105 Sri Verasagarji Maharaj and  a group of five Aryikas led by Aryika Sri Gnanamathimataji the disciples of Acharya Sri Sumathisagarji Maharaj have gathered at Shravanabelagola for the holy monson surjon.

The proceedings of the chaturmas began on the 12th of July at an attractive function held under the guidance of Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj. Smt and Sri Ashok Patni of R.K.Marbles were felicitated on the occasion for arranging the two thousand kilometers long journey of the Jain Muni sangh. Sri Bhanukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of the Kambadahalli Digambar Jain Math and Kshullakh Sri Dharmakeerthi Swamiji were present on the occasion. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service      

RELIGIONS SHOULD CONVERGE : KALAM

Mumbai, July 7: With his trademark infusion of innocence and profundity, President A P J Abdul Kalam on Sunday called for the ‘‘islands’’ of different religious faiths to come together ‘‘for a prosperous, safe India’’. The President was formally inaugurating Times Foundation, a non-governmental initiative by The Times Group, aimed at raising awareness for the creation of a just and equal civil society. Speaking at the premises of The Times of India here, Kalam, who said he had prepared to talk on science but had spontaneously decided to switch to spirituality to suit the occasion, described his numerous visits to religious leaders and shrines during his presidency. ‘‘They are beautiful but they are all islands. They need to be inter-connected with love and compassion,’’ he noted, addressing a hall packed with personalities from the political, bureaucratic, business and NGO arenas, as well as children from the city’s municipal schools. - News Courtesy: Times of India

12TH INTERNATIONAL JAINA CONVENTION HELD AT CINCINATI

Greater Cincinnati (USA), July 6: The 12th Biennial Jaina Convention of the Jains Association in North America (JAINA) was organized from July 3-6, 2003. The Jain Center of Cincinnati & Dayton had organized the event. The theme of the convention was Jainism: the Art of Living.  The conference included  discourses from prominent international Jain scholars from all over the world. More that 50 papers related to various aspects of Jainism were presented during the convention. Apart from this there was a focus on participative events such as Yoga, Meditation, Art and Vegetarian Cooking. During the evening, professional entertainment in conjunction with participative presentations from Jain centers across North America were held in the form of short dramas, songs & dances.

Service Project: The conference also included a service project that sent 230 youth members to volunteer at Cincinnati's Freestore Foodbank, Children's Home, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful and the Mount Airy Forest.

Photo Exibition: A selection of 30 photographs from some of the world’s best-known photographers of Indian culture and some new photographers was prepared and displayed by the Jain Spirit magazine. The theme of the exhibition was ‘Jainism: Ancient Tradition, Modern Values'. The subjects of the photos were art, worship, wisdom, lifestyle, role models, heritage, science and environment. The exhibition was curated by James Maturin-Baird the photo editor of Jain Spirit. Each photo was accompanied by captions which give a positive and vibrant message about the practical and scientific wisdom of Jainism. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

COLLECTION OF JAIN MANUSCRIPTS
New Delhi, June 1: The government of India has intended to collect and prepare a catalog of the huge collection of Jain manuscripts that are found all over India. As a part of this process the government has assigned the work of collection and compilation of these manuscripts in North India to the Bogilal Lehar Chand Institute of Indology (20 Kms away from Delhi along the G.T.Karnal Road, Alipur Delhi - 110036). Interested persone can contact Prof. Vimaprakash Jain for further details of the project. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

DE-SILTING BETWA THROWS UP RARE JAIN AND HINDU STATUES

Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh), June 21: Vidisha, earlier called Baisnagar, an important city during the Mauraya and Gupta eras, is in the news again. Cleanliness and de-silting work in the 532 km long Betwa river has sprung up an ancient surprise - rare artefacts belonging to the Gupta period. A dozen Jain artefacts and idols of Mahishasurmardini and Harihar belonging to the Gupta period has awakened archeologists, who believe the discovery may throw some light on how Baisnagar was destroyed in the 7th century AD. These idols have been preserved in a local museum here.
"Each day during the cleanliness drive, we would find a statue or two. So far we've found more than 150 artefacts," said Sudha Choudhary, Collector, Vidisha. Vidisha was a prosperous and important city in the 3rd century BC - the time of the Mauryas - and remained one till the 7th century AD. But so far except for a huge rock-cut temple at Udaygiri, a rare 3rd century statue of Kuber (the god of wealth) and a 2.1-metre-long Yakshi belonging to the Mauryan age, little else had been found here. "The period around 7th century AD is known as the dark period. After excavations it was found that an entire layer was covered with sand. So it is believed that the city was submerged by a huge flood," said D K Mathur, Curator, State Archaeology. Once more the question has resurfaced - what happened to the ancient city of Baisnagar that suddenly disappeared in the 7th century? Archeologists believe that these artefacts may provide the missing link. -News Courtesy: NDTV

TIRTHANKARA IDOL RESCUED FROM EXTINCTION AT KOOLAMANGALAM

Koolmamgala (Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu): The idol of a Jain Tirthankara lying in an open farm place at Koolmamgala a village near Kanchipuram on Kanchipuram-Vandavasi road , nearly 10 kms from kanchipuram was rescued from extinction by Mr. Padmaraj Nainar(Jain) with the help of the local Jain community. The idol has been situated atop the hill and till today it is inaccessible by road.
 The photographs of the rescued idol before and after renovation are given below.

The devotees getting down from the hillock where the idol was found

The rescued idol and the construction of a garbhagriha arround it. - Photo and News Courtesy: A.V.Jain

'SAMAJA BHUSHANA' AWARDS CONFERRED

Kolhapur (Maharashtra), June 15: The coveted 'Samaja Bhushana' awards were conferred to 90 dignitaries of Jainism from South India at an attractive function held at the Kolhapur. Sri Jinasena Bhattarakha Swamiji of  the Nandani Jain Math and Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Swamiji of the Kolhapur Jain Math and other dignitaries were conferred with the award for their meritorious contribution to Jainism and in other fields. Ex member of the parliment Sri Kallappanna Avade and the member of the legislative assembly Sri Sharad Patil were the chief guests of the function. The Dakshina Bharatha Jain Sabha has constituted this award to recognise and encourage the contribution of Jains in different fields. On the occasion the Valva Kisan Ahir Sugar Factory of Sangli district donated a sum of Rs. 5.15 lakhs towards the educational funds of the Sabha. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

JAIN CHATURMAS DIRECTORY 2003

WE HERE BY WOULD LIKE TO INFORM YOU THAT WE ARE BRINGING THE JAIN CHATURMAS DIRECTORY 2003

WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU TO GIVE US SUGGESTIONS AND SEND US THE DETAILS OF THE CHATURMAS TAKING PLACE IN THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTRY AND HELP US MAKE IT USEFUL TO THE ENTIRE JAIN COMMUNITY

PLEASE SEND YOUR INFORMATION TO info@jainheritagecentres.com

'JAIN VIBHUSHAN' AWARD CONSTITUTED BY JAIN SOCIAL GROUP

Mumbai, July 2:  The Jain Social Groups International Federation, and apex body of the Jain Social Groups and Jain Social Groups Federation Foundation has resolved to institute an award, for the promotion of Jainism to be named as "Jain Vibhushan" Award, to be awarded once in two years, to any individual, who has achieved excellence and given single contribution in social, economic, educational, cultural, professional, trade and industrial fields, within the broad framework of Jain philosophy, principles and ideals. ‘Jain Vibhushan’ Award, the first of its kind is being instituted with a view to identify and bring to light the shining examples, which could inspire, guide and motivate the next generations and the community at large. This prestigious and coveted Award would carry a Gold Plated citation, narrating the outstanding achievement of the Awardee. The Award would be presented to the recipient, selected by Jury, at the time of the Biennial Convention of the Federation. 

The Award will be open to any individual, whose contribution in any of the following fields has been worth recognition and appreciation within  the paramters of Jain philosophy, the basic principles of Jainism: Social Service, Education, Medical Field, Trade & Industry, Women empowerment, Child welfare, Literature, Journalism & Media, Non-violence, Crusade against social evils, Setting standards in public life, Unto the last-reaching out to remote corners, Bridging the gap between haves and haves-not. The last date for the submission of nominations is 30th September. For further details of the award contact :Jain Social Groups International Federation, 4-O/P, Vijay Chambers, Tribhuvan Road, Opp. Dreamland Cinema, Mumbai - 400 004, Email: jsgfederation@vsnl.net  - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

ROBBERY AT SAMSE JAIN TEMPLE
Samse (Chickmagalur District, Karnataka), June 12: A gang of armed robbers attacked the Digambar Jain temple at Samse and have stolen many Jain idols worth several lakhs rupees made of panchaloha (five metals). It is said that they have attacked the  temple at around 3 P.M., broken the locks and entered the temple. The Karnataka Jains Association has expressed concern over the increasing robbery attacks on the Jain pilgrim places in the state and has requested the chief minister of Karnataka Sri S.M.Krishna to take appropriate precautionary measures to avoid such incidents. It can be recalled here that a similar planned attack on the Kanakagiri hillock had led to the theft of the many Jain idols worth 10 lakhs rupees. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service    

JAIN AND BUDDHIST SITES FOUND IN ANDHRA PRADESH

Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh), July 15: The Andhra Pradesh Archaeology and Museums Department has come across ten Buddhist and Jain sites in East and West Godavari districts of the State. The sites were found during a recent exploration and epigraphical survey, Department Assistant Director K Raghunath said.

The first among them was found in Pithapuram when the Endowment Department personnel were digging the soil for building of a small shrine for 'pada-gaya' at Kukkuteswaraswamy temple. It had brick- and-limestone buddhist mandapa pillars. ''Pithapuram is otherwise called Peetikapuram. The antiques were established as early as in second and third century BC. It was between 12th and 14th century AD that the temple complex was established at Pitapuram,'' he said. During the course of digging soil at Chollangi in Tallarevu mandal in East Godavari district, brick-wall structures were exposed with slight damage. Towards the southern side of them were rims of storage jars of coarse variety, of pots, vessels, miniature pots and pieces of tiles.

At Vemagiri, 15 km from here, pot shreds, associated with corlenian bead were recovered during exploration. Vemagiri has been one of the primary Buddhist sites of the erstwhile Andhra Desa, and only recently had Anand Buddha Vihar people installed a Buddha idol upon the local mound belonging to second century BC. At Jegurupadu, also 15 km away from here, 30 motif stupa remains were found from a mound on the wall side of G V K Power Plant in Kesavaram mandal. At Gollaprolu, six km away from Pithapuram, a 'paati' (habitation mound) was seen. Experts were ascertaining the antiquity of a 'panchayathana' plaque in three pieces recovered from there during further excavation. During the course of survey Buddhist/Jains sites were discovered at Nemam, 20 km from Kakinada. A mound was seen with a temple complex nearby. A 'linga' had been installed in a circular hollow stupa in the ten-acres land.

During the course of digging a mound to level the land, Erramalla villagers in West Godavari district found a brick wall measuring 7.20x0.50 cm in east-west direction. At Kadiayadda in Tadepalligudem mandal in West Godavari district, a redstone-built structure in the midst of a tank, was found in a damaged condition. The structure was a memorial pillar (stupa) of the region of early Chalukyans in the sixth and seventh century AD. A second century Buddhist structure was found upon the top of the hillock at a the distance of two km from Asannagudem in Lingapalem mandal of West Godavari. Villagers collected two copper coins from the site. The survey found two limestone pillars at the Malleswaraswamy temple - one in its front and the other at the verandah. - News Courtesy: Sify.com

BHOOMI POOJA FOR THE FIRST THRESASHTI SHALAKA PURUSH TEMPLE IN INDIA
New Delhi, June 15: The bhoomi pooja for the first ever Trishashti Shalaka Purush Jain Temple in India was held at the mayur vihar area of New Delhi. The idols (63 idols) of all the Trishashti Shalaka Purushs mentioned in the Jain scriptures namely the viz.  24 Thirthankar,  12 Chakravarti, 9 Baldeo, 9 Prati-Baldeo, and 9 Vasudeo would be installed at this proposed temple. This unique  temple would be worth Crores of rupees and first of its kind in the world  in  the  form of a Kalash. Its Bhoomi Pujan was done on 15.06.03 and the Shilanyas was held on 22nd June'03 at this site. - News Courtesy: sksipani@adityabirla.com

ANIMAL RIGHTS SEMINAR (AR 2003) HELD AT FARM USA

The Animal Rights Seminar was held from 27th June to 2nd July, 2003. The subjects for presentation of papers and discussion consisted broadly of the following areas: Program Preview, Historic Overview, State of the Movement, Orientation (animal rights, perception of animals, animals for food, animals for research, animals for amusement, animals in the wild, vegan lifestyle, activism and legislation). Elements of Social Change (nature of social struggle, stages of social change, recognizing victory) .How Vegan Is Enough? (can we use sugar, wine, cat food, gelcaps, film, 'cruelty-free' with body parts?) Animal Cognition (how animals learn, think, and communicate), Nourishing Activism (benefits and concerns of a vegan lifestyle) Getting Attention (demos, vigils, CDs, banner drops, street theater, disruptions) What Rights? Which Animals? (what rights do we advocate for which animals? should intelligence matter?) Coping with Law Enforcement (dealing with permits, arrests, jail time, grand juries, law suits Animal Victim hood (commonality of mindset that oppresses animals, children, women, others) Applying Law Enforcement (challenges of law enforcement in the Patriot era) When Is Killing OK? (attacking animals? unwanted dogs & cats? unwanted or deformed fetuses?) Agony On the Farm (abuses of cattle, pigs, chickens, and turkeys in factory farms Effective Investigations (use of opportunity, persistence, equipment, appearance of authority) Appeal to Feelings (techniques for appealing to public feelings on behalf of animals) How to Deal with Loved Ones? (dealing with social occasions, mates, relatives, friends, acquaintances?) Agony in the Slaughterhouse (abuse of animals in slaughterhouses and live markets Arguing Cruelty-Free Eating (raising health, environment, resource, economic, and ethical arguments) What Price Solidarity? (should we tolerate damaging tactics or statements by other leaders/groups?) Slaughter in the Fields (destruction of wildlife and their habitats by animal agriculture).

Effective Communication Tools (use of broadcast e-mailing and faxing, listservs, interactive websites) Arguing Cruelty-Free Amusement (raising issues of public safety, kids and violence, poor sportmanship)-What Should Be Movement Priorities? (which animal abuses? nationals or grassroots? advocates or sanctuaries?)
Slaughter on the Seas (commercial slaughter of fish and marine mammals Effective Web Sites (attractive design, effective structure, rapid loading, promoting traffic) Animals in Research (abuse of animals in biomedical research Enacting Federal Legislation (selecting issues, forging coalitions, dealing with legislators and committees) How to Deal w. Adversaries? (through eternal hostility? end runs? negotiations? viewing as potential partners?) Animals in Testing (abuse of animals testing of household and cosmetic products Enacting State/Local Laws (selecting issues, forging coalitions, dealing with legislators and committees) Animals in Education/Training (abuse of animals in school dissection and surgery training; Use of effective Visuals. Animals in Manufacture (abuse of animals in manufacture of drugs and organs What Price Animal Liberation? (how far do we go to liberate animals? what tactics are off-limits?) Breeding Our Companions (abuse of animal companions in puppy and bird mills [videos]) Killing for 'Sport' (abuse of animals in hunting and fishing; canned hunts; Killing for Skins (abuse of animals farmed & trapped for fur & leather) Animal Welfare Act (enforcing AWA in puppy mills, laboratories, zoos, circuses) Running Effective Events (objectives, action plan, resource inventory, publicity, media, policing) Engaging Abroad (affecting public opinion and policies, in other countries) 'Sport' Campaigns (hunting, rodeos, bullfighting, cockfighting, greyhound racing) Wildlife Protection Laws (legislation and litigation on behalf of animals in the wild) Contact: Dawn Moncrief, FARM, 888-FARM USA, www.animalrights2003.org

ANKIT JAIN SECURES SEVENTH RANK IN ALL INDIA IIT ENTRANCE EXAMS
Ludhiana: Ludhiana-based Ankit Jain has secured seventh rank all over India in the entrance exam of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Ankit is a student of DAV College, Chandigarh. He did Class X from Lawrence School, Sanawar, and Class XII from Chandigarh. Ankit has said his result was beyond expectation. ‘‘I was expecting to rank between 100 and 200, but it is really a very good news for me. I am thankful to myself, my teachers and my family for this achievement,’’ he said. Ankit added that after engineering, he wants to do MBA. ‘‘Then I will either opt for some job or join my father’s business in hosiery,’’ Ankit said, adding that he did not take coaching from any academy, but from individual, Chandigarh-based teachers. Jain Heritage Centres on behalf of the Jain community congratulates Ankit Jain for this outstanding  achievement. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

INTERNATIONAL PREKSHA MEDITATION CAMP AT SURAT

A 9 days residential Preksha Meditation camp is being organized from 8th October 2003 to 16th October 2003 in a newly built campus in Surat, Gujarat (India). This complex is designed in a fashion and style that is most suited to hold such spiritual self-realizing events. The greatest attraction of this camp is that His Holiness Acharya Shri Mahapragya himself will enlighten souls of participants through his most vibrant and awakening autosuggestions during the meditation sessions. This is a wonderful opportunity not to be missed. The seats being very limited only the fortunate ones will get a chance to attend this camp. There is a screening for selection of the participants. The camp is open for both national as well as international participants. Special Attractions of the Camp is the use of multimedia and latest audio video techniques, personal counseling in few selected cases, camp of international standards with participation of foreign delegates and elite class participants. - News Courtesy: Manish Modi

TULU SAHITYA ACADEMY AWARD
Mangalore (Karnataka), July 15: Dr. S.D.Shetty professor at the Sri Dharmasthala Manjunateshwara College, Ujire has been awarded with the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy award. He has been awarded with this award his work Tulunadina Jaina Dharma - Ondhu Samskruthika Adhyayana (Jainism in Tulunadu - A cultural Study). - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

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SRI HARSHAKUMARJI MUNETHA CONFERRED WITH BHAGAWAN SADBAVANA AWARD
Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh), June 29: Sri Harshakumarji Munetha national president of Manav Milan Samsthan was conferred with the coveted Bhagawan Mahavir Sadbhavana Vishwa Sadbhavana Award  at an attrative function held at the Indira Priyadarshini hall, Hyderabad. The Bhagawan Mahavir Sadbhavana Puraskar Samithi has constituted this award to recognise the contribution of Jains in social service.  The function was held under the auspices of Muni Sri Abhayasenavjayji M.S. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

CHARACTER BUILDING IS NECESSARY
Ambala, July 15: Character building is necessary for national unity and integrity, said Haryana Governor Babu Parmanand while addressing at a Jain Chaturmas function held here on Tuesday. He said increasing incidence of corruption, killings and crimes at the international level was a result of the degradation in people’s thinking. He asked the people to follow the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir which are aimed at human integrity, non violence, honesty in dealing, truth, selflessness and kindness. The Governor released ‘‘Guru Shanty Jyan Sarovar’’ book written by Jain Muni on the occasion. -News Courtesy: expressindia.com

AIRLINE VEGETARIAN MEALS

Los Angeles, California, July 13: Traveling by air and ordering a vegetarian meal can be like playing Russian roulette. You simply don't know what will appear on your tray. Vegetarians who are planning to travel by plane may wonder what vegetarian food choices are available. Vegetarians in Paradise provides a chart of airlines who serve vegetarian/vegan meals as well as comments by passengers on some vegetarian menus served by the listed airlines. Vegetarians in Paradise is a comprehensive, nonprofit e-zine offering ideas on being a vegetarian, breaking news in the vegetarian world, reviews on vegetarian food companies and their products and much more. -News Courtesy: Hinduism Today

DIKSHA CEREMONY

Kothali (Belgaum District, Karnataka): Kshullakh 105 Sri Kulabhushana Maharaj was given the muni diksha by Muni Sri Dharmabhushana Maharaj. He was renamed as Muni 108 Sri Ratnabhushana Maharaj. Latter on the 16th memorial anniversary of Deshabhushanji Maharaj were celebrated at Kothali under the guidance of Acharya Sri Subhalasagarji Maharaj. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service  

PRATISHTA MAHOTSAV AT MADDUR
Maddur (Mandya District, Karnataka), June 20: The pratishta mahotsav of the newly built Sri Sumathinatha Jain temple were held from 13th to 20th June under the gudiance of Acharya Sri Kalpayahsasurishwarji M.S. and Sri Kalapoornavijayji M.S. On the occassion the Dasha dikpal pooja, navagraha pooja and the ashtamangala pooja were arranged. Thousands of devotees from all over Karnataka and other parts of South India participated in the grand procession held on 19th June. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service  

PROFESSOR G.BRAHAMAPPA CONFERED WITH ATTIMABBE AWARD
Bangalore (Karnataka) , June 15: Noted Kannada writer on Jainism Professor G.Brahmappa (81) was conferred with the Attimabbe award for the year 2003 for his meritorious contribution to the Jain literature. This awrd has been constituted by the Attimabbe foundation to recognise the meritorious contribution of the Kannada writers to Jainism. Prof. Brahmappa is the recipient of the coveted Chavundaraya Award (given by the Kannada Sahitya Parishad), Sri Kharavela Award (given by the Orissa government), Gommatshwara Pratshtana award, Ratnakara award and many other coveted awards. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service      

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CHATURMAS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Bangalore: The chaturmas of the Muni 108 Sri Sumerusagarji Maharaj will be held at the Adinatha Jain temple situated in the Chakreshwari Samaj building at the Jayanagar 3rd block area. 
Narasimharajapur (Chickamagalur District, Karnataka): The chaturmas of Muni Sri Suradevsagarji Maharaj, Aryika Sri Kaivalya Sri Mathaji and Kshullakha Sri Kundakunda Sagarji Maharaj will be held at the Digambar Jain math of Narasimharajapur.
Kunigal (Tumkur District, Karnataka): The chaturmas of Aryika Sri Gnanamathi mathaji Disciple of Acharya Sri Sumathisagarji Maharaj will be held at the Parshwanath Digambar Jain temple of Kunigal.

NEW PUBLICATIONS
The following Jain classics have been reprinted by Pravachan Prakshan:
Kavyanusasanam (Sanskrit) - By Hemacandracarya, Ed. by Mahamahopadhyaya Pandit Sivadatta Sarma, First edition 1936; 1st Pravachan Prakshan edition 2002, Hardcover edition. 458 pages, Rs. 80.00.
Karikavali (Sanskrit) : Including Siddanthamuktavalisahita, By Viswanatha Nyayapancanana Bhattacarya, Ed. by Mahadeva Sarma, First edition 1929; 1st Pravachan Prakshan edition 2002, Paperback edition 2002. 89 pages, Rs. 20.00.
Nayamratam (Sanskrit) : A collection of the Nayavicaras of major Jain Acaryas, Compiled by Vairagyarativijaya Pravachan Prakshan, Pune; 1st edition 2002, Hardcover edition 2002. 163 pages, Rs. 70.00
Saddarsana Samuccayah (Sanskrit): By Haribhadra Suri,  Laghuvrtti by Acarya Somatilaka, Edited by AcaryaVijayajambusuri & Dr Mahendrakumar Nyayacarya, Re edited by Vairagyarativijaya, 1st Pravachan Prakashan edition 2002, Hardcover edition 2002. 144 pages, Rs. 60.00
Other books on Jainism by Pravachan Prakashan :
Gunanuvada Pravacana (Gujarati) : Sermons by Acarya Vijayaramacandra Suri Ed. by  Muni Vairayarativijaya , Pravachan Prakshan, Pune; 1st edition 2002, Hardcover edition 2002. 397 pages, Rs. 100.00
Prabhu Kyare Krpa Karso? (Gujarati): A Gujarati exposition on the popular "Jaya Viraya Jagagguru" Sutta By Muni Vairayarativijaya, Pravachan Prakshan, Pune; 1st edition 2002, Paperback edition 2002. 70 pages, Rs. 20.00
Phoolma Phorya Rama (Gujarati) : Sermons by Acarya Vijayaramacandra Suri Paperback edition 2002. 54 pages, Rs. 10.00
For copies of the above books contact email: Hindi Granth Karyalay,  Booksellers and Publishers, Hirabaug, C. P. Tank, Mumbai 400004, India, Phone: +91-22-23826739, Email: manish.modi@bol.net.in

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 POOJA MAHOTSAV

The main intension of this particular 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 th eJain temples taking place at the nooks and corners of the world.
Mysore (Karnataka), July  6: The 106th annual pooja mahotsav of the Bhagawan Sri Shanthinatha  Digambar Jain temple were held under the guidance of Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kanakagiri Jain muth.
Bangalore (Karnataka), June 5: The mass pooja mahotsav was conducted at the Sri Neminath Jain Temple of Rajaji Nagar to mark the occasion of Shrutapanchami. Smt M.P.Ananthamathi gave discourses on Shatkandagama on the occasion. 
Bedakehala (Belgaum District, Karnataka), June 5: The panchamrutha abhishekha, shruthaskanda vidhana and the procession of the Jinavani were conducted at the Bhagawan Sri Parshwanath Digambar Jain temple to mark the occasion of Shrutapanchami.
Mayasandra (Tumkur District, Karnataka), June 10: The 16th annual pooja mahotsav of the Parshwanath Jain temple were conducted at Mayasandra on June 10th 2003. Dr. Saraswathi Vijayakumar gave a religious discourse on the occasion.
Nellikaru (Mangalore District, Karnataka), June 29: The installation ceremony of the Brahma Yaksha stambha (pillar) in front of the Sri Ananthanatha Digambar Jain temple were held in front of a huge gathering ay Nellikaru. Latter the gandhaabhishekaha and  pushpaarchana were offered to Ananthanatha and the kunkumarchana to Goddess Padmavathi.

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JAIN WEB WATCH

www.drongiri.com - Gives information of the Jain pilgrim centre Drongiri and of the various facilities available at Drongiri. This website maintained by the Drongiri trust gives information in both Hindi and English.     
www.ahmedabadjinalaya.org - Gives information about the Jain temples found at Ahmedabad.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

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.

Sunday 3rd August 2003 - Janma Kalyana and Deksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Naminatha.

Monday 4th August 2003 - Mukutasapthami, Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Parshwanatha.

Friday 8th August 2003 - Varamahalakshmi Vrata.

Tuesday 12th August 2003 - Upakarma - Rakshabandhan, Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Shreyamsanatha, Birthday of Muni Sri Kulabhushanji Maharaj.

Wednesday 13th August 2003 - Shodashabhavana Vrata begins.

Thursday 14th August 2003 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Munisuvratha.

Tuesday 19th August 2003 - Pattabhishekha Vardhyanthutsava of Kambadahalli  Bhattarakhaji.

Friday 22nd August 2003 - Garbhakalyana of Bhagawan Kunthunatha.

Friday 29th August 2003 - Pattabhishekha Vardhyanthutsava of Moodabidri Bhattarakhaji.

WEB POLL

JHC Web poll question for the month of July 2003  
Mahapadma the first of the future Tirthankaras is:  

  • a. Raiwat

  • b. Shrenik

  • c. Rishab

Click here to cast your vote.

     

UPDATES AT JAINHERITAGECENTRES.COM

Additions as on 15th JUNE 2003
Jainism In India:
Dharmashalas - List of addresses of more than 100 dharmashalas spread all over India.
Photo Gallery:

Functions and Ceremonies -  Photos of the Mahamasthakabhishekha of Bhagawan Bahubali at Dharmasthala (1997) and Karkala (1999), Karnataka, India.

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