JAINA VOICE
A publication of www.jainheritagecentres.com

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

Vol.2      Issue 6

OCTOBER 2003

   

Editorial

TIRTHANKARA

   The concept of Tirthankara in Jainism is unique but self explanatory in its practice and percepts. Tirthankara means an ideal man of perfection and there are 24 Tirthankaras or prophets in Jaina religion. Tirthankara follows the path of righteousness based on truth (satya) and non violence (ahimsa). It also explains the Karma Siddantha of Jainism. Tirthankara emphasises the embodiment of knowledge. Tirthankaras are perfect in their word and deed and tried to prove the path of truth.

   A detailed historical study of 22nd, 23rd and 24th prophets in Jainism has been done by the scholars and the historians alike. All the 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism hail from North India and depicted as historical eminents. Tirthankaras stand as a testimony to the truthfulness and mankind.

   Tirthankaras take their birth during the period of both ascending (Utsarpini) and descending (Avasarpini) phases. These are considered as an amalgamation of both joy and sorrow. Tirthanakras posses the significance of Jina, the conqueror and preach the principles of Jainism. Tirthankaras are so called as they formulate and propogate Dharma Tirthas. They create a formidable place for dharma. They represent the point of perfection. They are free from Karmas. They are also Arhat Parameshtis . They possesses the power of knowledge and vision and preach the ways of living . They strive to get moksha for their people with knowledge and express sympathy and humility for the down trodden and innocents. They are sanctified physically and devoid of animosities. Vidyanandi Acharya in his "Apta Pariksha" and other Acharya's also have vividly drawn the role of Tirthankaras.

   Rishab Tirthankara stands first and foremost among them. Tirthankaras are omniscient teachers. Every Tirthankara is identified by the symbol either an animal creature or a scripture, for example 22nd Tirthankara Neminatha is identified with the symbol of a Konch and 23rd Tirthankara Parshwanatha is identified by snake hoods. Sculptorally Trithnakaras are seen either in sitting penance posture (padmasana) or in erect posture (Kayotsarga or Pratimayogi).                 

          

Thanking you

-Dr. H.A.Parshwanath

 

WORLD'S BIGGEST ASHTADATHU JAIN IDOL TO BE CONSECRATED AT AMARKANTAK

Amarkantak (Madhya Pradesh), October 15: The world's biggest ashtadathu Jain idol of Bhagawan Adinatha will be consecrated at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh on the 6th November 2003 under the guidance of Santhashiromani Acharya Sri Vidyasagarji Maharaj in the presence of his sangh. The Second Jain Kumbha celebration will also be held on the same day under the guidance of the Acharya. Sri Bhairon Singh Shekawat, the vice president of India  and lakhs of devotees from all over India are expected to throng at the place and witness this historical event. It can be recalled here that the Acharya Vidyasagarji and his sangh had undertaken the chaturmas at Amarkantak. Under the guidance of the Acharya the Sarvodaya Tirtha is under development at Amarkantak.

   The new temple to be built at Amarkantak is on the same lines similar to the Aksharadhama temple of Gujarat. About more that Rs. 20 crores is expected to be spent on this mega project which is spread over an area of four acres. The temple is designed and constructed by more than 300 artists since 2 years under the guidance of Sri C.B.Somapura the Chief architect of the  Aksharadhama temple. The ashtadathu idol of Bhagawan Adinatha measuring about 10 ft in height and weighing 28,000 kilograms will be installed on the Kamala Simhasan made of ashtadathu weighing around 24,000 kilograms. The foundations of the temple are being worked out with the advanced engineering skills so that the temple survives for centuries to come. The temple measuring around 144 feet height, 424 feet length and 111 feet width will be constructed here. With a view of assembling all the Jains at a single place. The Second Jain Kumbh has been organised here under the guidance of the Acharya. It can be recalled here that the First Jain Kumbh was organised at Kundalpur three years back under the guidance of Sri Vidyasagarji. The deliberations of the function will begin on 5th November and the consecration of the idol will be held on the 6th November 2003.

   Besides the Vice president of India, the chief ministers and governors of Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Rajasthan have also been invited to grace the occasion. The swift preparations are on for special train arrangements from Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, Patna, Ahmedabad and other places of India. The managing committee of the Sarvodaya Tirth has requested the state Governments of Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh to waive off the permit tax for the vehicles coming to the celebrations.- Jain Heritage Centres News Service        

MASTAKABHISHEKHA CELEBRATED WITH RELIGIOUS FERVOUR

Bhagawan Bahubali being anointed with Turmeric water during the 54th Masthakabhishekha at Gommatagiri.

Gommatagiri (Mysore District, Karnataka), October 12: Thousands of devotees performed the annual  Mastakabhisheka to Bhagawan Bahubali with traditional fervour and splendour on Sunday the 12th October to mark the 54th annual Masthakabhishekha of the unique monolithic statue of Bhagawan Bahubali situated atop the rocky hill glittering in the backdrop of a brilliant blue sky. Bahubali seemed to change colours when ghee, milk, vermilion, turmeric, tender coconut, sandalwood paste cascaded down the five-metre tall statue. The statue glistened and turned yellow and red as the devotees continued to pour coloured water on it. The idol of Bahubali is situated a top the hillock on a diversion road located at a distance of 12 Kms from Yelawal road on the Mysore - Mercara main road. The masthakabhishekha celebrated at Gommatagiri is an annual event that draws thousands of devotees from all over Karnataka. Unlike other places of Karnataka including Shravanabelagola, Venur, Karkala and Dharmasthala where the ritual is performed once in 12 years. Gommatagiri is the only place where the abhishekha is done every year.

 The ritual commenced at noon and cries of "Gommateshwara ki jai'', "Bhagavan Bahubali ki jai'' and songs on Bhagawan Bahubali rent the air when the priests poured water from "kalash" sanctified with prayers and rituals. The first round of Mastakabhisheka was followed by offerings of flowers and the statute was smeared with vermilion and turmeric. Swasti Sri Devendrakeerthi Bhataraka Swamiji of Hombuja Jain Math supervised the Mastakabhisheka and the priests performed the rituals from a specially erected platform behind the statute. Chants of sacred hymns and shlokas echoed atop the 50-metre tall hillock and the priests awaited the advent of the auspicious time to pour milk followed by tender coconut, water mixed with vermilion, turmeric and ashtagandha or sandal paste. The traditional rites continued as water mixed with vermilion was offered next and the deep grey statute turned red for a while only to gleam in golden yellow when water admixed with turmeric and sandal paste flew down and covered the granite statute. This holy event was

witnessed by more than 8,000 devotees gathered  from all over Karnataka.

   Though historians ascribe the history of this monument to the Vijaynagar era (early 14th Century), the local Jains believe it to be more ancient and a contemporary of the celebrated statue at Shravanabelagola as the facial expressions are similar. It is also believed that it was founded by Chengalvas of the first order the mini Kings who ruled the area.

Religious Gathering: On the occasion a religious gathering was organised under the guidance of Sri Devandrakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Huncha Jain Muth. Sri Shivanna the minister for horticulture, Government of Karnataka was the chief guest. Sri Papanna the MLA from Hunsur was also present on the occasion.  - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

FOR A DETAILED COVERAGE OF THE MASTHAKABHISHEKHA WITH PHOTOS CLICK HERE

SHANTHISAGARJI'S CHARANA MOVE TOWARDS DELHI

Yalagada (Belgaum District, Karnataka): R.K.Jain, the president of South India Jain sabha, gave a clarion call to the masses that all should follow the preachings of Late Acharya Sri Shanthisagarji Maharaj. He noted that Shanthisagarji was an embodiment of sympathy, compassion, peace and affection. He was speaking in a function organised at Yalagada, the birth place of the Acharya. The function was organised as a part of the Samyam year celebrations to mark the 131st birth day of the Acharya. It can be recalled here that Elacharya Sri Vidyanadji Maharaj called upon the Jain samaj to observe the year 2003-2004 as samyam year. The charana of the Acharya Shanthisagarji were taken from Yalagada and will move towards Delhi and later will be presented to the Kunda Kunda Bharthi at Delhi. The Charana was taken out with special poojas accompanied by gold and silver Kalashas. Sri Nirmal Kumar Sethi president of the Bharatha Varshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha, Dr.Vachaspathi Upadhyay, the vice chancellor of the Lal Bahadur Shastry Sanskrit University and others were present on the occasion. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service        

ROW OVER BHAGAWAN MAHAVIR'S BIRTH PLACE

Patna (Bihar), October 14: A fresh controversy over the birthplace of Lord Mahavira has cropped up following the Bihar government’s participation in a mahotsava “to promote Kundalpur (Nalanda) as the Lord’s birthplace”. The three-day mahotsava at Kundalpur, which concluded on October 10, was organised by the Bhagwan Mahavira Janmabhoomi Kundalpur Digambar Jain Samiti. According to historians, Jain followers of different sects believe there are three places in Bihar associated with the birthplace of Lord Mahavira. These are Basokund in Vaishali, Lachhuar in Jamui and Kundalpur. The most accepted among the three is Bosokund, said many historians quoting several ancient and modern texts. The secretary of the Bhagwan Mahavira Smarak Samiti, Patna, Kailash Chandra Jain, has taken exception to the state government’s participation in the Kundalpur mahotsava. “There are no historical records in favour of Kundalpur; such mahotsavas create unnecessary confusion,” Jain told . He said he was not against anybody organising a fest. “But it is wrong to propagate any place other than Basokund as the Lord Mahavira’s birthplace,” he said, adding the state government should not collaborate with organisations creating confusion about well-accepted facts.  Several historians, including Delhi University’s former history HoD R S Sharma, Patna University’s history HoD Ajay K Singh, Kashi Prasad Jayaswal Research Institute, Patna, director Bijoy K Chaudhary and acting director, Research Institute of Prakrit, Jainology and Ahimsa, Vaishali, Shiv K Mishra also said that Basokund is the most-widely accepted birthplace of Lord Mahavira.  Inquiries revealed that several scholars, including D B Spooner, R C Majumdar, W A Smith, P C Rai Chaudhary, Nand Lal Dey, Rajendra Prasad, Rahul Sankritayana, Jagdish Chandra Mathur and S Radhakrishnan have accepted Basokund as the birthplace of Lord Mahavira in their various articles.

However, Sarika Jain of the Bhagwan Mahavira Janmabhoomi Kundalpur Digambar Jain Samiti, Nalanda, claimed that 90 per cent people believe Kundalpur is the birthplace. “Basokund,” she said, “Bhagwan Mahavira ki nanihal hai”. In the “Uttar Purana”, there is a reference to Kundalpur as the Lord Mahavira’s birthplace, she said.

On the other hand, Sadhvi Sampragyaji, chief patron of Veerayatan, Rajgir, told on phone “we strongly believe that Lachhuar is the actual place of birth of Lord Mahavira. We also built a school at Lachhuar in 2001 on the occasion of 2600th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira.” State tourism minister Ashok K Singh told that the government is not concerned about the controversy. “We are interested in promoting tourism. Kundalpur is one of the famous tourist sites of Bihar and it would be developed as the one in the proposed Jain circuit,” he said, justifying the government’s participation in the mahotsava. - News Courtesy Times News Network

AHIMSA DAY CELEBRATED IN HOUSE OF COMMONS, LONDON

London (UK), October 14 : Institute of Jainology had arranged for celebration of the Ahimsa Day in the Atlee Suite, Portcullis House, House of Commons London on 14th October 2003. The program had been arranged in conjunction with the Labour Parliamentary Friends of India. The evening started with a recitation of the auspicious Navkar Mantra and Manglik by Parul Shah voted ‘The Young Jain of the Year’ recently. Mrs Sen the wife of His Excellency the High commissioner of India lit the holy lamp. Sheena Sabharwal, the compere for the evening explained the significance of lighting the lamp represents the enlightenment that comes from true knowledge.

Mr Stephen Pound MP for Ealing North and the Chairman of Labour Parliamentary Friends

of India who was hosting the event on behalf of the Institute welcomed the audience to this first Ahimsa Day Celebration at the House of Commons. He was quite frank in his introduction that he did not know anything about Jainism until a few weeks ago. However he had read up quite a lot on the subject and expressed his delight at being able to host an event on behalf of the cause that had such a distinguished history and expressed a wish that one day London would become the centre of world peace. Mr R P Chandaria Chairman of the Board of Trustees presented a set of books on Jain philosophy, culture and art to Mr Stephen Pound MP. A short video film ‘Quest for World without Violence’ was then screened showing several Nobel Peace Laureates recounting their experiences of having used non-violence to support their cause. This included, Simon Peres, Desmond Tutu and Dalai Lama. Finally the excerpts from Mahatma Gandhi’s life were shown followed by Indian national anthem sung and played by the major artists in India.
The programme was attended by several distinguished guests including Lord Corbett, Lord Bhatia, Baroness Flather, Ministers of State Rt Hon McNulty and Rt Hon Tom Gareth and several other MPs like Mr Barry Gardiner, Mr Tom Watson, Andrew Dismore. There were representatives from the V&A Museum, Wellcome Trust, Interfaith Directorate.
Goodwill messages were received from the Home Minister, Rt Hon David Blunkett, Minister for culture, Sports & Media Ms Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Trade & Industry Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt and Lord Dholakia the Chairman of Liberal Democratic Party. The programme was ably compèred by Ms. Sheena Sabharwal. The Institute of Jainology expect to make this an annual event with a variety of prominent speakers expressing their views on the relevance of non-violence in contemporary times. -News and Photo Courtesy : jainology.org

EXPERT TEAM TO VISIT GOMMATAGIRI

Mysore (Karnataka), October 14: The minister for mines and geology, Karnataka,  V.Muniyappa today said that a team of experts would be visiting Gommatagiri the Jain pilgrim center of Bhagawan Bahubali near here, to assess the damage caused to the statue of Gommateshwara by quarrying in the vicinity. He told press persons here today that the experts would also suggest measures to be taken to protect the monument. Stating that the state government had already issued an order in July banning quarrying within a radius of 1.5 Km from the statue, quarrying was continuing.

   If the team of experts suggested it, the Government would ban quarrying in a radius of 3 Km from the statue. The government had declared the area within a radius of 5 Km from Maleyuru (Kanakagiri) in Chamarajanagar district a protected area and it had brought about the desired results, he said.

Appeal - The Sri Gommatagiri Kshetra Seva Samithi, meanwhile, has appealed to authorities to protect the ancient statue of Gommateshwara at Gommatagiri from the effects of quarrying. It said that the use of dynamites to blast rocks in the vicinity had put the statue in danger. In a press release, it said that the Jains of the region had been offering mastakabhishekha to the statue for several decades. The union government had issued an order in 1974 to ensure the protection of ancient statues. Warning that the statue could be destroyed if quarrying continued, the samithi appealed to the authorities to help Jains protect their religious sites. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

INDIRA GANDHI AWARD FOR ACHARYA MAHAPRAGNA

New Delhi, October 18: The Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration for 2002 has been given to Acharya Mahaprajna, renowned Jain Muni and a Gandhian activist, it was announced on Friday. The advisory committee for the award, with Congress president Sonia Gandhi in the chair, said the award was being given for his ‘‘yeoman contribution to the cause of non-violence, communal harmony and national integration’’. The award, with a citation and Rs 1.51 lakh in cash, will be presented by Sonia Gandhi on October 31, the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The acharya has conducted one lakh km of padyatras and has worked

among the victims of last year’s riots in Gujarat. - News Courtersy: TNN

88TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS OF ACHARYA SUBHALASAGARJI MAHARAJ

Shedabala (Belgaum District, Karnataka), October 12: The 88th birthday celebrations of Acharya Sri Subhala Sagarji Maharaj was arranged from 4th to 12th October at Shedabala in Shanthi Sagar Ashram in the presence of 23 Munis and 5 Matajis who have observed the chaturmas at Shedabala along with the Acharya. The Acharya Assumed Niyama Sallekhana in 1992 and is supposed to end in March 2004 probably this happens to be the last birthday as he has assumed sallekhana. The function was graced by the presence of Sri Dhananjaya Kumar MP from Mangalore, Raju Kage the MLA from Kagawada and Dr.S.P.PAtil the retired chairman of Jainology department, Karnataka University. Dr.Patil mentioned that Subhalasagarji is the source of inspiration who followed and preached Jain agamas in letter and spirit. The function was also attended by Prof. Sri Jai Kumar Upadhyay of Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) sanskrit University, New DElhi. Dr. Vachaspathi Upadhyay the vice chancellor of the Sanskrit University stressed the need of observing the principles of Jainism in his discourse. Sri R.K.Jain president of the Dakshina Bharath Jain Sabha presided over the function. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service     

AcharyaSubhalsaga--rji Maharaj

MAHAVIRA'S SERMONS VALUABLE, SAYS JOIS

Kundalpur (Bihar), October 11: While addressing an august audience at Kundalpur, on Friday, governor M Rama Jois said that the sermons of Lord Mahavira can inculcate reasoning and consciousness among the people so that they could refrain themselves from committing heinous crimes like murder and rape. The governor said that nowadays people have turned devil and as such they are committing all sorts of crimes, ignoring the law of the land. The preachings of Lord Mahavira, particularly “ahimsa”, will transform the devil nature of the people into an ideal one, he added.

The governor said that each and every particle of this land (Kundalpur) is pious. He suggested the Jain organisers to spread the teachings and preachings of Lord Mahavira to each and every household. Speaking on the occasion, Gyanmati Matajee advised the audience to follow the preachings of Lord Mahavira earnestly. She said that she had left her home in 1952 and joined the Jain organisation and since then she had involved herself in preaching the sermons of Lord Mahavira to the masses. Former Union minister of state for finance and Karnataka MP Dhananjaya Kumar Jain assured Gyanmati Matajee of reaching the sermons of Lord Mahavira to the common man. Dhananjaya Kumar Jain was awarded with the Rishabhdeo National Award on the occasion. At the outset, governor Jois inaugurated the “Kundalpur Mahotsava Smarika”. News Courtesy: Times News Network

NORTH INDIA THE FORTRESS OF JAINISM

New Delhi, September 13:  Swasthi Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kanakagiri Jain Muth stated that the tradition of Jainism flourished in North India due to the sole protection given by the Bhattarakhas. He also emphasised that Delhi was the seat of Bhattarakhas tradition. Which is equivalent to the tradition of pilgrimage and protection of Jain temples in the south. This has further helped in the propogation of Jaina culture and its religions heritage. As an evidence to this statement the Lal Mandir situated in front of the Red fort and Parshwanath temple in Sabji Mandi pocessed the Bhattarakha peethas (seats) in the temples. He was speaking on the ocassion of the fasting for 32 days by Acharya Sri Sudharma Sagarji Maharaj who has undertaken the chaturmas at the Ashokvihar Jain temple. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service      

UTTARANCHAL DECLARES JAINS AS MINORITY

Dehradun (Uttaranchal), October 8: The state government of Uttaranchal headed by Sri Narayana Dutta Tiwari has declared the Jain community in Uttaranchal as minority and has issued a circular in this connection on the 8th October 2003. Sri Nirmal Kumar Sethi the president of the Bharatha Varshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha has expressed happiness over the move and has said that the efforts of the Mahasabha has given fruits. It can be recalled here that a delegation led by Sri Nirmal Kumar Sethi had meet the congress president Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and had discussed about granting minority status to Jains in all the congress ruled states to which Mrs. Gandhi had reacted positively. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service            

LATA AWARD FOR RAVINDRA JAIN

Mumbai (Maharashtra), September 26: Renowned music composer Ravindra Jain has bagged the Maharashtra government's Lata Mangeshkar Award for his invaluable contribution to music.The award carries a cash prize of Rs 100,000, a citation, and a scroll, Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashok Chavan told a press conference in Mumbai today. Jain has composed the musical scores for several hit films like Tapasya, Chit Chor, Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se, Ram Teri Ganga Maili and Henna. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

IMA CONFERS BEST MEDICAL TEACHER AWARD TO DR.H.A.PARSHWANATH

Bangalore (Karnataka), October 17:  Dr.H.A.Parshwanath, the renowned pathologist and theatrist, was honoured with the prestigious "Best Medical Teacher Award 2003" by the Karnataka state  Branch of Indian Medical Association (IMA) on 17th October 2003 at Bangalore considering his distinguished and meritorious service in the field of medical profession. Dr. Parshwanath has served the teaching profession since 32 years in various capacities in all 4 Government Medical Colleges in Karnataka (Bellary, Hubli, Bangalore and Mysore). He is also the recipient of postdoctoral WHO (World Health Organisation) Fellowship (1982-83)and visited England and Denmark on the study programmes. He is an academician and has participated in many state and national conferences in the faculty of pathology and has presented the scientific papers.

He is also well known for his histrionic talents as a prolific writer on heritage of Jainism, Karnataka, Kannada theatre and is the recipient of the coveted Karnataka Nataka Academy Fellowship (1998).

   He is also the editor-in-chief of Jaina Voice a popular Jain periodical on the internet published by jainheritagecentres.com. Now he is serving as the professor and Head of the Department of Pathology at Mysore Medical College . - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

JAIN CHATURMAS DIRECTORY 2003

WE HERE BY WOULD LIKE TO INFORM YOU THAT THE JAIN CHATURMAS DIRECTORY 2003 IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT OUR WEBSITE WWW.JAINHERITAGECENTRES.COM

WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU TO VISIT IT AND 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

M.P.VEERENDRAKUMAR TAKES OVER AS PTI CHIEF

New Delhi, Sept 10: M.P. Veerendrakumar, chairman and managing director of the Mathrubhumi newspaper group, was unanimously elected chairman of the board of directors of the Press Trust India (PTI), succeeding Vineet Kumar Jain, managing director of the Times of India group. Mr. Veerendrakumar, a former MP, 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 shown his command in almost all areas of life. An orator, thinker, author, parliamentarian, he has been steering the social, political, economic, cultural and literary scenario of Kerala for a long time. He is the author of 11 books in Malayalam and has served

as the chairman of PTI in 1992-93. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

CENTENARY CELBRATIONS OF DAKSHINA BHARATH JAIN SABHA

Belgaum (Karnataka), October 10: The Dakshina Bharath Jain Sabha, the apex organisation representing the Jains of South India, concluded its year long centenary celebrations on October 10 with a grand function at Belgaum. The Dharmanatha Bhavan constructed to mark the occasion was inaugurated. The Jain Sabha honoured Sri D.Veerendra Heggde with the title 'Dharma Samrat' and Naganatha Anna Nayakawadi with 'Maharashtra Gaurav'. Veerendra Heggde happens to be the dharmadhikari of the Jain pilgrim centre Dharmasthala and Nayakawadi is a well known social worker and a freedom fighter. Swasti Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Swamiji of the Kolhapur Jain muth felicitated the two dignitaries. Sri R.K.Jain president of the Dakshina Bharatha Jain Sabha presided over the function. The souvenir 'Dharma Vijaya' was released to mark the occasion. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service       

'INTER-FAITH NETWORK' TO BE FORMED

Kochi (Kerala), September 25: A decision to create an `inter-faith unity network' for members of various religions to create a ``sustainable vision'' was taken at the Inter-faith Summit of Amritavarsham-50, the 50th birthday celebrations of Mata Amritanandamayi here on wednesday. Finding a common ground in religions to promote universal values, balancing freedom of expression without sacrificing basic human values and promoting equality of women in religious activities are among the other resolutions adopted at the summit. The chairman of World Youth Peace Summit to be held in Kenya, 2004, Bawa Jain, on behalf of the United Nations' Religious Conference endorsed the resolution. He said ``this is a mini United Nations that has assembled here as all the 191 U.N. members are represented here.'' The existing Amrita Kuteeram project of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math which aims at providing one lakh homes in the next 10 years, will be expanded as a world-wide project with people from all faiths. The leaders representing different religions spoke in the presence of the Mata and presented gifts to her. The vice-chairman of the Math, Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri, welcomed the gathering. All the leaders joined in lighting the lamp. Top leaders from different religious beliefs emphasised the need to revive spirituality in day-to-day life. The leaders focussed on how religions could contribute towards peace and harmony with each one stressing the need to change within. Swami Vishvesha Tirtha of Pejavar Math, Udupi, called for a spiritual revival during the first session of the inter-faith meet called `Promoting Universal Human Values' . News Courtesy: The Hindu

EXPANSION CHATRITY 5K WALKATHON OF JCSC ON NOVEMBER 2ND

The Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) serving the Southern California Jain community in a variety of ways as part of its expansion project has organised an expansion charity walkathon on Sunday November 2nd, 2003 from Cerritos Regional Park, Bloomfield Ave, Cerritos, CA. The registration procedure will start at 8.30 am and the Walkathon starts at 9:00 am. The purpose of the walk is To Improve Health & Raise Funds for JCSC Expansion projects. Each Participant in the walk is expected to raise $100 or more from sponsors. Any one either Jain or non Jain can participate in the walkathon. More information of the event can be had from the website jaincentre.net . - Email: jaincenter@hotmail.com

1100TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF PAMPA

Mysore (Karnataka), September 23: The Kannada Sahitya Parishad, Mysore observed the 1100th Birth Anniversary of Mahakavi Pampa on 23rd September 2003 in the auspicious presence of His Holiness Sri Chidanada Swamiji of Hosamuth, Mysore. Dr.D.Javaregowda the former Vice Chancellor of Mysore University inaugurated the function and Prof. Pradhana Gurudatt, professor in Kannada was the chief guest on the occasion. A seminar was also held on the life and contribution of Pampa under the presidentship of B.N.Chandriah. Dr.H.A.Parshwanath spoke on life of the poet and Dr.K.Anantharamu analysed "Pampa-Bharatha". - Jain Heritage Centres News Service  

PARSHWANATH JAIN TEMPLE AT BHOPAL BURGLED

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), October 3: Unidentified thieves broke into the famous Parshwanath Digambar Jain Temple in Shahpura and escaped with the idols of Lord Chandraprabhu and Parshwanath, 11 chatras and donation box on Thursday night. The stolen idols were made of expensive 'ashtdhatu'. The miscreants had locked the guard and gardener inside a room. There is resentment among members of the Jain community following the incident. A delegation of the community met SP and District Collector on Friday in this connection.

According to the sources the devotees found the locks of the main gate broken. Upon receiving the information the Habibganj Police reached the spot with forensic experts. The stolen idols were six inch tall and were very expensive. Lock of the donation box was found to be broken and about Rs 2000 were missing from it. A 10-inch high idol of Lord Mahavir was found outside the temple. It is being presumed that the thieves intended to carry it away also but had to leave it behind since it was too heavy.

Mandir Samiti Secretary Santosh Jain said that guard has been posted for the security of the temple. He lives in a room in the temple premises. But the thieves had locked the rooms of the guard and the gardener from outside. A delegation of Jain Samaj, led by Mandir Samiti President Deep Jain, met Collector Anurag Jain, SP Arun Pratap Singh and MLA PC Sharma and warned that agitation would be launched if the thieves were not nabbed within two days. News Courtesy: Central Chronicle

JAPANESE VISITING INDIA HIGHLY IMPRESSED BY JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND ADOPT JAINISM

A team of eleven Japanese Buddhists, consisting of two gents and nine ladies, led by Mr. Kenzy, a handicraft dealer, has been so impressed and influenced by the philosophy of Jain religion that they have virtually adopted this religion and are fast learning various sutra and rituals. They had first come to Bangalore for handicraft business where they came in touch with some Jain families. Having been impressed by the way of living, religious fervor and vegetarian food, they desired to learn more about the religion. So, they were advised to go to Jodhpur, where they could meet a lot of Jains and Jain saints, visit Jain temples and find the right atmosphere to learn more about the religion. So, they finally flew in to Jodhpur a few days back and met several people of the community, paid respects to saints and sadhwis, visited many of the Jain temples and attended religious ceremonies and worships going on in the temples. They have learnt Navkar Mantra, Logass Path and also Gayatri Mantra by heart, which they recite regularly. Mr. Kenzy the leader of the team said, he had undergone continuous fast for five days and felt that it could be a solution to many health problems. All of them take food before sun-set. There is only one Jain temple right now, in Japan in a village 'Tambe' but their intention is to build many more temples there. They mentioned that in Japan, many people are adopting vegetarianism and over 1200 persons have already been influenced by Jain philosophy and 35 of them have actually wholly adopted the religion, reciting Jain Mantras, praying at the temple, observing fasts and taking pure vegetarian diet. - News Courtesy: jainsamaj.org

LECTURE SERIES ON 'ADIPURANA'

Mysore (Karnataka), October 15: On Behalf of the Digambar Jain Samaj (R), Mysore and Padmashri Mahila Samaj (R), Mysore JAINHERITAGECENTRES.COM invites you to the lecture series on the Jaina epic Adipurana of Pampa. This has been organised to mark the 1100th birth anniversary of Pampa and the 1062nd year of Adipurana. The lecture series will be held from 1st November to 8th November from 7.30 to 8.30 pm at the Sri Shanthinatha Swamy Basadi, Mysore. Noted Jain scholar and Kannada writer Dr.T.V.Venkatachalashastri will inaugurate the lecture series. Many Jain scholars are expected to give discourses on the various aspects of the epic . -Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

SATHOSH JAIN'S ACHIEVEMENT ENTERS LIMCA BOOK

Chandigarh, August 15: The Marvik La pass located at a height of 18,634 feet above the sea level happens to be the highest road in the world and driving a two wheeler in this tough terrain is one of the challenging tasks for any mountaineering expert and ofcourse happens to be one of his life time dreams to cross this road. As part of the 57th Independence day celebrations the Government of India had organised a 2200 Kms long rally from Chandigarh to the Marvik La Pass. About 80 mountaineering experts from all over India had participated in this adventure and have successfully completed their way through this tough terrain. santhosh Jain of Mysore happens to one of the members of the group that completed the task in just 8 days. This achievement will be included in the limca book of world records. On their way to the Marvik La Pass the mountaineer's have to pass through the Rowtang (13044 ft above sea level), Nabila (1557 ft above sea level), Chauralacha La (16042 ft above sea level), Tanging La (17500 ft above sea level), Bardung La (18380 ft above sea level) and other passes to reach the destination.  -Jain Heritage Centres News Service 

AWARDS

RISHABNATH AWARD TO DHANANJAY KUMAR

Kundalpur (Bihar) : At a function organised to celebrate the 70th birth day of Parama Pujya Ganani Sri Gnanamathi Mathaji ex union minister Sri V.Dhananjaya Kumar was   conferred with the Rishabnath Award at Kundalpur. It can be recalled here that Gnanamathi Mathaji has undertaken her chaturmas at Kundalpur this year.

ACHARYA BAHUBALI AWARD

Belgaum (Karnataka): The Dakshina Bharatha Jain Sabha has chosen "Apoorva Vinyas" a literary review work of Sri Ravi Upadyay for its coveted Acharya Bahubali Award. -Jain Heritage Centres News Service 

MODI INAUGRATES JAIN UDYOG SEVA SAMAJ

Ahmedabad, October 12: CHIEF Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Jain Udyog Seva Samaj on Sunday. He said service should flourish in the attitude of individuals and not just in institutions. He criticised those deliberately tarnishing the image of the government whenever something good came up. He said the government had started a campaign against elements misleading the society. News Courtesy: Express India

POLICE SEIZE ANTIQUES

Patna (Bihar), October 13: City police seized three antiques, associated with Jainism, in the city on Sunday. Police believed the seized articles date back to the 17th century. In this connection, police have arrested one Javed Akhtar, ward councillor of Ara municipality.  “Javed was wanted by the Central Bureau of Investigation in connection with a case of forgery related to issuance of a fake passport to a person. He is also an accused in a case of kidnapping lodged with the Pirbahore police station here. “We nabbed him and seized the photographs of the antiques from him. During the course of interrogation, he disclosed that the antiques were kept in a house in the Pataliputra area.  We raided and recovered the valuable articles,” said Town DSP R K Dubey. He said that the police also seized a number of application forms meant for the issuance of passports. Dubey, who held talks with city-based historians with regard to these antiques, stated that one of the antiques was the statue of Parshwanath, a Jain Tirthankar. “The Lord is presented in “Kayotsarga” mood, he informed. Regarding another antique, he said that it is of Lord Mahavir. The third antique is in the form of a temple and one its walls are engraved the images of all the Jain Tirthankars. 

Javed, a native of Ara town, told mediapersons he was provided photographs of all these antiques by one Shakir who, according to him, is associated with the Patna Mahanagar Youth Congress. “While leaving for Delhi recently, he handed over the photographs of all the three antiques to me. He was in search of buyers. He told me the price of these antiques is around Rs 1 crore in the international market,” Javed stated. However, he refused to disclose about Shakir’s source of procurement.  To a question, Dubey said that the police are investigating the international links of Javed, in any. - News Courtesy: Times News Network

LEATHER INTERIORS OF MERCEDES ROUSE IRE OF MENEKA

Sept 26: Miffed over swanky Mercedes-Benz models using leather interiors, Ms Maneka Gandhi, MP and staunch animal rights activist, has shot a letter to the company threatening to launch ''a large campaign'' against its brands in India. ''However, before I begin, I thought that you might like to change your attitude and offer non-leather,'' Ms Gandhi said in her letter to Mr. Hans-Michael Huber, managing Director and CEO of Daimler Chrysler India, owner of the Mercedes-Benz brand cars. The letter follows an action in 2002 in which Jeanne Daniels, a member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the owner of a shopping centre in the US, removed the leather from her new Mercedes Benz, replaced it with a luxurious

synthetic material and had PETA's 'cow' mascot return the leather to Daimler Chrysler’s headquarters. This was apparently done ''as a strong message that supporting cruelty to animals through the use of leather will not be tolerated,'' PETA said in a statement in New Delhi on Thursday.

   Former Union Minister of State for Animal Husbandry Raghvendra Prasad Singh, famous Jain leader Chitrabhanujee, the director-general of the India Ahimsa Organisations and the head of the UK-based Young Indian Vegetarians are among others who have also written letters to Daimler Chrysler who find the automobile company's insistence on using leather interiors in its top models ''offensive''. Ms Gandhi, in her letter, has threatened that her campaign would involve religious leaders and politicians as wellas the heads of business associations and communities. News Courtesy: Indian Express

THEFT OF JAIN IDOLS AT JAIN SWETAMBAR SOCIETY SHIKHARJEE

About 19 Jain idols, in possession of the Jain Swetambar Society, have gone missing. The idols were kept in a sealed room at the Swetambar Kothi in Madhuban. Circle officer of the Pirtand Block, Abdul Wahab Ansari has filed criminal cases against three persons, society president, Kamal Singh Rampuria, secretary, Suyash Kumar and Roopchand Jain, an employee of the Kothi. Cases have been filed under section 406, 420 and 120-B of the IPC at the Pirtand station. Both the president and the secretary are residents of Kolkata. The sudden disappearance of the idols has reopened an old tussle between the two Jain sects, Swetambar and Digambars.  News courtesy:ranchiexpress.com

FOURTH JAIN MATRIMONIAL MEET AT MYSORE

Mysore (Karnataka), September 21: The fourth annual meet of the Jain Marriage Bureau, Mysore was held at the Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatha Kalyana Mantap, Mysore. Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kanakagiri Jain muth inaugurated the meet and said that in the present context of the society such meets are very necessary. Sri M.K.Nirmal Kumar of Mangalore was the chief guest of the function. Later an introductory meet of the Jain brides and grooms who had come from all over Karnataka was held. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service 

RAJASTHAN GOVERNOR NIRMAL CHANDRA JAIN DEAD

Jaipur (Rajasthan), Sept 22: Rajasthan Governor Nirmal Chandra Jain died here on Monday following a massive heart attack at the age of 75.Jain, who assumed the office of the Governor on May 14 this year, was rushed to Sawai Man Singh Hospital around midnight last night after he complained of chest pain. He breathed his last at 0207 hrs. Jain, the second Raj Bhawan occupant to die in harness, leaves behind his wife, a son and three daughters. Sardar Darbara Singh of Punjab died a few months after assuming office nearly six years ago. Jain was cremated at his native place Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh with full state honours this evening. The Rajasthan government declared a seven-day state mourning as a mark of respect to the departed soul. President A P J Abdul Kalam, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, several Chief Ministers and a host of political leaders condoled the death of Jain describing him as a distinguished administrator and a legal luminary who served the nation in various capacities. -Jain Heritage Centres News Service

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JAIN CENTRES HISTORY HONOURED

West Chester, October 5: The Jain Center of Cincinnati and Dayton, 6798 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, was honored on  Sunday with the placement of a historical marker for Ohio's Bicentennial. The event included a presentation by Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. The center is the only Jain Temple in Ohio and the first to be recognized in such a way in North America. The Cincinnati center was established in 1979, and the temple was completed in 1995, with more than 1,000 people attending the dedication. The center hosted to more than 4,000 Jains from all over North America for the Federation of Jain Associations convention this year. News Courtesy: enquirer.com

JUSTICE JAIN TAKES OVER AS CONSUMER FORUM CHIEF

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), September 30: Justice Nirmal Kumar Jain took over as chairman of the Madhya Pradesh State Consumers Disputes Redressal Forum (MPCDRF) here today. A former judge of Madhya Pradesh High Court, Justice Jain was born on January 1, 1942 in Makrara village of Shivpuri district. He joined judicial services in September 1963. After holding important posts, Justice Jain became district judge in 1989. From 1993 he served the Department of Law as secretary and principal secretary. He became judge in Indore bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court in 1995. Those present on the occasion of included members of the Commission BL Khare, Pramila S Kumar, Chairman of Bhopal district consumers disputes redressal RBS Baghel, Registrar of the Commission SK Palo, Administrative Officer P Pillai and senior officers.  News Courtesy: Central Chronicle

DIVYAVADHANA MAHOTSAV AT SARAGUR

Saragur (Mysore District, Karnataka), October 8: As part of the Samyam Year celebrations to mark the 131st birthday of Acharya Shanthisagarji Maharaj the Divyavadhana mahotsav was organised at the Jain pilgrim centre Saragur. The function was held under the able guidance of Swasti Sri Charukeerthipanditacharya Maharaj of the Moodabidri Jain muth and Swasti Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kanakagiri Jain muth. On the occasion the charana of the Acharya was consecrated. Later on the Bhoomi Pooja for the chandrashala of the temple was conducted. -Jain Heritage Centres News Service 

SAMADHI

Surat (Gujarat), September 2: Acharya Sri Karunanandi Maharaj attained the Samadhi on September 2 at Surat. It can be recalled here that Acharya Sri was born in the Somavarapet taluk of Kadagu district in Karnataka and had taken the Muni Diksha from Ganadaracharya Sri Kunthusagarji Maharaj about 19 years back. -Jain Heritage Centres News Service 

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NEW PUBLICATIONS

The books "Fragrance of Sentiments, Glimpses of Sentiments, Abundant joy of Sentiments, What is Superior?  Intellect or Faith?, What is Superior Sadhana or Upasana?, Lust gets defeated, Devotion Wins",  the translations of the works of Acharya Sri Yashovijayji Maharaj translated by Sri Malay Kantharia were released by Chinubhai shah ( Presdient of Ambawadi Jain Sangh) at Opeara Society Jain Sangh. Paldi, Ahmedabad (Rajnagar), Gujarat on the 8th of October 2003.

NEW BOOK ON JAINISM IN ITALIAN - L'ESSENZA DEL JAINISMO: LA STORIA, IL PENSIERO, LE FIABE
Claudia Pastorino and Massimo Tettamanti Claudia from Italy have presented their third book on Jainism. This book is the translation of Mr. Virchand Gandhi's book Essence of Jainism: History, Philosophy and Tales. The first book was SAMAN SUTTAM (translation of English text in Italian language). The second book was JAINISMO. To learn more about Claudia Pastorino and her work, please log on claudiapastorino.it, For details: claudiapastorino@libero.it, News courtesy: naresh-indirashah@msn.com

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 POOJA MAHOTSAV

The main intension 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.

Madlageri (Harapanahalli Taluk, Davanager District, Karnataka): The special pooja mahotsav of the Brahmayaksha and Goddess Padmavathi will be held on the 2nd November. On the occasion  installation of the  new flag post and  the installation of the silver idols of Nagadevata, Brahma Yaksha and Goddess Padmavathi will be conducted.

Devalapura (Bylahongala Taluk, Belgaum District, Karnataka), September 8:  As part of the Ganadhara Parameshti Utsav special poojas were organised for a period of nine days from 8th September under the guidance of Brahmachary Sri Parshwanathji. 

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JAIN WEB WATCH

http://www.jainstudy.org : Website of the Jain Study Circle New York. Gives information aobut Jainism and includes many articles about the different aspects of Jainism.

http://www.hindunet.org/jain_info : Information about Jainism, Jain religion and articles on Jainism.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Saturday 18th October 2003 - Birthday of Acharya Vimalsagarji Maharaj.

Saturday 25th October 2003 - Dhanalakshmi pooja, Chaturmas ends, Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Neminatha.

Sunday 26th October 2003 - Deepavali.

Monday 27th October 2003 - Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Pushpadantha.

Thursday 30th October 2003 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Neminatha.

Saturday 1st November 2003 - Ashtahnika vratha begins.

Wednesday 5th November 2003 - Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Aranatha.

Sunday 9th November 2003 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Ananthanatha, Rathayatra at Bahubalikshetra.

Thursday 13th November 2003 - Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Shambavanatha.

Friday 14th November 2003 - Lakshadeepotsav at Karkala.

Monday 17th November 2003 - Lakshadeepotsav at Huncha, Vrishchika Sankramana.

Friday 21st November 2003 - Lakshadeepotsav at Huncha.

Saturday 22nd November 2003 - Janma Kalyana and Deksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Padmaprabha, birthday of Muni Sri Samanthabadhra.

Sunday 23rd November 2003 - Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Mahaveera Lakshadeepotsav at Dharmasthala. 

Monday 24th November 2003 - Janma Kalyana and Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Pushpadantha.

WEB POLL

JHC Web poll question for the month of October 2003
Who of the Following is called as Kukkuteshwara ?

  • a. Bahubali

  • b. Parshwanath

  • c. Suparshwanath

Click here to cast your vote.

UPDATES AT JAINHERITAGECENTRES.COM

Additions as on 15th OCTOBER 2003

A DETAILED COVERAGE OF THE 54RD MASTHAKABHISHEKHA OF BHAGAWAN BAHUBALI AT GOMMATAGIRI WITH PHOTOS

Additions as on 10th OCTOBER 2003

Chaturmas Details of Acharya Shri Ramlalji Maharaj and his disciples.

 

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