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

Vol.3      Issue 9

January 2005

Editorial

BHAGAWAN SRI MALLINATHA

     Bhagawan Sri Mallinatha the 19th prophet of Jainism was born in Mithila in Vangadesha. He was the son of the king Kumba and the queen Prajapathidevi (Suprabhadevi) of Ikshvaku genre. His symbol was Kumba (Kalasha or pot) and considered as the mythological figure. His yaksha and yakshi are named differently in different works. Varna is the Yaksha in Tiloyapannatthi where Kubera in Pratishtasara Sangraha, Abhidhanachintamani and Aparajita Pruchha where as Vijaya is the yakshi in Tiloyapannatthi and Aparajita Pruchha. Also to note that Aparajita and Dharanapriya are considered as the yakshis in Pratishtasara Sangraha and Abhidhananachintamani respectively.

     The connotation about the derivation of the name Mallinatha is interesting to record. According to Uttarapurana he conquered Mallas (wrestlers). Trisastisalakapurushacarita mentions that his mother had a desire for garland of flowers during here confinement and hence the name Mallinatha. A rare specimen of the idol of Mallinatha in female form is preserved in the Lucknow museum. A different concept exists regarding the gender of the prophet. According to Swethambaras Mallinatha is regarded as female. But Dgambaras totally reject this view due to the fact that a female is not entitled to attain nirvana. Though he was born in princely atmosphere he relinquished and pursued the path of nirvana in Swethavana and attained Kaivalya or Parinirvana under Ashoka tree at Sammedhashikar in Samvala Kuta (tonk). His ganadharas included Vishakcharya and other 20 members. It is said that 96 crores of munis joined him in attaining salvation.

     Nagachandra (Abhinava Pampa), the renowned Kannada poet (A.D. 1105) has composed Mallinathapurana in Champu style. The story of Mallinatha is found in the 8th chapter and the ancient wing in Nayadamma Kahao (Gnatrudharma Katha).

     Lord Mallinatha occupies unique position among the 24 tirthankaras and viewed differently by the Swethambara and Digambara sects.              

-Dr. H.A.Parshwanath

MAHAMASTHAKABHISHEKHA OF FIROZABAD'S BAHUBALI

Firozabad (Uttar Pradesh), January 15: The Mahamasthakabhishekha of the statue of Lord Bahubali (45 feet) at Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh will be held from 19th to 22nd March in the esteemed presence of revered Elacharya 108 Sri Vidyananda Maharaj. The Statue sculptored in Karnataka was erected at Firozabad in 1976 following the deep aspiration of the philanthrophist Seth Chadamilal. Its Pancha Kalyana was held in 1985. His Holiness Sri Vidyananda Maharaj will proceed from Delhi on 13th February and reach Firozabad on 16th March.- Jain Heritage Centres News Service

HIGH COURT DIRECTS TO REMOVE UNAUTHORISED STATUE

Girinar (Gujarat): Girinar the place where Bhagawan Neminatha, the 22nd prophet attained salvation has become a bone of contention between Jains and Hindus. The High court has given a historical verdict following the protest and writ petition filed by the various Jain organisations. It has directed to remove the Hindu statue installed and the unauthorised construction in the fifth tonk (Kuta) and thus restore peace and harmony. However the idol is yet to be dislodged from the place despite the instruction by the court and hence further hearing will be held on January 25th. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

SUPREME COURTS RULING ON JAINS MINORITY STATUS

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India in one of its recent ruling has said that the issue of granting minority status of the Jain community have to be taken up with the respective state Governments. This rulings comes on the backdrop of the affidavit filed by the Central Government. The  Central Government had filed the affidavit in response to the directive given to it by the Supreme Court on 29th July 2004 to take a final decision on the issue of according minority status to the Jain community as recommended by the National Minority Commission that was pending for more than ten years. This directive of the Supreme Court had come in the backdrop of the Special Leave Petition filed by Mr. Bal Patil (member of Maharashtra State Minorities Commission and  Chairman, Jain Minority Status Committee, Dakshin Bharat Jain Sabha) on 20th July 2004.

     In its affidavit the Central Government had cited the following words of the 11-Judge Bench ruling in the  TMA Pai Foundation case: “Linguistic and Religious Minorities are covered by expression ‘Minority’ under Article 30 of the constitution. since reorganization of States in India has been on linguistic lines, therefore, for the purpose of determining the minority, the unit will be the State and not the whole of India. Thus, religious and linguistic minorities who have been put on par in Article 30 have to be considered State-wise.”

     It is disheartening to note that in spite of the Supreme courts directive to decide about whether the Central Government would give minority status to the Jain community on par with other minority communities as recommended by the National Commission of Minorities so declared under the same Notification, the Central Government in its reply has sidetracked the issue. This issue will come up for hearing in the Supreme Court shortly.

     It is noteworthy that after this Supreme Court Order the leaders of the Jain community irrespective of the sectarian status issued appeals to the President of India, the  Prime Minister, Dr.Manmohan singh and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi to take an expeditious decision. In pursuance of the appeal by Mr.Bal Patil, Mr.D.S. Gardi, President of the all-India Shwetambar Conference wrote letters to the Prime Minister and Mrs.Sonia Gandhi. Mr.Pratap Bhogilal, President of the World Jain Confederation led a delegation of the prominent Shwetambar leaders to the Social Justice Minister, Smt.Meira Kumar to make an appeal for a favourable Government decision. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

ATTACK ON ACHARYA SRI MERUBHUSHANJI MAHARAJ

Moodabidri (Mangalore District, Karnataka), December 25: A group of miscreants tried to attack Acharya 108 Sri Merubhushanji Maharaj when he was on his vihar near Moodabidri. This has drawn a lot of criticism from Karnataka Jain Samaj and many Jain associations have condemned the heinous act. It is felt that in the back drop of the Mahamasthakabhishekha of Bhagawan Bahubali fast approaching, many Jain munis and sadhvis are expected to visit Karnataka. If the same act continues it would be very difficult for the Jain ascetics visiting Karnataka and jeopardise the religious movement. Hence the esteemed members of Jain community have urged the Karnataka Government to provide appropriate protection to the Jain ascetics. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service  

PROBABILITY OF INDIA HOSTING PARLIAMENT OF WORLD RELIGIONS - 2009

New Delhi: There is a probability of India hosting the Parliament of World Religions in 2009. The president of the Parliament of World Religions Dr William during his recent visit to India held a series of discussions in this connection with many religious heads. It may be recalled here that the previous Parliament of World Religions was held at Barcelona in Spain. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service    

AHIMSA THE KEY TO WORLD PEACE

Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), January 7: Dr.Raghuvansh Prasad Singh the central minister for rural development asserted that non violence truth, non possessiveness, non stealing and celibacy, described as the Panchanuvrathas of Jainism will pave the path of establishing world peace. Further he added that the inclination of people towards the manufacture of atomic bombs has kindled animosity and hatredness among the people. He was speaking on the occasion of  his visit to Shravanabelagola. He was received with the honours of Sri Kshetra. He advised that a Jain circuit be started to establish link among the important Jain centres in India. He emphasised the fact that Shravanabelagola should be considered as a world heritage centre and every body should strive hard for the growth of Indian culture. Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarak Swamiji recalled the services of Dr.Singh to Shravanabelagola and added that Dr.Singh represents Vaishali the birth place of Bhagawan Sri Mahavira, in Loksabha. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

JAIN PHILOSOPHY TO BE TAUGHT IN AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

New Delhi, January 3: American educationists are recognizing the relevance of Jain philosophy and culture and showing keen interest in incorporating the subject in their regular educational syllabus. Universities in North America are interested to include Jain philosophy as a subject in the engineering, medicine, management and other disciplines of education. Prof. Cromwell Crawford, Chairman-Department of Religions of Hawaii University, USA and Dr. Sulekh Jain, a technocrat by profession from Houston, visited India to explore the possibilities of training American Jain scholars in India. "Ahimsa Foundation",  coordinated the visit. An interactive session on Jain Philosophy and Culture was organised by "Ahimsa Foundation".

     The programme was presided over by Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, Ex- Union Minister of Human Resource & Development and Former President of Bharatiya Janta Party. Dr. Joshi dealt with the subject of Applied Jainism and expressed his satisfaction with the activities of Jain Samaj. He said that it is a fact that "Theory of Atomic Energy" as well as "Doctrine of Ahimsa" besides "Anekaant" and "Syadvaad" are gift of Jainism to Indian Philosophy and Thought.

     Prof. Crawford in his address described how the principles of Jainism have become extremely relevant in solving several problems in the present era and how the education of Jain philosophy can help in improving the ethical side of human life. He also said that, there are facilities of imparting knowledge about Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism but no such facility is available for Jainism in USA, Canada and Europe. Prof. Crawford showed keen interest in placing Jain studies in general education curriculum. Prof. Crawford offered to send about 20 students every year to study Jainism in India for a period of about two months with the motive that after their return they will take up part-time faculty positions in various educational institutions in America and Canada.

     Mr. Anil Kumar Jain, the General Secretary of "Ahimsa Foundation" while delivering his address suggested Prof. Crawford that a Distance Learning Programme can also be prepared with audio-visual facilities. With the help of internet technology, this programme can establish "Virtual Electronic Classrooms" to facilitate lectures from India to classrooms in America and other countries with two-way audio and video communication.

     Mr. Nirmal Kumar Sethi, President of All India Digamber Jain Mahasabha also addressed the gathering and requested Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi to look into the illegal occupation by unlawful elements at Mount Girnar in district Junagarh in Gujarat, a state that is ruled by his party, the B. J. P. He also supported the concept of "Electronic Virtual Classroom" for study of Jainism and Jain values. Prof. Rattan Jain representing the Swetamber sect assured his support to any programme of education of American scholars in India. Mr. Nirmal Jain, representing All India Sthanakwasi Jain Conference, Mr. Swadesh Bhushan Jain, representing the Jain Journalists, Mr. M. P. Jain representing Mahavir Kendra, the combined body of all Jain sects, Mr. Inderbhooti Barar from Parshwanath Vidhyapeeth and Capt. Vimal Prakash Jain from Bhogilal Leharchand Institute also pledged their support to any such programme of Jain education.

     Prof. P. L. Jain, Chairman, Ahimsa Foundation, delivered the welcome address and thanked the distinguished guests representing various institutions for their support and services in presenting this programme and for their presence. Sahu R. P. Jain, popularly known as International Ambassador of Jain Religion and also the member of the Advisory Board of "Ahimsa Foundation", conducted the programme. - News Courtesy: Ahimsa Times

GRAND SANSKAR MAHOTSAV AT PUNE

Pune (Maharashtra), January 16: A grand Sanskar Mahotsav was held in Pune from 7th to 16th January 2005 under the guidance of Muni 108 Sri Tarunsagarji Maharaj.  Everyday religious discourses from various Jain ascetics and Anandayatra programme for children were organised. On the occasion the Marathi editions of the works authored by Sri Tarunsagarji were released. More than 50,000 people from all over India gathered on the occasion. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

Research Project on Jainism IN KARNATAKA

The renowned German Association of Research (Emmy-Noether-Programm der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft) has granted the means to start a research project on Jainism in Karnataka at the University of Heidelberg. The project will be started in January 2005 and is headed by Dr. Julia Hegewald, who has worked formerly at the University of Oxford. It is aimed to detect the high influence and to analyse the reasons of the abrupt disappearance of Jain culture in Karnataka between the 5th and the early 12th century. News courtesy: www.herenow4u.de

A UNIQUE NAVAGRAHA TIRTH NEAR HUBLI

The concept of Navagraha of Jainism differ from that of Hinduism. The Tirthankaras embodying with individual graha (planet) is uniquely observed among the Jains. A unique stone of this type found at the Kamala Basadi in Belgaum has drawn the attention of the devotees. The statue with a similar bearing of Navagrahas is being carved out on a huge stone at Varur (Dharwad district).
The new Navagraha tirth will be constructed near Hubli i.e. at Varur, 14 Kms from the city. This is undertaken as per the intusion of Yuvacharya Sri Gunadharanandi Maharaj. The idol of nine Tirthankaras placed on nine pedestals will be erected. Also a statue of Bhagawan Parshwanatha (57 feet) will be installed as the main deity. A huge granite stone severed from a huge hillock of Koyara village near Devanahalli of Bangalore district weighing about 300 tonnes has been selected and shifted to Varur. The stone has been transported from Bangalore through Hospet and Hubli in a huge trolley bearing 138 wheels. The work is in fast progress under the able gudiance of Sri Omprakash Nata. Padmaprabha (sun), Chandrprabha (moon), Vasupujya (Mangala), Mallinatha (Budha), Mahavira (guru), Pushpadnatha (shukra), Munisuvratha (Saturn), Neminatha (Rahu) and Parshwanatha (mula) idols will be installed. Varur situated on the national hoghway 4 will be converted into a place of pilgrimage providing all the amenities for the pilgrims. Swasti Sri Dharmasena Bhattarakha of Amminabhavi has joined hands with Yuvacharya Sri Gunadharanandi Maharaj and directed this venture. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

JAIN BASAID IN DILAPIDATED CONDITION, CRIES FOR ATTENTION

ANCIENT IDOL FOUND

Aeta: At the Khadaua village of the Aeta district an ancient idol of Lord Parshwanath has been found during the land excavation. The idol is said to be of the 3rd or 4th century A.D.. Based on the directions of a Jain ascetic the excavation work was conducted. The finding of the idol has created a feeling of joy amongst the villagers. The Namokar Mahamantra was chanted for 72 hours continiously to mark the occasion. Thousands of visitors are thronging the village to have a darshan of the idol. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

JAIN ORGANISATIONS DONATE GENEROUSLY TO THE TSUNAMI RELIEF FUND

Jain Organisation from all over India and abroad have donated liberally  to the Tsunami relief funds.

Imphal (Manipur), January 6: The members of the Shree Digambar Jain Samaj, Manipur donated a sum of Rs. 1 lakh to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for providing relief to the tsunami victims. A draft for the amount has been handed over to the Governor, Dr. SS Sidhu, according to a Raj Bhavan communique.

Chennai (Tamil Nadu), January 4: Various Jain organisations and MEPZ Manufacturers Association put together a sum of Rs 14.53 lakh as contribution towards the Chief ministers relief fund. News Courtesy: newindpress.com

Huncha (Karnataka) : A special pooja and prayers were organised at Huncha under the guidance of Swasti Sri Devendrakeerthi Bhattarakh Swamiji of the Huncha Jain Muth to wish peace to the departed souls in the recent Tsunami tragedy that severely hit the South Asia. The Bhattarakhji donated a sum of Rs. 50,000 to the Chief ministers calamity relief fund.- Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

LAKSHADEEPOTSAV - A TOOL TO ENLIGHTEN THE INNER SELF

Moodabidri (Mangalore District, Karnataka), December 29: The Lakshadeepotsav pooja celebrations and the inauguration of the Sugnana year 2004-05 were held at the Tribhuvanatilaka Chudamani Temple (1000 pillars temple) on the 29th of December 2004, under the able guidance of Swastisri Charukkerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of the Moodabidri Jain Mutt. Speaking on the occasion Sri Charukeerthiji wished that the Lakshadeepotsav  would bring about the enlightenment among the people  and thereby help them in purifying their inner self. Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swamiji of the Suttur Muth (Mysore) inaugurated the celebrations.

Prof. M.Ramachandra spoke on the topic "Lakshadepotsav and Religious Harmony". Union minister Sri Oscar Fernandes, Smt Fernandes and Sri Vinaya Kumar Sorake, ex-member of parliament we the chief guests on the occasion. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service        

WHERE RELICS RULE

Nani Gopal Pal in Pakbirra (Purulia)

     Of all the places where relics of ancient Jain monuments can be found in the state (West Bengal), Pakbirra, a remote village in Purulia seems to be the place most sprinkled with them.

     Around 56 km from Purulia town and situated near the western border of Bankura, Pakbirra has an undulated landscape, surrounded by distant hills and folds. Crumbling shrines, decrepit sculptures and images strewn across the district, bear the testimony of a settlement that had disappeared over the years. These rare and intricately carved architectural relics speak volumes of the glorious past of Jain architecture that flourished here in the post-Goud era.
     According to recent studies, the relics date back to the ninth and tenth centuries AD. The variety and the elaborate sculptures suggest that the state might have been an important centre of Jain civilisation some thousand years ago.
     The 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira had come here to spread the words of Jainism in 6th century BC but scriptures found in the region showed that many residents of Bengal had already taken up Jainism.
The 23rd Tirthankara, Parashwanath had visited the region to propagate Jainism in the 8th century B.C. But, it was only after Mahavir’s visit that Jainism took a firm root in Bengal. Many of the residents here still follow the ways of Mahavira and are known as Saraks. The name Sarak has been derived from the Jain “srawak”. The srawaks were architects and made a huge contribution to Jain architecture in the state. The earliest description of the sites was first provide by Lt R C Bevari in 1865.
     The then assistant to the Archaeological Survey of India, JD Beglar, who visited Pakbirra in 1873, had written a graphic detail of the site but he seems to have been confused between Buddhist and Jain sculptures. He has described some of the sculptures to be in the Buddhist style but recent surveys have revealed that all these relics were Jain.
     Surveying these historical sites, Mr Beglar found out that there only five of the 21 temples still remained there. Now, over the years only three are still there.
     These three have been reduced to an absolutely ruinous state. The directorate of archaeology of the state has taken steps to conserve them and accordingly carried out renovation there.
     At least 48 intricately done sculptures can still be found there. Some of them are crumbling down in places but most of of them are intact. A greenish chlorite stone, found in abundance in the region, is the main material used for these sculptures.
     Undoubtedly the most impressive of these sculptures is the colossal naked figure of a Jina. About 7.5 feet high, it is carved of polished black stone. The image with large closed eyes, long ears, closed lips, curly stresses flowing down board shoulders have a overwhelming effect on the viewers.
     The Hindu king of Kasipur employed a Brahmin family as the priest of the Jain deity. The descendants of the family still worship it. The be-jewelled goddess Ambika deserves special mention. The graceful figure stands with a little child (her son) in her left hand. A male attendant (for her son) stands on her right. The perfection of the images of Rasabhanatha Parsvanatha Santinatha and a tutelary couple is unforgettable.
     There is a Chaturmukha shrine with the figures of four Tirthankaras on its four facets. Formerly it was mistaken for a Buddhist Chaitya. The gargoyle at the temple has been sculptured in the form of a nagini (female serpent) for the rain water to flow through its mouth.
     The influential cultural centres of Bihar (now, a part of Jharkhand) and Orissa were very close to Pakbirra. The stylistic traits of these centres can be found reflected on these sculptures.
Clinching evidence essential to draw a relationship between the sculptures and the shrines has not been found. It is still to be found out if those sculptures found strewn all over the place were originally parts of the temples.
     Except the restoration of the dilapidated temples by the state archaeological department, nothing has been done to preserve the priceless sculptures properly. The Jain community of the state including that of Purulia has many complaints about the poor preservation of these priceless architectures. They say that any part of the district when excavated, reveals bits and pieces of these sculptures and the authorities do not seem to do anything to preserve them.
     A few articles recovered from Gajpur at Kustaur have been kept at Haripada Shaitya Mandir museum in Purulia.
     The villagers are taking away these valuable articles to their homes. Many of them have already been exported to foreign countries during the last few decades, specially during the second World War when an American Military camp was set up at Chhrrah and Bongabari areas in Purulia town. Despite active cooperation from the few residents of nearby villages, the theft has not been checked.
     The people there are much concerned about the ruins. If excavation is undertaken the area may produce more relics of the ancients Jain temples, feel the villagers.
     The directorate of archaeology, West Bengal thinks otherwise. He said the excavation project needs a huge amount of funds and the department is as usual cash-strapped.
     The Jain community of the state has approached the governors and the concerned minister several times for preservation of the heritage sites and has also proposed to build a museum at Pakbirra. Only a few of them seemed to care about the proposal.
     A few guest houses for tourists have come up in some of the heritage sites. These sites are archeologically and historically so important that it even attracts foreign tourists. But lack of water and basic amenities in the place, including bad roads and few number of transports keep the tourists away.
     District magistrate of Purulia Mr Bhagwati Prasad Gopalike also lamented that they were so pressed for funds that they cannot do much about these temples. We have a plan for this provided, we get enough financial help, he said. - Article Courtesy: The Statesman

WORKSHOP ON NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION

Bangalore (Karnataka), December 22: First Nonviolent Communication International Intensive Training (IIT)  in India was held from December 13 to 22, 2004.  IIT was held at the Indian Social Institute Campus in Bangalore. There were 80 participants from 22 different countries who came together to learn and practice nonviolent communications. The trainings were conducted by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg and seven trainers from around the world along with Drs Hema and Manda Pokharna from Chicago. Highlights of this IIT included 15 of participants from India including three prominent Jains.  Vishwas Jain from Jaipur arranged a visit to the local Jain Temple and an interactive meeting with Upadhya Maniprabhsagarji and his disciples.  The meeting included an educational exchange of questions and answers focused on the principles of Jainism and the practice of nonviolence. Dr Marshall Rosenberg shared his philosophy and process of nonviolent communication with Upadhaya Maniprabhsagarji.  Dr Marshall Rosenberg was honored by the Bangalore Jain community for his contribution to nonviolence.  The international audience was also graced by the presence of the world renowned singer Ravinder Jain who happened to visit Upashaya Maniprabhsagarji for his blessings and spiritual guidance. Ravinder Jain sang a very melodious bhajan highlighting the life of Mahavir and his teachings of nonviolence. All participants were warmly welcomed with a hot Jain meal served with Indian hospitality.  Plans are in progress of a second IIT to be held in Pune, India in January 2006. For further information on NVC please visit www.cnvc.org ; www.journeysoflife.org and contact Hema and Manda Pokharna at ahinsa@mdiaccess.net

JAIN TEMPLE AT VIJAYAWADA

Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh): The construction of a new Jain temple has been started at Vijayawada, the commercial centre of Andhra Pradesh. Though there are only 11 Digambar Jain families at Vijayawada it is found that many Jain industrialists and businessmen visit Vijayawada frequently. With an intention of catering to these visiting Jains and the local Jains the construction work of the Jain temple has be started. The project has been undertaken under the guidance of Sri Gnanachandra Jain, one of the popular industrialist of Vijayawada. The members of the Jain community are here by requested to donate generously towards the construction of the temple. Donations can be sent either by Cheques or Demand Drafts drawn in favour of 'Sri Digambar Jain Samaj, Vijayawada', to Sri Subhashchandra Jain, President, Sri Digambar Jain Samaj, Vijayawada, 11-6-24, Second Floor, Abdul Azim Street, Islam Peth, Vijayawada - 520 001, Phone: 0866-2563931, Mobile: 09440893389. Patron, Sri Gnanachandra Jain, Mobile: 09885282899, 09849081102. -Jain Heritage Centres News Service       

PRATISHTA MAHOTSAV AT PUTTANGADI

Puttangadi (Wayanad, Kerala): The panchakalyana Pratishta Mahotsav of the newly erected Manasthambha and the main deity of Bhagawan Sri Chandraprabha will be held from February 18 to 25th, 2005. The panchakalyana will be held under the guidance of Swasti Sri Devendrakeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of the Huncha Jain Muth. -Jain Heritage Centres News Service        

NINTH NATIONAL DESASNEHI AWARD

Bangalore (Karnataka), December 18: The Ninth National Desasnehi award was presented to Devaki Jainby Syeda Akhtar the Vice- chancellor of Karnataka State Women University, Bijapur. The award presentation function was held at the Gandhi Bhavan Hall, Kumara Park East. -Jain Heritage Centres News Service       

OBITUARY

SARVODAYA LEADER JAWAHIRLAL JAIN DIES

Jaipur (Rajasthan), January 5 : Sarvodya leader and litterateur Jawahirlal Jain died here today after a prolonged illness, a Rajasthan Gandhi Smarak Nidhi spokesman said. He was 96. Jain's body was cremated with full honours at the local cremation ground where hundreds of Sarvodya scholars, intellectuals and media persons were present. Born in 1909 in Jaipur, Jain was associated with the Jaipur Rajya Prajamandal, and was managing editor of 'Lokvani' from 1948-53.

Jain was also actively involved with Vinoba Bhave's Bhudan-Gramdan andolan, and later carried out a Sarvodya andolan in 1953. Vetaran Sarvodya leader Siddhraj Daddha and Chairman of the Rajasthan Khadi Sangh C M Goyal condoled his death, saying the country has lost a true and spriritual Sarvodya leader who will be remembered in coming centuries. - News Courtesy: PTI

JAIN PUBLICATIONS

For copies of these books please contact:

SRI KANAKAGIRI JAIN MUTH, Sri Kshetra Kanakagiri, Maleyur Post, Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka, India.

Phone: 91-0821-2472531, Email: bhattarakji@kanakagiri.org, Website: Kanakagiri.org

Jain Publications available at Hindi Grantha Karyalay.

HINDI GRANTH KARYALAY, Booksellers and Publishers, 9, Hirabaug, C.P. Tank, Mumbai 400004, India, Phone: + 91 - (0) 22 - 23826739, Email: manish.modi@mtnl.net.in,  Web: www.hindibooks.8m.com

The main intention of this column is to provide a platform to the news of even the small villages spread all over India. We here by request our readers to kindly send the news of the pooja mahotsav's in the Jain temples taking place at the nooks and corners of the world.

Aechiganahalli (Mysore District, Karnataka): The annual pooja mahotsav of Bhagawan Sri Neminatha and Sri Brahma yaksha at Aechiganahalli was organised on the 26th of December, 2004. The pooja was be held under the guidance of Swasti Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of the Kanakagiri Jain Muth. On the occasion the 108 kalash abhishekha had been arranged to Bhagawan Neminatha. Sri K.Adirajaiah of Kadakola village presided over the religious gathering. Aechiganaalli is situated at a distance of 22 Kms from Mysore.     

Dharawad (Karnataka): The annual pooja mahotsav of Bhagawan Sri Mahavir Jain temple at Dharawad was organised on the 2nd of January, 2005. The pooja was organised by the Sanmathi Seva Samaj of Dharawad. On the occasion the 108 kalash abhishekha to Bhagawan Mahavir had been organised. The members of the samaj and the students of the Sanmathi hostle donated towards the tsunami relief fund.

Kuchhangi (Tumkur District, Karnataka): The annual pooja mahotsav of Bhagawan Sri Parshwanatha Jain temple at Aechiganahalli was organised on the 2nd of January, 2005.

Akkirampura (Tumkur District, Karnataka): The 3000th Janma Kalyana Mahotsav of Bhagawan Sri Parshwanatha and the annual pooja mahotsav of Bhagawan Sri Ananthanatha Swamy Jain temple had been organised on the 8th and 9th of January, 2005. On January 8th the Parshwanatha Janmakalyana utsav, palaki procession and a religious discourses had been organised. On January 9th the annual pooja of Bhagawan Sri Ananthanatha and Sri Brahma Yaksha had been organised. The proceedings were be held under the guidance of Swasti Sri Devendrakerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of the Huncha Jain Muth. -Jain Heritage Centres News Service  

Sunday 16th January 2005 - Pooja of Sri Brahma Yaksha Stambha at Kambadahalli, Karnataka.

Wednesday 19th January 2005 - Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Shanathinatha.

Thursday 20th January 2005 - Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Ajithanatha.

Monday 24th January 2005 - Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Abhinandananatha.

Tuesday 25th January 2005 - Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Dharmanatha.

Thursday 27th January 2005 - Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Mallinatha.

Wednesday 4th February 2005 - Annual pooja mahotsav of Bhagawan Bahubali at Dharmasthala, Karnataka.

Saturday 5th February 2005 - Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Chandraprabha and Bhagawan Parshwanatha, Janma Kalyana of Bhagawan Parshwanatha.

Monday 7th February 2005 - Rathayatra of Brahmayaksha at Stavanidhi.

Sunday 8th February 2005 - Pattabhishekha Vardanthiutsava of the Bhattarakha Maharaj of Arihantagiri (Tirumalai), Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Sheetalanatha.

Thursday 10th February 2005 - Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Vasupujya.

Saturday 12th February 2005 - Janma Kalyana and Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Vimalanatha, Kumba Sankramana.

Monday 14th February 2005 - Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Vimalanatha.

Tuesday 15th February 2005 - Rathasapthami.

Thursday 17th February 2005 - Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Ajinatha.

Friday 18th February 2005 - Janma Kalyana of Bhagawan Ajinatha.

Sunday 20th February 2005 - Janma Kalyana and Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Abhinandananatha.

Monday 21st February 2005 - Janma Kalyana and Diksha Kalyana of and Bhagawan Dharmanatha.

Thursday 24th February 2005 - Rathayatra at the Karkala hillock, Karnataka.

Additions as on 1st January 2005:

Calendar Wallpapers

Heritage Of Shravanabelagola - Karnataka An Overview

Additions as on 15th January 2005:

Heritage Of Shravanabelagola - Entry Of Jainism Into Karnataka