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

Vol.1      Issue 5

September 2002

Editorial

JEVADAYASHTAMI - PATH TO SALVATION

            Non-Violence occupies the position of primacy in Jainism. It has woven all the concepts and percepts described in Jaina Literature and Anthology. Ahimsa is one of the important components of Pancha Anuvratas. It is the doorway of attaining the religious pursuits. It denounces the sacrifice of animals and other creatures in the ritualistic worship of divinity in the name of religion. Animal sacrifice was the sheet anchor observed in many rituals and festivals as seen in religious sects. Goddess of power was worshipped by these means of sacrifice as a result many innocent creatures found their end. This was called Durgashtami among them. In contrast Jainism celebrates "Jevadayashtami" as a mark of ahimsa. The innocent creatures are totally saved from the threat of sacrifice. The Jaina pontiffs rose to the occassion and fastened the aura of ahimsa. It is celebrated significantly on the day of Durgashtami and thus fulfilling the belief of attaining moksha.

It is well depicted in the Kannada classic "Yashodhara Charite" by Janna, the renowned poet of the Kannada literature. The life of an individual is sanctified by celebrating this ritual. One finds happiness and salvation by this. The message of "Jevadayashtami" is more relevant and apt in overcoming the turmoils of present situation of crisis. October 13th marks the day of Jevadayashtami this year and enshrining the role of ahimsa.    

Thanking you,

-Dr. H.A.Parshwanath

DO NOT ADOPT THE PATH OF VIOLENCE FOR PETTY POLITICAL GAINS - ACHARYA MAHAPRAGYA JI

Gandhinagar, August 25: At a function attended by the Congress President Sonia Gandhi here today as part of Ahimsa Yatra in the state, the Acharya Mahapragyaji took a dig at politicians. ‘‘Who is a competent political leader?...One who follows the principle of non-violence...We should not adopt the path of violence for petty political gains,’’ the Acharya said. Sonia Gandhi had visited Acharyaji to seek his blessings. Speaking on the occassion Sonia appreciated the task of social integration taken up by Acharyaji. Acharyaji expressed his happiness about participation of Smt. Sonia Gandhi in the Ahimsa Yatra.

The 83-year-old Acharya Mahapragyaji, is said to have had a word of advice for the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi recently. He asked him to cancel, if possible, his Gaurav Yatra programme, to begin on September 3 from Phagvel village in Kheda district. And if he could not, to ensure there is no violence during the yatra. The Acharya is learnt to have conveyed this to Modi in a letter dispatched on Saturday the 24th August. The Acharya is also reported to have spoken out against the ‘‘current communally-surcharged atmosphere in Gujarat’’ when the Chief Minister met him on Friday the 23rd August at the Preksha Vishwas Bharati Kendra at Koba, near Gandhinagar. News Courtesy - The Indian Express

SHRAMANA BHATTARAKHA PARAMPARA DAY CELEBRATED AT MOODABIDRI

Moodabidri, (Karnataka) August 29: On the occassion of the Third year Pattabhisheka Vardhanthyutsava of His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji The Shramana Bhattarakha Parampara day was celebrated at Moodabidri on the 29th of August 2002. The proceedings were inaugurated by Sri Anil Jain President of the Nepal Jain Federation. Speaking on the occassion he said that the teachings of Jainism and the Tirthankaras standing on the scientific grounds have to lead the world on these days of global terrorism. He also opined that the Bhattarakha parampara plays an important role in the propagation of the Jain religion. The proceeding were held under the presence of His Holiness Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj. Dr.B.Yashoverma, principal Sri Dharmasthala Manjunateshwara Mahavidyalaya Ujire was the chief speaker of the function. Sri K.Abhaychandra M.L.A. of Moodabidri was the chief guest of the function.

Sri Rajaverma Ballal of Mangalore released the books Brahmayana by Prof. G.Brahmappa, Sapeksha by Dr.Seetharam Jagirdar and Tatvartha Sutra by Dr. Suresh Jain. The first day cover on the Tribhuvana Tilaka chudamani temple was also released on the occassion.  On account of the function a stamps and coins exhibition on Jainism was held based on the collections of Sri M.K.Krishnayya. Along with these proceedings yakshagana shows, special poojas and aradhanas were also arranged at all the 18 Jain temples of Moodabidri. At the end of the day a procession was taken in the main streets of Moodabidri. Sri G.R.Saravagi of Guwahati (Assam) presented crown a made of Navaratna to Goddess Kushmandini. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

STAMP AND FIRST DAY COVER ON TRIBHUVAN TILAKA CHUDAMANI TEMPLE RELEASED

Moodabidri, (Karnataka) August 29: On the occasion of Third year Pattabhisheka Vardhanthyutsava of His Holiness Swastisri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Panditacharyavarya Swamiji of Sri Jain Muth, Moodabidri (Karnataka), a first day cover was released by Sri Raichand Khatera President of the Oswal Jain Parishad, Bangalore on the 29th of August 2002 here at Moodabidri. The Indian Postal Department has provided a special pictorial cancellation. This beautiful cover depict photographs of famous Tribhuvan Tilak Chudamani Temple (Thousand Pillars Temple) and Bhattarakha Swamiji. The cancellation bears line sketches of Tirthankar with cow & lion drinking water jointly in the same pot. -Courtesy: Mr. Sudhir Jain, mrsudhirjain@hotmail.com, mrsudhirjain@yahoo.com.

53RD MAHAMASTHAKABHISHEKHA OF BHAGAWAN BAHUBALI AT GOMMATAGIRI ON 29TH SEPTEMBER

YOUNG JAINS UK 5^th INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION TASTING THE MANGO^TTM - A LAND MARK EVENT

Fun Key Fundamentals – The Whole Mind Common Sense Approach

 The Young Jains UK 5^th international convention was a landmark event, that saw over 250 delegates dedicating their weekend to the learning of Jain fundamentals, in an innovative, creative and interactive way. Participants spent 2½ days, from 23^rd – 25^th August, “Tasting the Mango,” a title derived from a famous quote of Bhagvan Mahavir’s, an important Jain thirthankar (leader): 

“Just as a mighty mango tree is hidden within the stone of the mango, even so, o man, divinity itself is hidden within you. Rest not until you uncover it.” 

The organisers wanted the convention to be “fun, memorable, creative and totally different” and it certainly outlived everybody’s expectations. Through the adoption of Young Jains’s four fun keys:

Play full out!

Have fun!

Capture the information!

Use what you learn!

the deliverers, Jain Jedis, having trained for a year, shared the path from the acceptance of the soul (Atma) to ultimate liberation (Moksha). 

The plan took the form of a jigsaw where Jainism was broken down into key ideas, each making up a piece of the jigsaw that fitted together to form the overall picture. Cornerstone sessions included fundamentals such as Atma, Samyak Darshan (realisation of the soul) and Moksha. Other interesting parts included Star Wars Jain Style – the Dark Side and Light Sabres, where the analogy of Star Wars was used to illustrate the fight between good and evil  within us.  

Each session was delivered confidently and clearly, leaving the participants with a greater understanding of Jain principles. In particular, delegates were set different challenges to complete either during the weekend or within the following 10 days, which consolidated the ideas shared. Many different tools and techniques were implemented, from acting and role-playing in workshops, to challenges where delegates were set tasking to complete. Music ranging from Brandy to Michael Jackson, and visuals were used to further enhance the sessions.

Apart from so informative, there was something for everyone at the convention and whether it was the delicious Jain-vegan meals, crèche, the fun and games, or the garden party, everybody had a memorable weekend, making friends and meeting new people, whilst fulfilling the aim of coming away “juiced about Jainism.” Atul Shah, editor of Jain Spirit, an international Jain magazine said that this was “a phenomenal achievement” and that we should all “take pride in it.” He added that Young Jains has provided “hope for future generations” with its continued efforts to share the Jain religion to all.

As one of the delegates summed it up “It was my fifth convention and it was the first time that I have walked away from an event thinking that I actually know something more about the basics of Jainism. All the conventions have been brilliant but this one was quite different in so many ways, and even quite radical in the methods and tactics employed. Those tactics paid off as alot of knowledge has embedded in my mind. The team put in a tremendous amount of hard work and I and many others are very grateful for what you delivered. The long overdue use of modern language, in a western setting with great English music was a magical formula.”[Shailan Shah (31-35)]

The weekend continued for some of the delegates with a 5-day trip to Yorkshire, Northen England.  Time was spent in the natural surroundings, having discussions, exchanging ideas and of course relaxing and having fun.  As one the trip attendees shared, “It was phenomenotastic. Activities, accommodation and Jain vegan food were great. The only thing I would add would be an extra day so that in between all the activities we could have a rest day to catch up on sleep. I was pretty tired by the end of the trip!  Otherwise I had loads of fun. I have been looking for likeminded people who I can relate to. The trip provided an excellent opportunity to get to know some interesting characters and see things from different points of view. We had some terrific discussions and I look back on the week as an adventure. Definitely consider going again. Thanks to everyone for the company.” [Ajay Sanghvi (21-25)]

For more information about the convention visit www.youngjains.org.uk - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

CORPUS FUND FOR SPECIAL POOJA AND ARATI  AT SAMMEDASHIKARJI

Mumbai, September 15 : Daily Pooja and Arati arrangements have been made at the Bhagawan Parshwanath tonk in Sammedashikarji. In connection with this a special pooja and arati corpus fund has been started for the benifit of the pilgrims and devotees. Those who would like to donate to this fund can donate a sum of Rs. 1100 for the daily Pooja and a sum of Rs.501 for the Arati fund. In return to this the Pooja or the Arati will be performed on any one day of every year at the Parshwanath tonk. Those who are interested can send the amount either by cash or demand draft or by money order to Bharath Varshiya Digambar Jain Tirth Kshetra Committee, Hirabag, C.P. Tank, Mumbai-4. Correspondence in English and hindi only. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

ABDUL KALAM CALLS THE NATION FOR AHIMSA, TOLERANCE AND RELIGIOUS ABSOLUTENESS

Delhi: Addressing the nation through radio and T.V. channels on the eve of the Indian Independence the 15th August, 2002, the President of India A.P.J. Abdul Kalam called upon the nation to protect the eternal values of  ahimsa, tolerance and religious absoluteness. Mentioning the recent communal clashes at Gujrat he said that any act against the protection of the traditional values of India based on ahimsa and religious tolerance could prove disastrous to secular structure of the nation. Addressing the members of the parliament and legislative assemblies he called upon them to be a role model for the younger generation, the future citizens of India. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

VASTUPAL PARIKH'S JAINISM AND THE NEW SPIRITUALITY GAINS APPRECIATION FROM TORONTO STAR

Toronto Star - the largest circulation newspaper recently published a full-page (13" X 17")review of Dr. Vastupal Parikh's new book "Jainism and the New Spirituality".  This is probably the first time Jainism has been given full-page treatment in any Western daily.  When contacted, Dr. Parikh said, "Jainism is virtually unknown in the Western world.  One of my objectives in writing this book was to raise the profile of Jainism in Western media through a easily understandable book on Jain principles and practices.  A broader understanding of Jain principles of Ahimsa, Aparigraha, and Anekantavada has now become crucial for the redemption of the World burdened with violence, environmental destruction and social injustice.  I am glad that the Star has demonstrated an appreciation of this Jain message by giving such a prominent and positive review."  More information about the book is available on the website www.peacepublications.com - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

JAINISM AND THE WORLD RELIGIONS - TWO DAY PROGRAM IN NEW JERSEY

A two day workshop program has been arranged by the International Jain Sangh (IJS), New Jersy. The topics of the workshop include "The Philosophy of Karma in Jainism" (Saturday, 10/19/2002) and "The Essence of World Religions - Eastern and Western" (Sunday, 10/20/2002). After the tragic event of September 11, there is renewed worldwide interest in the philosophy of nonviolence and the teachings of major religions.  In an effort to promote peaceful living, IJS conducted a successful workshop on the Teachings of Jainism during February, 2002.  Based on the very positive feedback, IJS has now arranged two one-day workshops on the topics of greatest interest suggested by the attendees.  The attendees can sign up for either one or both workshops.  The workshops will be held in a comfortable high-tech seminar room setting.  Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and participate in discussion. This program is being conducted by Pravin K. Shah, Chairperson, JAINA Education Committee, North Carolina.

The details of the workshop are given Below:

BENEFITS FROM THESE WORKSHOPS: * The Karma Workshop will help you in taking charge of your life, instead of the events taking charge of your life. You can be the architect of your own future.

* The World Religions Workshop will provide you a good appreciation for different religions. You will learn the similarities and differences among religions.

Scholars from several religions are also expected to participate in the discussion.
DATE AND TIME:
October 19, 2002, Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
October 20, 2002, Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
LOCATION:
Ramada Limited Hotel, 2989 Hamilton Boulevard, South Plainfield, NJ 07080; Phone: (908) 753-8900.
MEALS ON BOTH DAYS (Vegetarian Without Animal Products):
8:15 to 8:55 AM - Breakfast; 1:00 to 2:00 PM - Lunch.
Tea, Coffee, and Soft Drinks available during breaks.
PROGRAM COORDINATORS:
Aridaman (Ari) Jain, 15 Emory Drive, Lincroft, NJ 07738.
Phone: 732- 842-5805, arijain@hotmail.com
Naresh Jain, 50 Maple Street, Rutherford, NJ 07070.
Phone: 201- 933-8963, njain52253@aol.com
REGISTRATION AND SUGGESTED DONATION:

Pre-registration is REQUIRED.  Maximum number of seats is 50. Please send a check payable to "International Jain Sangh" along with the names, telephone no., and e-mail of the attendees, and the workshop desired to a program coordinator by October 5, 2002.
One Workshop: $30 for adult, $25 for a religious or study group member, $15 for Youth (up to 25)
Both Workshops: $55 for adult, $50 for a religious/ study group member, $25 for Youth (up to 25)
PROGRAM SPONSORS:
International Jain Sangh, JAINA, and Jain Study Center of North Carolina
INDIVIDUAL SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE AS FOLLOWS:
Saturday/ Sunday Breakfast: $75 for each day
Saturday/ Sunday Lunch: $200 for each day
Reading Material $500
Stationary $100
General Sponsorship: $100 (including a complementary registration for one person)
RAMADA LIMITED HOTEL

This hotel is close to Edison/ Iselin shopping area as well as Rutgers University. It is close to major highways and convenient from Newark Airport. Hotel accommodation is available at conference rate (code: 'Nonviolence Seminar') for rooms at $60/day with one bed and $65 for two beds, including breakfast.  Please call the hotel directly and ask for this special rate.  IJS will arrange free transportation from Newark Airport upon request.
WORKSHOP I: THE PHILOSOPHY OF KARMA IN JAINISM
According to Jainism the soul is attached with Karma from eternity.  The primary function of the religion is to guide the individuals to stop the influx of new Karma and remove the existing Karma. It also shows the path of liberation and the methods through which the soul could achieve perfection, freedom or liberation.
The doctrine of Karma is important in providing a rational and satisfying explanation to the apparently inexplicable phenomena of why people differ in happiness and misery, of inequalities in mental and physical attainments and of the existence of different species of living beings.
The Jain doctrine of karma also puts the total responsibility for what each human being thinks, speaks and does on the individual. It does not believe in the intervention of any outside agency, divine or mundane.  An individual's present condition is determined not by any immutable principle but by his/her own actions performed either in this life or past lives.  By choosing the right course of actions, one can improve his/her destiny and ultimately attain the liberation.
This workshop will include a detailed discussion of the following issues:
* The pure soul is perfect in every respect, but the subtle matter (Karma) clings to the worldly soul and defiles its extent of purity and excellence.  How can the soul, which is pure consciousness and power, be really tinged with ignorance, passions, and karma?  How can one eliminate ignorance and karma from the soul to achieve liberation? 
* Since a human being is the architect of his/her own fortune, does the concept of predestination has a place in Jainism?
WORKSHOP II: THE ESSENCE OF WORLD RELIGIONS
During the thousands of years of the mankind's history, man's search for God has led to many pathways. The result has been the enormous diversity of religious expressions found worldwide.  It includes:
* Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism
* Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
* Oriental philosophies of Shinto, Taoism, and Confucianism
All religions preach reverence of truth, honesty, dignity, freedom, and brotherly love; yet when we look at the history of the world it appears that much blood has been shed in the name of the religion. Every religion has three elements: (i) Philosophy or Basic Belief, (ii) Mythology, and (iii) Rituals.
The basic beliefs like faith in God, reverence for truth, honesty, and brotherly love are common in all religions. The differences are only in the rituals and mythology.  This is due to the fact that various religions developed in different places and in different cultural contexts.
The moral code of our time must respond to the needs of modern human beings and their problems rather than observing traditions that may have become obsolete. In our scientific age, there should be no place for magic, miracles, myths, or superstitious clinging to the traditional rituals.
This workshop will cover the basic beliefs of the major world religions including:
* Principles,
* Prayers,
* Rituals and Symbols.
WORKSHOP REGISTRATION BY OCTOBER 5, 2002

Attendee Name:_________________________________________________________

Attendee Phone No.:______________________________________________________

Attendee e-mail:_________________________________________________________

Workshop (Circle one or both): I. Philosophy of Karma   II. World Religions
Maximum number of seats: 50 for each workshop
Donation:
One Workshop: $30 for adult, $25 for a religious or study group member, $15 for Youth (up to 25)
Both Workshops: $55 for adult, $50 for a religious/ study group member, $25 for Youth (up to 25)
Amount of Check Enclosed:___________________
Please send this filled-in form and a check payable to "International Jain Sangh" to any one of the two program coordinators listed above. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

WRIST WATCHES WITH PHOTOGRAPHS OF TRILOK, BHAGAWAN BAHUBALI AND CHARUKEERTHI BHATTARAKHA MAHARAJ RELEASED

Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), September 11: Special wrist watches bearing the attractive Photographs of Trilok, Bhagawan Bahubali idol at Shravanabelagola and Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Jain muth Shravanabelagola was released at Shravanabelagola on the 11th September 2002 by Karmayogi Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Jain Muth Shravanabelagola. These wrist watches have been designed by Sri S.Paudan son of Sri S.M.Sudarshan Kumar of the Bahubali watches Shravanabelagola.

Speaking on the occassion Charukeerthi Maharaj called for the Jain Samaj to involve themselves in such creative and developmental works and there by contributing for the propagation of the Jain religion. These wrist watches have been designed separately for both men and women. It can be recalled here that during the 1993 Mahamasthakabhishekha of Bhagawan Bahubali at Shravanabelagola the well known watch company of India the H.M.T. watches had released wrist watches bearing the photograph of Bhagawan Bahubali. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

JAIN YOGA SEMINAR

Mumbai, September 13: A seminar on Jain Yoga has been organised by Shree Mahaveer Research Foundation & Shree Juhu Scheme Jain Sangh on Oct 5 and 6. Scholars who can present research-oriented papers on topics of Jain yoga are invited for submitting papers. Contact Dilip Jhaveri on 640 8727 or Harish Choksi on 696 4285 for further details. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

BYRADEVI AWARD CONFERRED

Moodabidri (Karnataka), August 29: The 2002 Byradevi Award was conferred on to Smt.Veena Raghuchandra Shetty on the occassion of the Third year Pattabhisheka Vardhanthyutsava of His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji. This award is been given by the Jain Muth of Moodabidri every year to the women who have contributed for the propagation of Jainism. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

MASS MARRIAGE  CEREMONY ON SEPTEMBER 29TH BY MYSORE JAIN MARRIAGE BUREAU

Mysore (Karnataka), September 15: For the first time in Karnataka a free mass marriage ceremony for Jains has been orgainsed on the 29th of September at Mysore under the presence of His Holiness Swastisri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Jain Muth Kanakagiri by Mysore Jain Marriage Bureau. Sri S.N.Devendraiah president Digambar Jain Samaj, Mysore will preside over the function. Sri P.P.Hegde president of Sri Mahaveer Credit Co-operative society Ltd., Mangalore with be the chief guest of the function. The expenses of the ceremony would be completely bared by the Mysore Jain Marriage Bureau. Donations to this social work in any form are accepted whole heartedly. The Marriage Ceremony has been organised at Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatha Kalyana Mantap, Jayalakshmi Puram, Mysore. After the Marriage Ceremony the self introduction programme of the brides and grooms registered at Mysore Jain Marriage Bureau will be conducted. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

PARYUSHAN CELEBRATION BY YOUNG JAINS OF UK

- Courtesy:www.youngjains.org.uk ; enquiries@youngjains.org.uk

BIRTHDAY OF ACHARYA SAMRAT ANANDRISHIJI M.S. CELEBRATED ALL OVER INDIA

The 103rd birthday of Acharya Samrat Anandrishiji M.S. was celebrated all over India. Reports of a few functions organized in this connection are given below.

Jalandar, August 8: The 103rd birthday of Anandrishiji Maharaj was celebrated at Jalandar from 8th August 2002 to 11th August 2002 under the guidance of Panditratna Sri Rameshmuniji M.S. and Dr. Sri Rajendra Muniji M.S. On 8th August it was celebrated with mass vratopadesh program, on 9th by chanting the Namokar Mantra through out the day, on 10th as Samayik day and on 11th August as mass Gunanuvad and Ekasna day. Sri Surendra Muniji M.S. and Sri Rupendra Muniji M.S. were also present on the occassion. Speaking on the occassion Dr. Sri Rajendra Muniji M.S. threew light on the life of Acharya Samrat Anandrishiji.

Chennai, August 11: The birthday of Anandrishiji Maharaj was celebrated on the 11th of August 2002 at the Jain Bhavan Chennai under the guidance of Sadhvi Ratna Sri Ajithkuvarji M.S. On the occassion the Acharya Anandrishiji Trust announced that they would conduct a free Medical camp on September 1 at M.N.L. hospital Chennai.

Patiyala: The 103rg Birthday of Anandrishiji Maharaj were celebrated at Patiyala for a period of five days under the guidance of Sri Adarshjyothiji M.S. and Sri Divyajyothiji M.S. On the occassion several religious discourses were organised. 

Dhuliya (Maharashtra): The birthday celebrations of Anandrishiji Maharaj were celebrated at Dhuliya under the guidance of Sri Ramamuniji M.S. Speaking on the occassion Ramamuniji M.S. threw light on the life and works of Anandrishiji. Sadhvisri Rajitashri M.S. also threw light on the life of Anandrishiji. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

T.V. SERIAL ON BHAGAWAN BAHUBALI TELECASTED BY BANGALORE DOORDARSHAN

Bangalore (Karnataka), September 7: A T.V. serial in Kannada depicting the life of Bhagawan Bahubali has been telecasted on the Bangalore Doordarshan (Chandana Channel) since September 8th, 2002 on every Sundays at 3.30 P.M. This serial which comprises a total of eight episodes has been directed and produced by Sri Raju Patil of Padmavathi Creations. Sri Raju Patil is avery enthusiastic person from Ugarabudraka (a village in the Belgaum district of Karnataka). He has already produced and directed a T.V. serial on "Goddess Padmavathi". At present he is preparing himself to produce two more T.V. serials on Jainism one on "Bhagawan Sri Sahasraphani Parshwanath of Bijapur" and the other on "Bhagawan Sri Chintamani Parshwanath of Babanagar". - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR ANCIENT INDIAN JAIN LITERATURE ESTABLISHED

Ahmedabad: Under the guidance and inspiration of Sri Nandighosh Vijayji Maharaj a desciple of Vijay Sarvodaysuriji Maharaj a "Research Institute" to explore the ancient Indian religious and philosophical traditions with a view to re-establish the religious culture amongst the youth, was recently inaugurated at Ahmedabad by by famous Mathematician and scientist, Dr. P.C. Vaidya. Well known Jain scholar Dr. Madhusudan Danki inagurated its website. Sri Shrenik Bhai; Kastur Bhai; Lal Bhai; Editor of Gujarat Samachar, Shri Shanti Lal Shah and others were the other dignitaries present on the occassion. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

SRI RAJENDRASURI MARG

Surat, September 15: The city Municipal Council of Surat has decided to name a road after Sri Rajendrasurishwarji Maharaj of the Swethambar sect. It can be recalled here that the members of the Swethambar Jain  Samaj had submitted a memorandum to the city Municipal Council in this connection.  - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

RANNA NAGAR

Mudhol, (Bijapur District, Karnataka) : A certain residential area of the Mudhol town was named as Ranna Nagar recently. Ranna is a well known poet of the Kannada literature of the 9th and 10 centuries and is called as one among the Ratnatraya poets of the Kannada literature. He is the author of the " Ajithanath Purana", a well known epic on the life of Bhagawan Ajithanath in Kannada. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

LECTURE ON "THE JAIN DHARMA AND DARSHAN IN THE MODERN WORLD"

Jain Center of Greater Boston, August 25: A lecture on "The Jain Dharma and Darshan in the Modern World" was being arranged at the Jain Center of Greater Boston by Dr.Yogendranath Sharma 'Arun' on the  25th of August 2002. Dr. Arun is a follower of Munishri 1008 Guptisagarji Maharaj and follows and practices Jainism. He has published a book on Jainism - 'History of Jainism'. He has given lectures on many topics including Jain Ramayan and Jain Mahabharata. - Courtesy: Manish Kasliwal, manishkasliwal@yahoo.com.

ANNIVERSARY OF SALIGRAMA JAINS ASSOCIATION

Bangalore, August 11: The first anniversary of Saligrama Jains Association (an association formed by the natives of Saligrama, a place in Mysore district of Karnataka, residing in and around Bangalore) was held at the Kannada Sahitya Parishat Bhavan on the 11th of August 2002 at Bangalore. On the occasion a photo exhibition on the Jain temples of Saligrama was arranged. The proceedings of the function were presided over by Dr.H.V.Jeevendra Kumar of Mysore.

Sri Bhuvanendra Kumar presently residing in Canada and a native of Saligrama appreciated the work of the Saligrama Jains Association and donated a sum of Rs.10,000 to the association. Many other people with native Saligrama and residing in the different parts of the world were also present on the occasion. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.    

JAIN MATRIMONIAL MEET AT NEW DELHI

Delhi, September 15: A matrimonial introduction programme for Jain families is being hosted on 13th October, 2002 at 10:00 A.M. by  "Sanjog" , monthly magazine in coordination with Ahimsa Foundation at Rajendra Bhawan, 210, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg, New Delhi - 110002 (Near Anuvrat Bhawan). On this occasion the details of all the participating candidates will also be printed in the form of a booklet. Parents of all eligible matrimonial candidates are requested to submit their entries in prescribed form along with participation charges of Rs. 500/-. All entries will also be placed on the Matrimonial section in one of popular Jain portals www.jainsamaj.org which has already hosted over 1500 profiles. for further details contact email: ahimsa@jainsamaj.org  - Jain Heritage Centres News Service.

Dr.J.Bharatharaj (68): Retired Professor of Psychology All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysore passed away on the 14th of October 2002 at his house in Mysore. He was an expert in Hypnotherapy and had previously worked at the Christian Medical college, Vellore (Tamil Nadu) and at the Mental Hospital, Ranchi as Clinical Psychologist. He leaves behind his wife, two sons and a daughter.

Sri H.P.Brahmappa (80): Retired Assistant Commissioner of Income tax passed away recently at Hassan on the 18of July 2002. He was the member of the executive committee, Karnataka Jains Association. Also he had worked as the special officer of the Karnataka Government during the 1000th year Mahamasthakabhishekha of Bhagawan Bahubali held in the year 1981.   

Kandigere (Tumkur District, Karnataka), August 11: The 10th years annual pooja mahotsav of Bhagawan Sri Shanthinath and Sri Ananthanath Jain temple was held on the 11th of August 2002 under the guidance of Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of Narasimharajapura. On the occassion the Shanthi Chakra Aradhana and the religious meeting were conducted.

Vagavade (Belgaum District, Karnataka), August 11: The annual pooja mahotsav of the recently renovated temple of Bhagawan Mahavir was held on the 11th of August 2002.

www.youngjains.org.uk : Website of the Young Jains of UK, an organisation that encourages the discussion and exploration of Jain philosophy, spirituality and its practical importance to life, in an open and friendly environment. This website gives information about the Young Jains of UK, their activities, access to their online shop of Jain books and CD's, links to other Jain websites, articles on Jainism and lot more.   

www.terapanthonline.com : Gives information about Jainism, Terapanth, Anuvrat, Prekshan Dhyan, Tirthankaras, Jeevan Vigyan, Science of Living, Jain Vishwa Bharti, Terapanth Acharyas etc. Mangalik in the voice of Gurudev Tulsiji, Acharyashree Mahapragya and Yuvacharya Mahasraman. Vyakhyan in the voice of Acharyashree Mahapragya and latest Vigyapti.

www.oshwalscanada.org  : Oshwals Canada Inc. - news, events and other information of the Oshwal Jains in Canada.

Friday 20th September 2002 - Moksha Kalyanak of Bhagawan Vasupujya Swami.

Saturday 28th September 2002 - Garbha Kalyanak of Bhagawan Shanthinath Swami.

Sunday 6th October 2002 - Mahalaya Amavasya, Samadhi day of Acharya Veerasagarji Maharaj and Acharya Payasagarji Maharaj.

Tuesday 1st October 2002 - World Vegetarian Day.

Monday 7th October 2002 - Navarathri begins, Kevalagnana Kalyanak of Bhagawan Neminath Swami.

Thursday 10th October 2002 - Samadhi Day of A.N.Upadhyay , one of the greatest Jain scholar of all times.

Sunday 13th October 2002 - Durgashtami, Moksha Kalyanak of Bhagawan Sheetalnath Swami, Jevadayashtami.

11th-14th October 2002 - Young Jains Professionals (YJP) Organization's Annual Convention at Montreal, Canada.

Tuesday 15th October 2002 - Vijayadashami, Pooja of Bharathachakravarthi's Digvijay.

Saturday 19th October 2002 - Workshop on The Philosophy of Karma in Jainism at New Jersy.

Sunday 20th October 2002 - Workshop on The Essence of World Religions at New Jersy.

Monday 21st October 2002 - Birth day of Acharya Vidyasagarji Maharaj.

Wednesday 23rd October 2002 - Garbha Kalyanak of Bhagawan Neminath Swami.

Tuesday 29th October 2002 - Birth day of Acharya Vimalsagarji Maharaj.

Additions as on 15th September 2002

Jain Heritage Centres in India:

Karnataka:

Shedabala - Janma Bhoomi of Elacharya 108 Sri Vidyanandji Maharaj.

Srirangapatna - Famous for Goddess Padmavathi, was ruled by the Tiger of Mysore, Tippu Sultan.

Aretippur - Idol of Bhagawan Bahubali can be found here.

Kuderu - Temple of Bhagawan Adinath.

Kalkandur - Temple of Bhagawan Parshwanath.

Photo Gallery:

Photographs of the Jain Temples in Karnataka.

Madhya Pradesh:

Adinath Temple, Kajuraho; Parshwanath Temple, Kajuraho.

REQUEST TO THE JAIN SAMAJ

After providing information of the important pilgrim places in India and abroad. We are now planning towards providing information of the pilgrim places that are located in the rural parts of India. We are looking forward for partners who can work with us and help us in this regard. Please feel free to contact in this connection and send us information of the pilgrim places that are not covered in our website.