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| A publication of www.jainheritagecentres.com |
Editor-in-Chief: Dr. H.A.Parshwanath |
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Vol.3 Issue 5 |
September 2004 |
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Editorial |
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JAINISM AND SOCIALISM |
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India is a vast country with composite culture and varying in practice and percepts. It adopted the socialistic pattern of society in its constitution. It has widened its concept in the recent times with the advent of awareness among the country men. The great patriots of the country who fought for the freedom continued to lay down firm foundation for the social values that should pervade in the day to day life of individuals. Jainism has provided infrastructure to this concept. Socialism leads to systematisation of economical status of the country. Jainism provides a principled highway in this regard. Jainism is an index of lifestyle and culture of the people it includes adhyatma, political pursuance and social morale this concept is more practicable than mere principle. Jainism doesn't divide the social living and also doesn't distinguish individual life style and that of society. These two aspects become blended together. Jaina followers do not distinguish the poor from the affluent every living creature intends to lead a free style of life and thus attaining gratification. Jainism pays a unique importance for the thinking abilities and also attain salvation. Jainism adopts any change in the economical status and also supports the change. Many people fail to recognise this moot point cited in Jainism. Imperialism relies upon stable socialism. Jainism forbids any matter of violence in achieving this goal. It believes more in its practice than propaganda. It believes in the opinion that one should purify oneself first before teaching the society to follow it. It firmly believes in reformation of the society. This concept of the religion is more adoptable to the Indian attitude. It is interested in the welfare of the country without countering any force which is contributory for the welfare of the people. Jainism stands more supreme in its revolutionary methods than mere socialism. It vehemently counters ill effects of capitalism and tries to quench the adhyathmic thirst of the people. It has immensely contributed for the better living condition and social status of Indians.
-Dr. H.A.Parshwanath
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GRAND BHATTARAKHA SAMMELAN AT AURANGABAD - CONTRIBUTION OF BHATTARAKHAS HAILED |
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Aurangabad (Maharashtra), August 16: Bhattarakhas of Jaina religion have immensely contributed to its prosperity and values. They exhibited social commitment with their continuous zeal and interest to the growth adn development of religion. They inspired the devotees to involve themselves in the propagation of the message of Jina. They also stood as saviours of the pilgrim centres and agamas. They blended life and atma together which has been cherished long. The pages of history have revealed their capabilities in laying down and stabilizing the path of dharma. It has explored the inner core of life and the magnitude of Jivatma. Acharya Sri Devanandi Maharaj appealed the assemblage with religious enchantment in the conference held by Marathawada Digambar Jain Sangh on the occasion of the celebrating of his 41st birth day. The celebrations were held from 14, 15 & 16th August at Aurangabad. The Bhattarakha conference was also held on the occasion. Devanandi Acharya called for sinking the differences in the religion and reducing the impact of sects and bring about unison in the community. He emphasised the fact that Jainism has sustained the ritualistic fervour and stood firmly against the onslaughts from time to time. He also advocated Pinchi (cluster of leaves of peacock) should be part of Bhattarakha's procession. He called fro nullifying the destabilising acts in this regard. He also stressed upon the need for worshipping yaksha yakshis and abhishekhas to be performed to Tirthankaras in the traditional way. The religious status of Yaksha Yakshis be maintained and followed as has been practiced hitherto. The celebrations were well attended by devotees tuning to about 20,000. Many dignitaries of various Jaina organisations also were present on the occasion. The Bhattarakha who participated in the conference included Swasti Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kolhapur Jain Muth, Swasti Sri Jinasena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Nandani Jain Muth, Swasti Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Narasimharajapur (simhanagadde) Jain Muth, Swasti Sri Lalithakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Karkala Jain Muth, Swasti Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kanakagiri Jain Muth, Swasti Sri Dhavalakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Tirumalai (Arihanthagiri) Jain Muth, Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Moodabidri Jain Muth, Swasti Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Jinakanchi Jain Muth and Swasti Sri Dharmasena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Amminabhavi Jain Muth. Titles conferred on the Bhattarakhas: Various titles were conferred on Bhattarakhas signifying their religious status attained and veritable contribution to it. These include 'Samskruthi Divakar' to Swasti Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kolhapur Jain Muth, 'Samskruthi Bhaskar' to Swasti Sri Jinasena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Nandani Jain Muth, 'Samskruthi Prabhavak' Swasti Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Narasimharajapur (simhanagadde) Jain Muth, 'Samskruthi Prathipalak' Swasti Sri Lalithakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Karkala Jain Muth, 'Samskruthi Bhushan' to Swasti Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kanakagiri Jain Muth, 'Samskruthi Samrat' Swasti Sri Dhavalakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Tirumalai (Arihanthagiri) Jain Muth, 'Samskruthi Marthand' Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Moodabidri Jain Muth, 'Samskruthi Samvardhak' Swasti Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Jinakanchi Jain Muth and 'Samskruthi Palak' Swasti Sri Dharmasena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Amminabhavi Jain Muth. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service |
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3000TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF BHAGAWAN PARSHWANATHA |
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Kundalpur (Bihar): Paramapujya Her Holiness 105 Ganani Sri Gnanamathimathaji called for celebration of 3000th birth anniversary of Bhagawan Parshwanatha in the year 2005. She called upon that the celebration should be observed by conducting the rational, regional & social leveled religious and academic activities. This event will be inaugurated on the 6th of January, 2005 at Bhelpur - Varanasi, the birth place of Parshwanatha. The readers are requested to send the details of the historical aspects of the places related to Lord Parshwanatha along with the details of the place, documents & illustrations, etc. to the below mentioned address. Karmayogi Sri Ravindrakumar Jain, President, Bhagawan Mahavir Birth Place, Kundalpur, Nandhyavartha Mahal, Kundalpur Post (Nalanda) - 803101, Bihar State. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service |
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SAMMEDHASHIKARJI IN GOVERNMENT HANDS |
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Ranchi (Jharkhand), Aug. 24: A century-old dispute over the ownership of Sammedhashikarji (Parasnath Hills, Giridih) was settled today when Jharkhand High Court set aside the claims of Shwetambar and Digambar sects of Jainism. A full bench headed by Chief Justice P.K.I. Balasubramanyan instead vested all rights in the state. In its 83-page order, the high court vested the ownership of 16,000 acres of land comprising the hill and adjacent areas in the state and gave its permission to cancel the agreement between the Bihar Government and the Kalyanji Anandji Trust sealed in 1965. The bench directed the state to appoint an administrator and form a committee, with the deputy commissioner of Giridih as chairman, to supervise the transition and ensure that religious ceremonies are conducted smoothly. The three sects of Jainism — Murti Pujaks, Shwetambars and Digambars — have been allowed to nominate one representative each to the committee while the state government will nominate the fourth member from the Jain community, the order said. It is not clear if the order will now be challenged before the Supreme Court by one or both sects. The Kalyanji Anandji Trust, which controls the hill and has a valid and ongoing agreement with the then Bihar Government, has the option of handing over the control to the state or seeking a stay order from the apex court. The Digambars have fought a protracted legal battle to ensure that they, too, get the right to manage Sammedhashikarji Hills described as the holiest place for Jains. It is believed that as many as 20 out of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras attained salvation at Sammedhashikarji . Over the years, the high court has grappled over the Digambars’ plea for equal rights or rotational rights with the Shwetambars. While the former is believed to be numerically stronger, the latter is acknowledged as the more affluent. The court order mentions that in 1933 the Privy Council had accepted the ownership and control of the temple and the tonks by the Shwetambar sect. While the Digambar sect had full and unrestricted rights of worship, they were required to seek the permission of the controlling Shwetambars. It has also directed the state to ensure that no pilgrim is discriminated against. - News Courtesy: The Telegraph |
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UNIQUE ATTAINMENT OF SUPREMACY OF SAINTHOOD |
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| Dayodaya Tirth (Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh), August 20: It was on August 20th this year that Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh witnessed an astonishing but factual event where 25 youths stepped ahead with a saga of determination to relinquish the worldly pleasures and proceed forward in the path of assuming Digambar Muni Diksha. It was a longing desire of these youths to step into this august event at the behest of Acharya Shiromani and His Holiness Sri Vidyasagar Maharaj. This event took place at the bank of Narmada river near Jabalpur. The people thronging there shed tears of sublimation and were dumb founded to see their family branches coveted to this endeavour. Many prominent people and stalwarts witnessed this unique procession accompanied with dance and music. The slogans, 'Jain Dharma Ki Jai' and 'Acharya Sri Ki Jai' vibrated in the atmosphere quelling dense clouds in the sky. The saints took oath to observe all the arduous rituals in their voyage of Digambarism. They were bestowed with new names with the suffix 'Sagar'. The entire Jabalpur city observed the occasion by giving a short break for their routine business affairs. The people hailed their immortal sacrifice observed in the early part of the 21st century. The difficult cults of Jainism to be followed were brifened vividly by Acharya Sri Vidyasagar Maharaj. The religious luminaries who observed the myth of sacrifice included: Shailesh (B.Tec, M.B.A.), Vishal (M.E.), Rajkumar (M.E.), Amith (B.Com), Bhupendra (M.Com), Vinod (M.A.), Amith (B.Sc), Nitish (M.Com, L.L.B.), Milan Shah (D.M.T.C.), Balasaheb (B.A.), Pradeep (B.Com), Atul (B.E.), Raju (B.Com), Rakesh (M.A.), Rajeev (B.Sc), Nitesh (M.Com), Ravi (B.Com), Ranu (M.A.), Manish (B.A.), Amol (Intermediate), Sudhir (Intermediate), Dhaval (Charted Accountant), Abhishekh (B.E.), Sonu (B.E.) and Pavan (B.A.). - Jain heritage Centres News Service | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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JAINS MINORITY STATUS ONLINE PETITION |
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| News Delhi, September 15: In view of the recent directions given by the Supreme Court to the Government of India to come out with a decision on the Jain minority status, the Government is left with only a few days to come out with a firm decision in this connection. In order to impress upon the government of India to come out with a positive decision an online petition has been started at the website petitiononline.com. The readers of Jaina Voice are here by requested to kindly sign this petition and there by help the Jain community in building up the pressure on the Government. To have a look at the petition and to sign the petition please visit the link: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/jm7i2004/petition.html. For further details on the Jain minority petition please click here. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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'MOOKMAATI' SPREADS ITS TENTACLES |
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| Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), September 15: 'Mookmati' the Hindi poetic work written by Acharya 108 Sri Vidyasagar Maharaj has drawn the attention of many research workers. It has contributed immensely the spear of ancient vision and nearly 30 postgraduate students have selected their topic for research based on this work. It describes the Jaina darshan in its vivid and simple way. It stands as an index of the perpetual and visionary thinking about Jainism. -Jain Heritage Centres News Service | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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55TH MASTHAKABHISHEKHA OF BHAGAWAN BAHUBALI AT GOMMATAGIRI ON 31ST OCTOBER |
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Mysore, (Karnataka) September 15: The 54rd Masthakabhishekha (Head anointing ceremony) of the 18 feet high idol of Bhagawan Bahubali has been organised at Gommatagiri on the 31st of October 2004 under the Guidance of His Holiness Sri Devendrakirthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of the Jain Muth Huncha. Dr.Prabha Mandal convener of the Masthakabhishekha committee said this while addressing a press conference at Mysore. Gommatagiri is a place near Mysore (20 Kms from Mysore) famous for its monolithic statue of Sri Bhagawan Bahubali situated at the top of a hill called Shravana Gudda. The standing snakes with their hoods on either side of the statue are very attractive and unique of the Gommata sculptors seen in India. Though no any inscription is available throwing light on the space it is said that Chengalvas and Kongalvas enshrined the place. An annual mahamastakabhisheka cermony is celebrated every year during the September or October months. A row of the foot prints of the 24 tirthankaras are seen carved and installed near by the hill in the recent decades. The model of Samavasarana can be found in the place. It can be recalled here that the idol of Bhagawan Bahubali was discovered about 55 years back by Late Sri C.B.M.Chandriah when he was on his way to some other place. Its only due to the efforts of Sri C.B.M.Chandaraiah that this place was improved. Special busses have been arranged from Mysore for the convenience of the visitors and pilgrims. Gommatagiri had been in news in the recent days because of the illegal stone quarrying work that had been taking place around the Shravana Gudda. Bowing to pressoures from the Jain community the government of Karnataka had taken adequate steps to stop quarrying work. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service. |
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MUKUTA SAPTHAMI AT KANAKAGIRI 'KANAKAGIRI.ORG' WEBSITE LAUNCH - 'PUJYAPADA' BOOK RELEASE - KEERTHI SAMMAN |
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Kanakagiri (Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka), August 22: The Mukuta Sapthami was observed with religious pomp and glory at Kanakagiri, the abode of Jain heritage. It found its lime light in the recent time through the electronic media. The devotees thronging at the place find their solace in its complacent religious atmosphere. Sri Anil Sethi the well known professionalist inaugurated the new website of the place, www.kanakagiri.org on 22nd August 2004. The new electronic vista is designed and launched by Nitin H.P., who has already drawn the global viewers by his earlier jainheritagecentres.com launched about two years ago. It is note worthy that it is the first ever Kannada website on Jainism. Kanakagiri Jain Mutt is the first monastery to sponsor the same in the realm of Jain centres. Mr. Sethi who also presided over the function stressed upon the need for faithful follow up of the preachings without any subvents. Sri. Nitin briefened the devotees about the internet and the Kanakagiri website. 'Acharya Sri Pujyapadaru Mattu Ayurveda', the book scripted by Dr. H.S.Lalitanga Kumar was released on the occasion by His Holiness Swstisri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji the pontiff of the Kanakagiri Jain Muth. Smt Indumathi Prabhu's 'Sri Sammedha Shikarji Aradhane' was also released on the same occasion. The young talents identified and honoured on the occasion included Kumari S.Sahana (Mysore), Kumari Sanjana S. Babu (Tumkur) and Kumari S. Padmasri (Bangalore) underlining their educational acumen achieved in the S.S.L.C. They were lauded for their attempt of achieving the highest scoring in the academic examinations. The mutt is conducting the talent search and conferring blessings for the young every year. Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji blessed the devotees and emphasised the need of worshipping Lord Sri Parshwanatha Swami with great devotion. He emphasised that one should develop tolerance to combat the trails and tribulations in day to day life. Kshullak 105 Sri Nirvanasagar Maharaj were present on the occasion and blessed the galaxy of devotees assembled. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service |
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SALUTE TO LORD PARSHWANATHA |
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| Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), August 22: Mukutasapthami was observed at the Jain pilgrim center Shravanabelagola by conducting poojas of Bhagawan Sri Parshwanatha the 23rd prophet. In addition to this religious discourses and conferences were also held on the occasion. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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FIRST EVER RELIGION BASED CENSUS RELEASED |
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| New Delhi, September 6: The first ever religion based census of India was released by the government of India on the 6th of September 2004. These figures are based on the all India census conducted by the government of India during the months of February and March 2001. The Commissioner for census released these figures at a press conference held at New Delhi. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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JAINS BEWARE! A SOCIAL TURMOIL AHEAD |
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New Delhi, Sept 7: It’s a
demographic time bomb ticking for the Jain community. The child sex ratio, a
pointer to the future demographic profile of a community, has declined to
alarming levels among Jain to a figure much lower than the national average.
Whatever may be the reason — divine intervention or sacrilegious practice of
foeticide — the fact is that adverse child sex ratio is a cause for serious
concern as it will translate into social tension in the days ahead.
As far as Jains are concerned, the problem of low child sex ratio appears to be calamitous. The figures on child sex ratio revealed by census 2001 are chilling when compared with the sex ratio (children and adults included) of the Jain community. The sex ratio among Jains is 940. This is better than the national average of 933. In urban area, where majority of Jains live, the sex ratio is much better at 941 as compared with the all-India average of 900. There is nothing wrong. However, the bizarre trend becomes manifest the moment one looks at the child sex ratio for the Jain community. The ratio is 870 as against the national average of 927. The situation is equally bad in urban as well as rural areas. The census data also reveal low child sex ratio among states and Union Territories having large Jain population. It is 832 in Gujarat, 878 in Rajasthan and 906 in Madhya Pradesh. What is happening to female Jain children? It’s a dreadful and a loaded question which the Jain munis can avoid only to the peril of the pious community. National Commission for Minorities chairman S Tarlochan Singh has already expressed his intention to call a meeting of leaders of different religious groups to sensitise them with the alarming demographic trends. - News Courtesy: The Financial Express |
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JAINS CONTEST CENSUS FIGURES |
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New Delhi, Sep 16: the Jains have contested their number in the first-ever religion-based census report released by the government of India. According to Digamber Jain Mahasabha, the Jain population in the country should be around 12.5-15 million and not 4.2 million as recorded in the First Report on Religion: Census of India 2001. Pointing to the state-wise figures, the Mahasabha says the Jain population in Delhi has been recorded at 155,122, though it should not be less than 400,000.Similarly, Lalitpur and Jhansi alone account for more than 200,000 Jains which the census report records as the entire Jain population of Uttar Pradesh. ''There are sizeable number of Jains in Meerut, Sardhana, Moradabad, Rampur, Lucknow, Bijnore, Sharanpur and Baraut. Hence their population in UP should be around one million,'' Mahasabha President Nirmal Kumar Jain Sethi said in a statement here today. ''In West Bengal, the Jain population is double the census figure. Same is true for Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka,'' he claimed. He, however, expressed great satisfaction over the high literacy rate among the Jains- 90.6 per cent for female and 94.1 per cent for the entire population. - News Courtesy: UNI |
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JAINS SPEAK THEIR PEACE |
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Buena Park (California), September 15: And on a recent Sunday, Ramesh Doshi tastes it as he proudly points out to guests the unexpected wonders of the ornately carved, 42,000-square-foot Jain temple and cultural center going up on Commonwealth Avenue - including the spot where a long-lost, two-story teak temple will soon be reconstructed. Jains like Doshi, an Orange County, Calif., engineer, believe the world needs their faith more than ever. Their elaborate project - the largest Jain center outside the Indian subcontinent - speaks to the daunting task of getting that word out. The generously conceived building of yellow Jesalmar stone imported from India will help them try to popularize their faith's ideals. Beyond India, few people have heard much of Jainism. Many Americans might only have heard of the faith's nude monks, who carry feather whisks to brush their paths rather than step on any tiny creature. Local Jains are not monks, but doctors and engineers and business owners who aim to advance tenets of nonviolence, generosity and, inextricably, vegetarianism. Jainism applies nonviolence even to plants. "Because plants also have life," said Doshi, 55, president of the Southern California Jain Center. "Of course, you have to draw the line somewhere to survive. If you put water under a microscope there are lots of living organisms. But you drink water. "Still, where most people draw the line is right below human beings, dogs and cats ... our line is drawn as low as possible. It's all about the degree of violence. "If I hit you, that is violence. Almost everyone would agree with that. But we could be sitting here and you don't know, I could be thinking bad about you. That is violence also." Jains believe that when a soul conquers its material, earthbound desires and acts only for the good of others, it will go to live in a place of peace and delight above the universe. That is the goal of all Jains. Over the centuries Jainism lived alongside Buddhism and Hinduism in India, but never grew in the same way, possibly because it can involve a lot of self-sacrifice. Today, fewer than 5 million adherents make up less than 1 percent of the Indian population. Yet the tenacious faith exerts influence over morals and values far beyond its numbers. Mahatma Gandhi was greatly influenced by Jainism. Here and in India, Jains tend to be members of the upper middle class. And, as accumulation of unnecessary wealth is among the faith's prohibitions, they are known to be extremely generous philanthropists. The 800 member-families of the local Jain center raised the $10 million for the building project. Volunteers on the building committee have spent every Sunday since October 2001 planning, strategizing and making decisions. Designers from India chose the interior colors and carvings. The walls will be painted with scenes from the history of the faith, and the main cultural hall will feature a large stage equipped with the latest in broadcast technology. The building's centerpiece will be a two-story, teak Jain temple to be reconstructed inside the main building. The British built the temple in 1904 as a contribution to the World's Fair in St. Louis. It was supposed to go back to India, but somehow ended up in Howard Hughes' hands. He put it on display in the parking lot of the Castaways Casino in Las Vegas. After the eccentric billionaire's death, local Jains, particularly former center president Dr. Manibhai Mehta, persuaded Hughes' corporation to donate the temple. "We have the bits and pieces," Doshi said. "It will take time, maybe a year or two to get up, but eventually, when you first walk in to the building, it is what you will see." Neighbors tell them they can't wait to see the finished project, he said. "I think we're all looking forward to it," Buena Park City Councilwoman Patsy Marshall said Friday. "People are interested to see what it's going to look like." The center, scheduled to open this winter, will not only offer an opportunity to become familiar with the Jain philosophy, but a close-up look at Indian art and architecture. "We want to blend in with our community but at the same time educate people about nonviolence, so that everyone will live in peace and light," Doshi said. "If we can uplift the community around that ... I think this whole building, all this effort, will be worthwhile." - News Courtesy: Fortwayne.com |
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PRESIDENT HONOURS SHIKHA JAIN |
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Imphal (Manipur), September 7: In
recognition of her academic excellence and appreciation of her will
power, President of India APJ Abdul Kalam has given a sum of Rs 25,000
to Miss Shikha Jain of Paona Bazar, Imphal, who despite being
physically handicapped outshone her peers in the Higher Secondary
Examination, 2004.The amount was sent to Miss Shikha, as assistance
towards her higher studies in the form of a cheque on August 19 last. |
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TOWARDS A SATYAGRAHA ON NON-VIOLENT DEFENCE |
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New Delhi, August 23: A roomful of concerned peaceniks, a spiritual head and one determined lady. This was the setting of an evening organised under the aegis of Times Foundation, in order to spread the message of peace and harmony among the masses, on Sunday. But what perhaps distinguished it from yet another peace meeting, was the sheer determination of the gathering to bring about a change. Discussion on ahimsa was therefore, only natural. However, that was not the only thing on the august gathering's agenda.
"Let all of us come together to initiate a satyagraha on non-violent
defence. If we mobilise the masses towards this goal, I'm sure the
government too will see reason," said Mrs Indu Jain, chairman of Times
Foundation, while speaking at the gathering.
Mrs Jain was advocating the cause of non-violent defence as opposed to
violent defence, which she said, was only begetting further violence in
the world.
Said well-known peace activist M S Bitta, "Let us carry the message of
peaceful co-existence preached by Lord Mahavira, to the people of the
country. Let us celebrate Mahavir Jayanti in a big way in order to
propagate his message."
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CALL FOR SIMPLE MARRIAGES |
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Mysore (Karnataka), September 12: Swasti Sri Bhuvakaneerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji the pontiff of the Kanakagiri Jain Muth felt that the marriages conducted at very high costs have led to many unwanted and untoward incidents in the Jain community and hence he called upon the Jain community to adhere to simple marriages. He was speaking after inaugurating the 5th Anniversary meet and the Parichaya Sammelan of the Jain Vivaha Vedika, Mysore. Yogacharya Sri K.Keshavabhatt was the chief guest of the function. Sri S.N.Devandraiah president of Sri Shanthinatha Seva Samiti, Mysore, presided over the function. Dr.P.D.Padmakumar the convener of the Mysore Jain Vivaha Vedike read out a detailed report highlighting its activities. He said that till date of the total 584 Jain brides and grooms registered with the Vedike, 356 marriages have taken and there by registering a success rate of 62%. More than 700 Jains from allover Karnataka, Maharashtra and Kerala attended the sammelan. A book containing the details of the Jain brides and bridegrooms was released on the occasion. For copies of the book and further details of the Jain Vivaha Vedike, please contact: Dr.P.D.Padmakumar, Convener, Mysore Jain Vivaha Vedike, "Theerathankara", 1476, C&D Block, Poornadrishti Road, Kuvempu Nagar, Mysore - 570023, Phone: 0821-2541673, Email: pdkumar@indiatimes.com - Jain Heritage Centres News Service |
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FIVE KG GOLD TO BE USED FOR 31 - INCH IDOL |
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| Mumbai, September 14: A 31-inch idol of Lord Mahavir made with an alloy of five elements will be unveiled at the Lord Parshvanath’s Godiji Jain temple in Pydhonie soon. The idol will be coated with 5 kgs of gold. At present the temple has eight shikhars (pinnacles). The saints however felt that it would be good to have a nine-shikhar Jain temple. Sagarchandra Sagarji Maharaj, who has taken shelter at the temple for the months of Chaturmas said, “There are eight shikhars in Godiji. To fulfil the wishes of the saints to have nine shikhars, the devotees have decided to build a 31-inch idol of Lord Mahavir. They have started donating gold. So far the temple has received about three kgs of the metal.” The idol will be made in Palitana in Gujarat.First silver, copper, brass and bronze will be used for the moulding of the idol. The idol will then be coated with gold. - News Courtesy: mid-day.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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ANIMAL RIGHTS CHAMPIONED BY JAIN COMMUNITY |
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Bangalore (Karnataka),
August 17: Championing the cause of animal rights and trying to spread
the message of non-violence, members of the Jain community took out an
‘Ahimsa Yatra’ in the City on Sunday morning.The yatra, taken out under the
aegis of the Animal Rights Fund (ARF), was marked with display of placards
containing appeals to the public to be compassionate towards fellow humans
and animals. The yatra was not only a visual treat for motorists, but also
educated them on the advantages of simple living. Later, an ‘Ahimsa Sabha’
was organised near the ARF animal shelter near Girinagar. Jain seer
Soorishwarji Maharaj blessed the gathering and said that every person should
try and be more tolerant. The seer also urged people to be compassionate
towards animals as it develops peace of mind and decreases hatred. |
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PHILATELIC EXHIBITION ON JAINISM ORGANIZED AT LADNUN |
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Ladnu (Rajasthan), August 25: Jain Vishva Bharti Institute ( Deemed University), Ladnun (Rajsthan) organized an exhibition of Stamps and Covers on Jainism collected by Mr. Sudhir Jain of Satna (M.P.). This exhibition was organized at University Hall of Jain Vishva Bharti Institute at Ladnun on 25th August 2004. It was inaugurated by Dr. Jagatram Bhattacharya, Registrar of the Jain Vishva Bharti Institute.In this exhibition Mr. Sudhir Jain exhibited his 150 sheets Philatelic Collection on Jainism in the following sequence through Stamps and covers: Essence of Jainism, Principles of Jainism, Conceptions of Jainism, Admirers of Jainism, Symbols of Jainism, Siddha, Panch Kalyanak, Dreams of Mother, Identification signs of Tirthankars, Some Tirthankars, Other Pious Souls, Jain Pilgrimage Centres, Jain architecture, Jain Personalities, Jain Celebrations, Jain Institutions, Message to the World. Large number of Scholars, teachers, students and citizens visited this exhibition. Dr. Ashok Jain, Head, Jain Vidhya & Tulnatmak Dharmdarshan Department gave the vote of thanks.-News Courtesy: Sudhir Jain, Satna |
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MUKUTASAPTHAMI CELEBRATIONS AT PENUGONDE |
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| Mukutasapthami was celebrated in a unique way in Penugonde at the abode of Sri Pachhe Parshwanatha Swamy. Dr. Hampa Nagarajaiah's 'Penugonde - Jaina Kendra' book was released on the occasion. The religious heads from Kolhapura and Simhanagadde (Narasimharajapura) blessed the occasion by their great presence. The renovation of the basadi and installation of Kalasha were also undertaken. Dr. Hampana stressed the need for research and its publication. Dr. Kamala Hampana the resident of 71st all India Kannada Conference, Sri Ajit C. Kabbina the judge of Karnataka High court and S. Jintendra Kumar the president of Karnataka Jaina association were present. Sri A.N.Chandrakeerthi compeered the function. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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RESURRECTION OF JAIN TEMPLE AT SARGUR |
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DR. R.G.DESAI ATTENDING CONFERENCE IN CHINA |
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| Bangalore: Dr.R.G.Desai professor and head, department of economics, Bangalore University, is invited to present the scientific papers in the International Conference being held in Beijing city. The conference is organised by Chinese academy of Science. The topic of his presentation includes 'Egovernance in Karnataka - A Study'. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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INDIAN JAIN ARTIST'S EXHIBITION ORGANIZED IN FRANCE |
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Gorbio (France): Paintings of an young Indian Jain artist Manish Jain Phuskele ( manishphuskele@rediffmail.com) are exhibited at Gorbio city of France. An exhibition titled as "Exhibition of five contemporary Indian Artists" is running there from 25th June to 19th September 2004. Paintings of five Indian Artists Mr. Raza, Mr. Manish, Sujata Bajaj, Seema Ghuraiya and Akhilesh on the subject "Roop Adhyatma" are exhibited in this exhibition. Gorbio is 850 years old historical city of France known as Classic Museum Village. Originally from Bhopal and now shifted to Delhi, Mr. Manish is now well known artist of Spiritual Paintings. Previously he was invited by the France Govt. from 1st Sept. to 31st Dec. 2003 for visiting various Museums of France and delivering lectures on Indian Paintings. Australia Govt. had also invited him along with some other Indian Artists from 2nd May to 17th May 2004. External affairs Ministry of Govt. of India had sent him to Thailand from 22nd may to 27th May 2004.A special book "SAPTAK" has been published from Singapore containing paintings of seven renowned Indian Artists including Manish. This book has been written by Mr. Ashok Bajpai, Costing Rs. 7000/- per copy. - News Courtesy: Sudhir Jain |
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YAKSHAGANA ARTIST BAGS AWARD |
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| Bangalore, September 15: Sri S.B.Narendra Kumar the physical education instructor (Rtd.) in honoured with the prestigious Yakshagana Award by the Vittala Shastri Foundation, Kuli. Sri Narendra Kumar is the son of late Sri S.Jinaraja Shastri of Siddavana Gurukula, Ujire. He has served as an amateur artist of Yakshagana for more than 40 years. He is also participated as a co artist in Yakshagana Kala Vedike, Bangalore. He has also participated in this troupe on the occasion of International Asia Pacific Art Festival held at Berlin city (Germany). - Jain Heritage Centres News Service | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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SRI K.AJJAPPA PASSES AWAY |
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Sri K.Ajjappa (86) the renowned freedom fighter and religious thinker passed away on August 18th in Bellary. He actively took part in Quit India Movement - 1942 and imprisoned. He was a staunch Gandhian and also fought for the unification movement of Karnataka. He was always in the forefront in all the religious and social activities of Jaina Community and exercised deep concern in the renovation of Bellary Jain temple. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service |
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JAIN PUBLICATIONS |
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| Jain Publications available at Hindi Grantha Karyalay. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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For copies of these books please contact:
HINDI GRANTH KARYALAY, Booksellers and Publishers, 9, Hirabaug, C.P. Tank,
Mumbai 400004, India |
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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. |
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Nellikaru (Mangalore District, Karnataka): The special pooja to Bhagawan Sri Ananthanatha swamy and to Brahma Yaksha had been organised on every Thursday on August 19th, 26th, September 2nd, 9th and 16th during the Simha Masa. |
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Huncha (Shimoga District, Karnataka): The special pooja to Goddess Padmavathi Devi during the month of Shravana had been organised on August 20th & 27th and September 3rd & 10th under the guidance of Sri Devendrakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Huncha Jain Muth. |
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Markuli (Hassan District, Karnataka): The special pooja to Tirthankara Adinatha of the Panchakuta Basadi during the month of Shravana had been organised on August 20th & 27th and September 3rd & 10th under the guidance of Sri Charukeetrhi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Shravanabelagola Jain Muth. |
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| www.kanakagiri.org: The website of the only Jain Siddakhsetra Kanakagiri in South India. This website gives information about the history and antiquity of Kanakagiri. It also gives information about the activities and events at Kanakagiri and many attractive photos of the place. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| www.preksha.com: The website on Preksha meditation, an innovative technique of meditation founded by His Holiness Acharya Sri Mahapragyaji. This website gives information about Preksha meditation, Preksha camps and health and therapy measures by Preksha meditation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sunday 19th September 2004 - Dashalakshana Parva begins. Monday 20th September 2004 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Suparshwanatha. Wednesday 22nd September 2004 - Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Pushpdantha. Saturday 25th September 2004 - Ratnatraya Vrata begins. Monday 27th September 2004 - Maksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Vasupujya, Anantha Chaturdashi Vratha begins. Tuesday 5th October 2004 - Garbha Kalyana Bhagawan Shanthintha. Thursday 14th October 2004 - Mahalaya Amavasya. Friday 15th October 2004 - Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Neminatha. Thursday 21st October 2004 - Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Sheethalanatha. Saturday 23rd October 2004 - Digvijaya Pooja of Bharatha Chakravarthy. Saturday 30th October 2004 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Naminatha. |
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Additions as on 1st September 2004: |
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Additions as on 15th September 2004:
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