Shravanabelagola, 8th December 2019: His Holiness SwastiSri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji, the pontiff of Shravanabelagola Jain Math has opined that “a Pontiff along with purifying himself should also purify the society and bring about social harmony among different religions”. He was speaking on the occasion of his 50th year of Deeksha (initiation to monkhood) celebrations held at Chavundaraya Mantapa in the premises of Jain Math at Shravanabelagola. He further opined that “the pontiffs should stay away from politics, it’s only then that the monasteries can focus on the welfare of the people”.
Further elaborating on his 50 years journey he said, “We took over the responsibility as the pontiff of Shravanabelagola when the Math was in a difficult phase as aspired by our Guru and have been trying to deliver our best to the society. These 50 years have passed through like 50 days. We are not fully satisfied as there are many projects that are yet to be completed. We aspire to contribute more to the society”.
“Dharma/religion doesn’t mean only pooja and devotion. Instead, helping others and doing good to society is also dharma. Whatever society has contributed towards us has been given back to society. The Bahubali children’s hospital wherein free services are offered to the kids is the best example to this”, he said.
Speaking further he said, “Religion and science should go hand in hand. If religion helps us in self-purification and gain mental peace, the new inventions in science help us with religious achievements. As per the slogan ‘Ahimsa Paramo Dharma’ peace should prevail all over the world. Moksha is impossible without Diksha. Purification of the soul itself is Diksha” he said.
The former chief minister of Karnataka Sri M Veerappa Moily spoke on the occasion. He said that “Sri Charukeerthi Swamiji’s love and knowledge of literature is really amazing. His Holiness Swamiji was a major inspiration for him authoring the work ‘Bahubali Digvijayam’ during the Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsava – 2018”.
His Holiness SwastiSri Bhanukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of Kambadahalli Jain Math, His Holiness SwastiSri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of Kanakagiri Jain Math, His Holiness SwastiSri Dhavalakeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of Arihantagiri Jain Math, His Holiness Jagadguru SwastiSri Dr. Devendrakeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of Hombuja Jain Math, His Holiness SwastiSri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Swamiji of Narasimharajapura Jain Math, His Holiness SwastiSri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Swamiji of Nandani Jain Math, His Holiness SwastiSri Siddanthakeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of Aretippuru Jain Math and D Surendra Kumar of Dharmasthala were present. – Jain Heritage Centres News Service