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

Vol.2      Issue 12

April 2004

Editorial

YAPANIYA SANGHA

     Yapaniya Sangha is an ancient sect of ascetism in Jaina religion, it is synonymous with Arthapalaka, Chelakhanda, Chelaka, Ardha Karpota, Palaka, Karpayam patha, Chadara, Sadara, Ekasataka, Tatti, Pilotaka Khanda, Yapana and Gopya. The word Yapaniya is found in the inscription (6th century) of Brigeshverma, the Banarasi Kadamba king. Further the word Yapaniya is found in Pali language also which means to say 'enough to live'. This was founded by Sri Kalasha the Swethambar muni in the year 148 A.D., according to Sri Devasenasuri's Kathanusara.

    Yapaniya Sangha is a very old and reformed tradition as the remaining two sects. Aribadhrasuri, the Swethambara Acharya considered this branch as a branch of Digambaras.  The sect stands in between Digambars and Swethambars. This was characterised by the munis holding a piece of cloth on them and having their food over the palm of hand. They use the clad partially to cover the body. This is been described in Vaddaradhana of Brajishnu & Brihatkatakosha of Arisena classics in Kannada.  The Yapaniya munis also used to be naked holding the tuft of the feathers of peacock. They were worshipping nude idols. This was also said to be nearer to Digambara sect of Jainism, later on it merged with Digambara sect.

     The sculptors belonging to this sect of ascetism are seen in the images of Kushans in Mathura. It is said that Yapaniya sangha flourished well for more than 1000 years in Karnataka and entered Karnataka in the middle of the 2nd century. Kadambas and Rashtrakutas dynasties have immensely contributed to this sect. The Kongalva kings belonged to the Yapaniya tradition. It was powerful in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and less so in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. It was also found in Gujarat. The contribution of Yapaniyas is exemplary. They were considered as intellectual liberals and symbol of amalgamation of human values. They contributed immensely to Jaina religion, literature, art and culture. The details of gana, gachha and anvaya are also found in its literature and inscriptions.

     A significant mention of it is found in Kannada inscriptions. Also it is mentioned in Jainagama literature for example in Kunda Kundacharyas Pravachanasara, Amrutachandras Tatvadepika and Jayasenas Tatprayavritti. Bhagawan Mahavira is considered as belonging to Yapaniya in the early part of his renunciation and Mahavira was called as Doradushya in Kalpasutra. Shrutasagar of 16th century has condemned the Yapaniya munis. The Yapaniyas tried to please both Swethambaras and Digambaras. They also conceded Swethmbaraagamas and wrote criticisms on them. They also believe that woman attain salvation in the same generation of birth.

     It is interesting to note that Brahmashiva the satiric poet, has not criticised the Yapaniya tradition, instead he has given due recognition to its philosophy. The famous grammarian Shakatayana belongs to Yapaniya Sangha.  

     It flourished,  cherished and perished in South India but the date of its exact extinction is unknown. However it is said that it flourished till 14th to 15th century.

-Dr. H.A.Parshwanath

PRESIDENT, PM GREET NATION ON MAHAVIR JAYANTHI

New Delhi, April 2: The President, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee have greeted the nation on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, which is being celebrated tomorrow. In his message, Dr. Kalam said, “on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all our people in India and abroad. On this day, let us take a few moments from our daily lives and introspect on how the teachings of Lord Mahavir can make us better human beings and how we can actualise this great saint’s philosophy of the three- fold path of right conduct, right faith and right knowledge. Above all we must make efforts to follow non-violence in our lives and take complete responsibility for our actions. May this festival inspire all of us”.
In a separate message, Shri Vajpayee said that Mahavir Jayanti reminds mankind to tread the path of peace and non-violence. May the universal appeal of Lord Mahavir’s teachings continue to guide humanity on the right path, Shri Vajpayee added. - News Courtesy: Press Information Bureau

VAJPAYEE STRESSES PEACEFUL MEANS

New Delhi, April 3: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee said on Friday there was no way to resolve problems other than through peaceful means in the age of atom bombs. "Our policies will be guided on the basis of what the neighbour will do", said Mr Vajpayee without naming any country. "But we want peace and harmony because there is no alternative to it. In the age of atom bombs, there is no way to resolve problems other than through peaceful means", Mr Vajpayee said at a function here on the eve of birth anniversary of the Jain saint Lord Mahavir.

He further said, "let us assess the situation evolving in our neighbourhood", adding, "we want peace but violence is on the rise. At least, we can abjure violence from our personal lives and shed anger". "I am talking about personal life and not national life", he maintained. Mr Vajpayee said India had to become strong and acquire such a position that it was able to ensure its own well being and that of others too. "Today we must think on these lines", he added. -News Courtesy: hipakistan.com

MANIPUR GOVERNOR GREETS PEOPLE ON MAHAVIR JAYANTHI

Imphal (Manipur), April 2: The Governor of Manipur, Arvind Dave has greeted the people of Manipur specially the Jain community on the sacred and auspicious occasion of ‘Mahavir Jayanti’ . In his message, the Governor appealed to the people to emulate the ideals of lord Mahavira who had wished to build a new world order based on equality of mankind cutting across the societal barriers of caste, creed, colour and religion.

He also said that lord Mahavira preached an eternal message of peaceful coexistence of humanity as a whole and showed the path to salvation through love, compassion, mercy, benevolence, forgiveness, non violence and renunciation of materialistic desires.

Stating that Mahavira’s message has become more relevant in today’s trouble torn world, the Governor also stated that we should pledge to follow the spiritual and ethical percepts which are an essential feature of Mahavir Jayanti. Arvind Dave also wished that the festival usher in an era of peace, prosperity and harmony in the state of Manipur. - News Courtesy: Kanglaonline.com 

TN GOVERNOR, CM GREET JAINS

Chennai (Tamil Nadu), April 2: Governor P S Ramamohan Rao, Chief Minster J Jayalalithaa and TNCC president G K Vasan today greeted the Jain community on the eve of Mahavir Jayanthi. In his message, the Governor said, 'it is good for us to remember on this occasion that the essence of the teachings of Mahavir is adherence to non-violence in order to promote peace and harmony among people'. Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said Bhagavan Mahavir had preached eternal qualities like love, ahimsa and dharma for the uplift of humanity. Peace and harmony would prevail in the world if these principles of Mahavir were practised, she added. Vasan said Bhagavan Mahavir strove hard to rid people of evil thoughts and to uplift them in life. The Bhagvan had stressed that love alone would bring peace and harmony in society, he said. - News Courtesy: newstodaynet.com

PROPOSAL TO NAME BANGALORE - RAJASTHAN TRAIN AFTER BHAGAWAN MAHAVIR

Bangalore (Karnataka), April 3: The president of the Karnataka state Bharathiya Janata Party and former union minister Sri Anantha Kumar Said that a proposal has been placed before the Central Government to name the train running between Bangalore and Rajasthan after the 24th Jain Tirthankara Bhagawan Mahavir. He was speaking at a function organised to celebrate of the 2603rd Mahavir Jayanthi at Bangalore. He said that the train would be named either as Mahavir Express or Vardhaman Express. He also assured the gathering that a bill banning the cow slaughter would be passed if the NDA is restored to power at the centre. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

TRADITIONAL RATHAYATRA TO BE RESTORED AT SHRAVANABELAGOLA

Shravanabelagola (Karnataka), April 1: Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj the pontiff of the Shravanabelagola Jain Muth said that the traditional month long rathayatra celebrations would be restored from the coming year. He was speaking on the occasion of the rathayatra, the annual panchakalyan of Bhagawan Neminatha and Mahavir Jayanthi celebrations. He said that in the past at the time of his predecessors a month long rathayatra celebrations were conducted at Shravanabelagola during the Mahavir Jayanthi celebrations and felt that it is very necessary to revive the old tradition. One the occasion the panchakalyan of the panchaloha idols of the 24 Tirthanakaras was also conducted.

Mahavir Jayanthi and Gommata Sri Awards: Well known journalist and scholar Nadoja Patil Puttappa inaugurated the Mahavir Jayanthi Celebrations and said that the contributions of the Jains to the Kannada language and literature is very valuable. He felt that it is through the Kannada poets and writers that the Kannada literature got a perfect path. Later in a function held on April 3rd Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj distributed the Gommatesha Vidyapeetha awards for the year 2004 to five dignitaries for their meritorious contribution in the field of Jainism, art and literature. The awardees include Jain historian Dr. S.D.Shetty, Dr. Smt Padma Shekar(from Mysore, Karnataka), Jyotisha Vidwan Sri D.Sripathijois (from Nanjangud in Karnataka) and Pratishtacharya Sri M.J.Ratnarajaiah (from Shravanabelagola) for the contributions in the field of literature and Jainism and Smt Ambale Rajeshwari (from Mysore) for her contribution's in the field of art. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

GRAND RATHAYATRA AT MAHAVIRJI

Mahavirji (Rajasthan), April 6: The 2603rd Mahavir Jayanthi was celebrated at the Jain pilgrim centre Mahavirji from 3rd to 6th April, 2004. As part of the celebrations a grand Rathayatra was organised on the 6th of April. The governor of Rajasthan Sri Madanlal Khurana and the food and civil supplies minister Dr. Kirodilal were the chief guests on the occasion. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service    

JAINA CENTRE FOR CULTURAL STUDIES INAUGURATED AT HAMPI

Hampi (Hospet Taluk, Bellary District, Karnataka): Noted Jain scholar Dr. Hampa Nagarajaiah felt that the research on the contribution of Jains to Kannada language and literature was inadequate and a more in depth study would throw light on many unknown aspects on the contribution of the Jain religion. He called upon the Kannada and Jain scholars to undertake a more detailed study on the contribution of the Jains to the social, religious, political and cultural fields of Karnataka. He was speaking after inaugurating the 'Jaina Centre for Cultural Studies' at the Kannada University, Hampi. Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Moodabidri Jain Muth graced the occasion. prof. Lakkappa Gowda the vice chancellor of the university presided the function. Member of the legislative council Dr. M.R.Tanga was the chief guest. Noted writer and critic Dr. Kamala Hampana donated some of the books from here collection to the Centre.

Rs. 10 Lakhs Donation: The president of M.S.P.L. Hospet Sri Abhiraj S. Buldoth the main striving force behind the starting of the Centre donated a sum of Rs. 10 lakhs for the Centre. He wished that the Kannada University be transformed into a global centre for Jaina studies. Registrar of the University Sri K.V.Narayan, industrialist Sri Babulal Jain, Sri Narendra Buldoth and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. -Jain Heritage Centres News Service

TAMILNADU JAINS DEMAND MINORITY STATUS

Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Apr 5: The Tamilnadu Minorities Commission will recommend to the Central and State governments to accord minority status to Jains and declare government holiday on Mahaveer Jayanthi in the State, Annamma Phillip, chairperson of the commission has said. Speaking at the 2603rd Janm Kalyanak celebrations of Bhagwan Mahaveer in Chennai recently, Phillip said Mahaveer advocated peace and harmony which was important for the present generation. Jainism had been recognised as the universal religion which preached Ahimsa, she said while lauding the community for taking up various social activities for the uplift of the underprivileged. 

Justice S Jagadeesan, chairman, Intellectual Property Appellate Board, said the teachings of Mahaveer should be practised for peace in society. S P Thyagarajan, Vice-Chancellor, University of Madras, said the nation had been respected worldwide because of its rich values and Mahaveer was a standing model who emulated such values and thoughts. Under the University Grants Commission, the University of Madras had included value education as a foundation course and introduced all religion- oriented subjects, he said.

Panyas Chandrajit Vijayji of the Shree Maha Sangh presented about 500 tri-cycles and wheel chairs to each of the physically- challenged and needy person. About 7,500 of disabled people were provided artificial limbs, calipers and crutches during the 10-day medical camp conducted by Adinath Jain Mandal as part of Mahaveer Jayanthi celebrations. Also, a blood donation camp was held. A large number of members from the Jain community donated blood. Later, resolutions were passed. They included a ban on slaughter house and animal sacrifice, and declaring Mahaveer Jayanthi as a government holiday. - News and Photo Courtesy: newstodaynet.com

CELEBRATING THE MESSAGE OF LORD MAHAVIR

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), April 3: Ahimsa (non-violence) — a doctrine that not only dictated India’s struggle for freedom, but also gave the world a way of life. As Jains across the world celebrate Mahavir Jayanti, there could be no other defining concept than ahimsa that they would like to talk about.

As the City of Nawabs burst into celebrations on the 2,603rd birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the colour and gaiety the celebrations added to the city was unimaginable. “We start with a rath-yatra in which an idol of Lord Mahavir is carried on a rath and people follow behind in a procession, singing songs in the praise of Lord Mahavir,” explained Sudha Jindal, president of the Jain Mahila Mandal.

According to the Digambar school of Jainism, Lord Mahavir was born in 615 BC while the Swetambaras believe He was born in 599 BC. As the legend goes, Lord Mahavir was conceived by Devananda, who was the wife of a brahmin called Rishabhdeva. The embryo was later transferred to the womb of Trisala by the gods who gave birth to Lord Mahavir.

“Lord Mahavir preached about truth and non-violence and they are the paths that we all must follow,” said Jindal. An elaborate event was organised to celebrate the birth of Lord Mahavir. “After the procession, Jains usually collect to sing bhajans in praise of Lord Mahavir, and we organise a few programmes too,” said Jindal.

The event had prominent people like senior BJP leader Lalji Tandon, BSNL general manager (mobile) AK Jain and Professor Vrashabh Prasad Jain, who shared with the gathering, their views of life and concepts of Jainism. “Lord Mahavir gave us ideologies that can guide us perfectly through our lives,” said Tandon, the chief guest for the event.

While Professor Vrashabh Jain stressed on the importance of eating during the day. “We must try to keep up the tradition of eating during the day and sieve water before drinking it,” he said. -News Courtesy: Times News Network

FEEDING OF POOR ON MAHAVIR FETE

Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh), April 5: Shri Jain Seva Sangh organised a nine-day celebration of the 2,603rd Mahavir Jayanthi, from March 28 to April 5. Mayor T Krishna Reddy was the chief guest at the inaugural function to be held on March 28 at Bharat Scouts and Guides, Domalguda. The nine-day celebration was be marked by various activities. These include provision of meals to nearly 50,000 poor, feeding animals with fodder, free homeopathy camp for treating white patches on skin, blood and eye donation camps. A number of devotional programmes was also be organised as part of the celebrations.

The main programme was held on April 3. A procession was be taken out from Shri Jain Mandir. The world's longest religious banner, said to be 5,206 metres long, with the teachings of Lord Mahavir inscribed on it was displayed at Tank Bund. Union minister Bandaru Dattatreya was the chief guest at a public meeting to held at the exhibition grounds. Dharamrajji Ranka, who has dedicated his life to animal welfare, was awarded the first Jain Ratna award. - News Courtesy: Times News Network

1ST CONFERENCE ON JAINISM FOR INTERFAITH GROUP BY IMJM

Birmingham (United Kingdom), March 13: Jain Ashram of the International Mahavir Jain Mission held its first conference on Jainism for Interfaith Group of Birmingham. This conference was organised by Arvinder Jain at the request of Dr. Chris Hewer, who is adviser to Bishop of Birmingham. The conference was conducted with the blessing and guidance of Samani Pratibha Pragyaji and Samani Punya Pragyaji The conference was attended by peoples from Europe, America and various religious groups. Samani Pratibhaji discussed on the following topics: 1. Historical background to Jainism, 2.Lord Mahavira, Jainism after Lord Mahavira, 3.Philosophy of Jainism, 4.Jain Prayers, 5.Yoga, meditation, preksha dhyan, 6.Life of a monk, layman including diet and fasting, 7. Jain festivals.

The audience asked very intelligent and  searching questions on Jainism which were answered very well by Samani Pratibhaji. Here interpretations were very enjoyable and very interesting  and simple to understand. The comments given not only by the Inter-Faith group but as well from the people of the Jain cumminity were highly encouraging , praise was all round in creating an enjoyable atmosphere.  Everybody enjoyed the Bhajans delivered by Samani Punya Pragyaji. - News Courtesy: Arvinder Jain

MAHAPRAGYAPEX-2004 - PHILATELIC EXHIBITION AT INDORE

CHENNAI CHAPTER OF MAHAVIR INTERNATIONAL INAUGURATED

Chennai (Tamil Nadu), February 28: 'Love All - Serve All', is the motto of Mahavir International. It was founded in the year 1975 when India celebrated 2500 Nirvan Centenary of Lord Mahavir. It sought to put in practice the ideals of non-violence and truth. The Chennai chapter of Mahavir International was inaugurated at a hotel here on 28 February. Vir R S Bapna, international president, Mahavir International, presided over the function. Manish Mardia was nominated chairman of the Chennai chapter.

        The objectives of the Chennai chapter (of Mahavir International) are to promote the teachings of Lord Mahavir among people across the globe, to enhance leadership qualities and personality of members and the society at large, to foster oneness and unity among different sections of the society by extending bonds of friendship, brotherhood and oneness, to provide assistance and extend help to those in distress and to the weaker sections of the society and to mobilise public opinion against social evils and outdated customs.

      Participating in the inaugural function in Chennai, Bapna highlighted the emergency accident relief work carried by the organisation. He also spoke about the work done by the 260 chapters in India and abroad.

     Mahavir International's Chennai chapter has been started with around 40 charter members in the age group of 21 to 40. The members hail from different walks of life - ranging from industrialists, jewellers, traders and professionals like chartered accountants, doctors, etc. The hospital's phone number is 25298701. - News Courtesy: newstodaynet.com

EXPRESS JOURNALIST SONU JAIN WINS TOP AWARD

New Delhi, March 23: The Indian Express Special Correspondent Sonu Jain, whose coverage of environment and agriculture in this newspaper—from illegal mining to CNG, Bt Cotton to melting glaciers—touched off judicial intervention and policy debates, has been awarded The Media Foundation’s 2003-04 Chameli Devi Jain Award for an Outstanding Woman Mediaperson.

Jain Heritage Centres congratulates Sonu Jain on behalf of the Jain samaj.- News & Photo Courtesy: ExpressIndia.com

 DR. D.VEERENDRA HEGGEDE GETS TULU SAHITYA ACADEMY FELLOWSHIP

Mangalore (Karnataka), March 25: The Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy has chosen the Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, D. Veerendra Heggade, for its 2003 honorary fellowship, the president of the academy, Vamana Nandavara, said here on Thursday. Dr. Nandavara said that the honorary fellowship included a citation and a memento. Mr. Heggade would be the second recipient of the honorary fellowship of the academy, which was established in 1994. The first honorary fellowship was given to Peter J. Claus of the U.S., he added.

He said that Mr. Heggade had made a significant contribution to Tulu culture and language in the past 32 years. He had set up a museum, Manjusha, at Dharmasthala, which had a rare and interesting collection of exhibits related to Tulu culture. He was instrumental in publishing a book, Siri Epic, edited by Lauri Honko, an international-level folk expert. Mr. Heggade had established the Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara Tulu Foundation in Mangalore University and contributed to the publishing of a Tulu dictionary. He had been organising the Ratnavarma Heggade memorial Tulu drama writing competition every year and extending financial support to many Tulu-related programmes, Dr. Nandavara said. He said Mr. Prabu and Mr. Navada had been chosen for the award for their contribution to research and literature.

Jain Heritage Centres congratulates Mr. Heggede on behalf of the Jain samaj. - News & Photo Coutesy: The Hindu

SERIES OF PRATISHTA MAHOTSAV'S IN KARNATAKA

PANCHAKALYAN PRATISHTA MAHOTSAV AT SHIMOGA

Shimoga (Karnataka), April 15: The Panchakalyan Pratishta Mahotsav of the newly constructed Bhagawan Sri Adinatha Jain temple will be held from the 29th of April to the 3rd of May, 2004. The five day long celebrations will be held under the guidance of Sri Bhuvanakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kanakagiri Jain Muth, Sri Dhavalakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Arihantagiri (Tirumail, Tamil Nadu) Jain Muth and Dharmadhikari Sri D. Veerendra Heggede of Dharmasthala.

The idols of Bhagawan Adinatha, Goddess Padmavathidevi and Goddess Jwalamalinidevi will be installed during the pratishta mahotsav. The celebrations will begin with the Garbha Kalyan on 29th April, the Janma Kalyan on 30th April, Diksha Kalyan on 1st May, Kevalagnana Kalyan on 2nd May and the Moksha Kalyana on the 3rd May. Sri Bhanukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kambadahalli Jain Muth; the Veerashavia Guru Sri Mallikarjuna Murugarajendra Mahaswamiji of the BekkinaKalmuth, Shimoga; Sri Bhattakalanka Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Sondha Jain Muth; Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kolhapur Jain Muth; Sri Lakshmisna Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Narasimharajapura (Simhanagadde) Jain Muth; Sri Lalithakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Karkala Jain Muth; Sri Lakshimsena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Jinakanchi (Tamil Nadu) Jain Muth will grace the occasion. Many religious discourses from Jain scholars and cultural programmes have been organised on all the days. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service          

PRATISHTA MAHOTSAV AT JAVAGAL

Javagal (Hassan District, Karnataka), April 15: The pratishta mahotsav of the renovated Jain temple of Bhagawan Sri Chandranatha at Javagal will be held under the guidance of Sri Devendrakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Huncha Jain Muth from 5th to 7th May, 2004. This temple is said to belong to the Hoysalas period and is about 900 years old. In this temple along with the 30 inch high black coloured idol of Bhagawan Chandranatha we can also find the two feet high black coloured idol of Goddess Jwalamalinidevi and many other small idols.  The renovation works were carried on by the Sri Chandrprabha Chaityalaya Renovation Trust (Javagal) and Sri S.B.M.C.S. Charitable Trust (Bangalore), under the guidance of Sri Devendrakeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj. The idol of Bhagawan Chandranatha will be installed on the 7th May and the 504 Kalasha Mahabishekha has been organised on the occasion. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service    

PANCHAKALYAN MAHOTSAV AT SHEELAVANTHASOMAPURA

Sheelavanthasomapura (Shiggaon Taluk, Haveri District, Karnataka), April 15: The Panchakalyan Pratishta Mahotsav of the newly constructed Bhagawan Sri Adinatha Jain temple will be held from the 22nd of April to the 26th of April, 2004. The five day long celebrations will be held under the guidance of Parama Pujya Muni Sri 108 Sukhsagarji Maharaj the disciple of Acharya Sri Vidyasagarji Maharaj. Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Kolhapur Jain Muth will grace the occasion. The Garbha Kalyan, Janma Kalyan, Diksha Kalyan, Kevalagnana Kalyan and the Moksha Kalyan will be held on the 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th of April 2004. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service    

PANCHAKALYAN MAHOTSAV AT NITAGINAKOPPA

Nitaginakoppa (Hanagal Taluk, Haveri District, Karnataka), April 15: The Panchakalyan Pratishta Mahotsav of the newly constructed Bhagawan Sri Neminatha Jain temple will be held from the 27th of April to the 1st of May, 2004. The five day long celebrations will be held under the guidance of Parama Pujya Acharya Sri 108 Siddanthasagarji Maharaj. Sri Jinasena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Nandani Jain Muth will grace the occasion. The Garbha Kalyan, Janma Kalyan, Diksha Kalyan, Kevalagnana Kalyan and the Moksha Kalyan will be held on the 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th and 26th of April 2004 resoectively. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service    

PANCHAKALYAN PRATISHTA MAHOTSAV AT GAVATANA DESAI INGALAGI

Gavatana Desai Ingalagi (Chikkodi Taluk, Belgaum District, Karnataka), April 15: The The Panchakalyan Pratishta Mahotsav of the newly constructed Bhagawan Sri Mahavir Jain temple will be held from the 21st to 25th April, 2004. The prarishta mahotsav will be held under the guidance of Parama Pujya Muni Sri 108 Samudrasena Maharaj and Sri Jinasena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Nandani Jain Muth. The idol of Bhagawan Mahavir will be consecrated in the main vedhi and the Choumukha idol of Bhagawan Shanthinatha will be consecrated in the 31 feet high manastambha. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service     

BADRINATH JAIN TEMPLE ISSUE IN IMBROGLIO

Dehradun, March 24: The Badrinath temple is in a Phase of new dispute in the recent days. The Digambar sect of Jains have declared hat hey are goin to consecrate by constructing a temple in the place where the 1st Tirthankara Adinath attainde salvation. This affirmation has emerged following the short period of the judicial pronouncement won by the Swethambar sect of the Jains regarding the construction of the temple.

Further the Badrinath temple committee has decided to make further appeal in the high court of Nainital questioning the lower court decision. According to Ashok Jain Bhanjanathsa the president of the Digambar Jain committee the place is precious to construct the temple as Lord Adinath attained salvation. He also asserted that the sentiments of sanatanise be always honoured and thus preventing the construction of Swethambar temple. He also further affirmed that there should not be any other temple as an alternative to it.

The Digambar Jain guru Guptisagarji Maharaj has strongly opposed the construction of another temple in the disputed area where Adinatha attained salvation. He has advised that the sects should refrain themselves from this dispute. - News Courtesy: Prajavani

JAIN CHAIR CONSTITUTED

Kolkata (Westbengal), April 15: As part of the 2600th birth Anniversary celebration of Bhagawan Mahavir a Jain Chair has been constituted at the Utkal Sanskrit University. Professor Lalchand Jain has been appointed as the chief of the chair. An arrangement has been made for the study of Jainism by 80 students. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service

COURT CLEARS BADRINATH JAIN TEMPLE, BUT SADHUS WONT 

Dehradun, April 1: The announcement by the Shankaracharya of Badrinath Dham that a Jain temple would not be allowed in the vicinity of the Badrinath temple has added to the controversy over the issue. While Madhavashram, the Shankaracharya, is adamant, Union Minister for Surface Transport B.C. Khanduri, who hails from the region, said the issue should be resolved through dialogue. Tempers are already running high against the Chamoli district court orders favouring construction of the Jain temple. The Jain community has been given minority status by the Congress government here. The verdict in favour of Jains has evoked a strong reaction from Sanatani Hindus. Many sadhus, Shankaracharyas and Mahamandaleshwars have come out openly against the proposed temple.

The Badrinath-Kedarnath temple committee, that manages the twin shrines, has decided to challenge the verdict in court. Nand Kishore Nautiyal, president of the committee, said every effort would be made to stall the construction. Now political parties have also jumped into the fray. While, the SP has decided to back the Jains, the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal stood up to safeguard the Hindu interests. - News Courtesy: The Indian Express

CRISIS GRIPS JAIN TEMPLE IN BADRINATH

Dehradun, April 5: The crisis on the construction of Jain temple at Badrinath Dham deepened with Shankaracharya Madhavashram threatening to go on a stir in case the temple is constructed. The Badri-Kedar Mandir Samiti has decided to appeal to the High Court in this regard and has reiterated that the Jain temple will not be allowed to be constructed on the land of Lord Badrinath. During his visit to the Capital, Shankaracharya Madhavashram had opined that the Jain temple should not be constructed in Badrinath. Since Badrinath is an abode of Lord Vishu, hence there could not be any scope of prayers for Jains who neither believe in idol worship nor in the vedas and puranas - the basis of the Hindu religion, he said.
"In case there is any bid to construct the temple by the Jain community, then we will not hesitate to sit on protest," the priest said. Meanwhile, after loosing the case both at the sessions and the district courts, the Badri-Kedar Mandir Samiti, an autonomous body, has decided to appeal to Nainital High Court against the decision. Talking to the news persons, chairman of the Samiti, Mr Nand Kishore Nautiyal, said they were moving the High Court. - News Courtesy: Statesman

JAINS THREATEN BJP WITH SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS

Jaipur, Mar 30 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Rajasthan continues to be rocked by news of certain communities threatening to work against it, the latest being the Jains. After Rajputs, now an influential group of the Jain community has threatened to vote against the party's candidates in the upcoming Loka Sabha poll if its demands are not met. Leaders of the Sri Mahaveer Ji Association have demanded that Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje's BJP government give minority status to the community within the next 10 days. "We will not support a party that does not support our cause," a local Jain leader said.
The Jain community, which was given the minority status by the previous Ashok Gehlot government, is upset with the BJP government's failure to do so till now. According to N.K. Sethi, president of the Sri Mahaveer Ji Association, the ordinance issued by the Congress government of Gehlot in September should have been converted into an act by the first week of March but the BJP government failed to do so. "We are not impressed by the government's attitude to such an important issue," he added.
The news has come as a shock for the BJP government in the state as the Jain community has traditionally comprised BJP supporters. "If they decide not to support BJP candidates in the Lok Sabha poll, the party's winning calculations may go haywire," said J.P. Saxena, a political analyst. He said Jains made up 0.47 percent of India's population and states like Maharastra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttaranchal, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal had already given minority status to them. Although Jains comprise just 1.28 percent of Rajasthan's total population, they command great influence in the political, social, industrial, trade and educational fields.
Only days ago, a powerful organisation of Rajputs decided not to support the BJP, saying not enough candidates from the community had been fielded by the party in the state. Rajathan, which is India's largest state and sends 25 members to the Lok Sabha, will hold parliamentary polls May 5. - News Courtesy: newkerala.com 

PLEA TO DECLARE HOLIDAY ON MAHAVIR JAYANTHI

Chennai (Tamil Nadu), April 1: The Shree Jain Maha Sangh has urged the State government to declare government holiday on Mahaveer Jayanthi. It also sought closure of slaughter houses on the day. The sangh advised the public to adhere to a vegetarian diet on the occasion of Mahaveer Jayanthi on Saturday. Speaking to reporters here yesterday, Kailashmall Dugar, secretary, Shree Jain Maha Sangh, said on the occasion of 2603rd birth anniversary of Lord Mahaveer, the sangh would conduct a procession (Shobha yatra) and distribute sweets to prisoners at the Central jail here. The procession would begin from Sri Aradhana Bhawan, Mint Street, at 7.30 am and pass through Audiappa Naicken Street, Salt Cortes, A P Road, Perambur Barracks Road, Strahans Road and conclude at Sri Jain Dadawadi on Koonur High Road, he said.

        A public meeting would be held wherein Param Pujay Panyas Pravar Chandrajit Vijayaji, S Jagadishan, chairman, Intellectual Property Appellant Board, S P Thiagarajan, Vice-Chancellor, University of Madras and Dr Anama Phillip, chairperson, State Minority Commission, would participate. 'People for people,' a non-governmental organisation would serve special lunch to about 1,500 inmates of Institute of Mental Health, Dugar said. As part of the celebrations, a ten-day medical camp is being conducted by Adinath Jain Mandal at Choolai from 28 March where patients are being provided with artificial limps, calipers, crutches, tricycles, wheel chairs at a total cost of Rs 3.5 crore, he disclosed. The sangh has been active in various social activities where several Jains are running various educational, cultural, social, religious and charitable institutions. In the medical field, the Jains had recently constructed Mahaveer Eye hospital at Royapuram at a cost of Rs 4.5 crore and a Hospital for Animals at Ayanavaram at a cost of Rs 50 lakh, Dugar said. Sayarchand Nahar, vice-president, Shree Jain Maha Sangh, Baboolal V Mehta, general secretary and Jaswant Munoth, secretary and Himmatmal Madia, ex-president of the Sangh were also present. - News Courtesy: newstodaynet.com

NDA AGENDA PROMISES TO BAN COW SLAUGHTER

New Delhi, April 9: Unlike in 1999 when points for inclusion in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) agenda for governance were taken from different allies, this time it was the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership which got the document prepared. Apparently, the NDA convener and Defence Minister, George Fernandes, was the only ally who saw the "draft" agenda and approved it. The others were shown the original document today when they signed it before the document was released. "We left it to George to speak to and persuade the other allies," a senior BJP leader commented soon after the document was released, adding that the paragraph on Ayodhya was, especially, read out to all NDA leaders. Besides the Ram temple issue, the document has also made a commitment to bring in legislation for the "protection of the cow and her progeny." In other words, the government would ban cow slaughter, although the NDA allies had opposed this attempt in the outgoing Lok Sabha. Under a special mention on `civil society empowerment', the NDA has promised to encourage "religious establishments active in the social field" to take up mass feeding of the poor and care of orphans and the destitute, and campaign against "social evils" such as female foeticide. The NDA has also promised legislation to make two-child norm a qualification for contesting elections. - News Courtesy: The Hindu

NIREN JAIN HONOURED WITH CARL ZEISS ROLL OF HONOUR

Mangalore (Karnataka), April 6: Niren Jain of Kudremukh Wildlife Foundation was honoured with the Carl Zeiss Roll of Honor, for his committed science based conservation efforts at ensuring long term protection of Kudremukh National Park. This annual award has been instituted by the 150 year old Carl Zeiss Company which has pledged to recognise sterling efforts of conservationists and forest officials across the country. Also, the Carl Zeiss Wildlife Conservation Award 2004 went to senior wildlife biologist Dr A J T John Singh of the Wildlife Institute of India for a lifetime's service to India's wildlife. -News Courtesy: Times News Network

SCHOLAR'S PROGRESS: FAR OFF LONDON TO UP'S HEART

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), April 5: A professor in the University of London, in the department of arts and humanities, Peter Flugel, a scholar and a professor in Jain philosophy is in India to celebrate Mahavir Jayanti. "I have been studying the religious concepts of Jainism for the past 20 years now," says Flugel. He recalls his first encounter with the religion. "I had come to visit India in 1981 and I happened to attend a Jain festival while I was in Karnataka. It impressed me deeply," recounts Flugel. There was something about the festival and the religion that initiated Flugel to study the religion and maintain contact. "What I really like about the religion was the ethic of non-violence. It is a universal philosophy," remarks Flugel.

Now a scholar, Flugel also teaches Jain philosophy at the University of London. And as for himself, "I do not follow Jainism, but I have turned into a vegetarian. There is a lot that you can learn from Jainism," explains Flugel. And though he looks a tad edgy amidst the festive environs of the celebration of Mahavir Jayanti, he tries his best to settle in. "It is a coincidence that I am in Lucknow on the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. The celebrations here are really nice," says Flugel. - News Courtesy: Times News Network

TREASURE THIEVES TURN TO KOLKATA'S JAIN TEMPLE

The Interiors of the Sheetalnath Temple, Calcutta.- JHC Photo

Kolkata (West Bengal), April 5: Less than a fortnight after the Tagore heist in Santiniketan, burglars struckcloser home at the shrine popularly called the Maniktola Parashwanath temple. A gold chain and a pendant of the main deity and Rs 5,000 in cash were stolen from the Sheetalnathji Swami Temple of the Swetambar Jains at Gouribari between late last night and early this morning. Five 400-year-old metal statues of Jain prophets of enormous antique value, however, were recovered from the premises. These were apparently dumped by the fleeing burglars.

Members of the Rai Badri Das Bahadur Trust that manages the temple said they were “shocked and shattered”. “The theft of the gold chain and the pendant is a great loss for the Jain community because the ornaments had been placed around the neck of the main deity, Seetalnathji Swami, who is the 10th tirthankara (prophet), ever since the temple was built (137 years ago),” trust member Praveen Jain said.

Joginder Tiwari, the temple priest, was the first to detect the loss when he arrived for puja around 5.30 am and entered the temple. However, the priest had found the huge sandalwood door that is the only entry and exit point of the main enclosure — from where all the items were stolen — locked from outside. Maniktola police said they are examining the insider angle because burglars would not normally bother to lock the door while escaping with the loot.

Three donation boxes inside were broken open to take the cash but several brass and silver utensils were untouched. Unlike most others, this temple with a daily footfall of 1,200 does not have security guards during the night. A couple of gatekeepers man the main entrance during the day. No arrests or detentions have been made yet, the police said. - News Courtesy: TelegraphIndia.com

STOLEN JAIN IDOL RECOVERED IN AHMEDABAD

Ahmedabad (Gujarat), April 11: A 13th century old idol of a Jain goddess was recovered by Ahmedabad crime branch on Saturday from a gang of antique smugglers, alleged to have links abroad. Cast in a dark alloy, the idol is two-feet high, exemplifying the art and religious practices prevalent then. 'Raj Rajeshwari Padmavati Mataji (Laxmiji)' is engraved on the front portion of the idol, valued at Rs 9 crore in the international market.

The crown of the Goddess has a small relief of Jain Tirthankar Parshavnath, sculpted on it. The idol was stolen in 1999 from the Adhbhutnath temple in Nagda village near Udaipur , Rajasthan, a case for which is lodged in Amba Mata police station. The crime branch was tipped-off about the sale of an ancient idol in Ahmedabad, which was tracked down to this gang. Those arrested are Subhash Singh Thakur, of Uttar Pradesh who stays in Isanpur, Chetan Barot of Vadodara and Arjun Singh Chauhan of Pichholi in Udaipur .

The tip-off from Ahmedabad led the Rajasthan police to one Sunil Sharma in Udaipur . "The accused revealed that Sharma has given the idol to Chauhan, who brought it to his brother-in-law, Barot in Vadodara. They contacted Thakur, who agreed to buy the idol for Rs 35 lakh," additional CP (crime) D G Vanzara told TNN . Thakur is claimed to have links abroad. A team from Rajasthan reached Gujarat on Sunday to take custody of idol and the accused. -News Courtesy: Times News Network

HOPE FOR CHILD MONK

Mumbai, April 5: Eight-year-old Priyal might still have a chance of a normal life. On March 11, the daughter of a Madhya Pradesh trader was converted to a sadhvi at a ceremony organised by the Jain Kothari Sangh in Malad.

On Monday, the government’s Child Welfare Committee (CWC), which has magesterial powers, issued summons to the Sangh as well as the child rights organisation Bal Prafulta, which had approached the Malad police to stop the ceremony.

They have to present themselves to the CWC on the 12th of April.

Holding a copy of the Newsline report, Chairperson Nilima Mehta said the CWC had taken “a serious view of the matter.”

“The ceremony and the life thereafter is a complete violation of Priyal’s rights,’’ Mehta said. ‘‘We will question the religious organisation about this.”

Attempts are now being made to track down the parents and Priyal. - News Courtesy: expressindia.com

8 KG ANTIQUE JAIN IDOL SEIZED, TWO HELD

New Delhi, April 8: Crime Branch has recovered an antique 8 kg Jain Ashtadhatu idol from the Parliament Street area and arrested two persons identified as Samuel and Sunil Gupta under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972. The idol could fetch upto Rs 2 crore in the international market, police said. Police said people running an antique racket have brought some idol to Delhi and were trying to dispose it off. Police were sent as decoy customers for negotiation, which started from Rs 1 crore and was finalised for Rs 55 lakh.

A trap was laid near State Bank of India, Parliament Street, and around 7 pm when the dealers arrived along with the idol they were arrested. The idol, police said, is around 500 years old. The accused disclosed that the idol belonged to a Jain temple near the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border. The accused have also given details of others involved in the racket based in West Delhi and Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh. - News Courtesy: expressindia.com  

SIDDARTHA JAIN IS NOW COO OF ZEE TURNER

New Delhi, April 7: MR Siddharth Jain of Zee Turner Pvt Ltd has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Besides working on growing the bouquet, he will also be responsible for the marketing and corporate communications functions of the company and will provide direction to its marketing efforts. Mr Jain will continue to oversee distribution sales for the company. Zee Turner is a distribution joint venture between the Zee Group and Turner International, wherein all Zee and Turner channels are sold and marketed collectively to cable operators and MSOs across the country. The Zee-Turner bouquet distributes the channels of parent companies (Zee Ltd and Turner India) as well as that of third parties. It offers the largest number of channels including the flagship channels Zee TV, Zee News, Cartoon Network, CNN International, CNBC and other regional channels. - News Courtesy: agencyaqs.com

JAIN SADHVI FOUND DEAD IN SABARMATI

Ahmedabad (Gujrat), April 5: Jain sadhvi Atma Rajashriji Maharaj (25) was found dead in the Sabarmati river on Sunday morning. The police suspect she drowned after slipping into the river. The incident occurred a day after the community celebrated Mahavir Jayanti that drew followers to the city from nearby areas. At 10.15 am residents of slums on the banks of Sabarmati informed the police control room about the body spotted in a shallow part of the river near Bhagwan Nagar Na Tekra at Paldi.

According to the police, the victim used to stay in Deepkunj Society at Divya Aradhana Bhavan at Paldi. The Ellisbridge police called in swimmers of the Ahmedabad Fire Brigade to fish out the body. One of the sadhvis living in the area identified the victim. Police sources told , "No injury mark was visible on the victim's body. So chances of any foul play are faint. Slum dwellers have revealed that sadhvis staying in the vicinity used to often visit the river banks. This hints at the possibility of an accident." Yet, the police are baffled how the sadhvi could have drowned in a shallow portion of the river. They are exploring an option that uneven river banks with large holes created by sand miners could have caused the sadhvi to drown. - News Courtesy: Times News Network

JAIN MATRIMONIAL MEET AT BANGALORE

Bangalore (Karnataka), April 15: A matrimonial meet has been organised for the Jain brides and grooms on the 27th June, 2004 at Dharmasthala Manjunatha Kalyana Mantap, under the auspices of the "Bangalore Jain Vadu - Vara Vedike". This is a free service rendered by the ITI Jains Association, Bangalore to the Jain community. The interested Jains can send their details along with their post card photos before 16h June, 2004 to ITI Jains Association, No.780, 7th Cross, 10th Main, Banashankari 1st Stage, 2nd Block, Bangalore - 560050. The entries would be published in the directory to be released on 27th June. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

JAIN MATRIMONIAL MEET AT KOLHAPUR

Kolhapur (Maharashtra), April 15:  A matrimonial meet has been organised for the Jain brides and grooms on the 9th May, 2004 at Hotel Ayodhya, Kolhapur. The meet has been organised by the Runanubandh Vadhuvara Suchak Kendra under the guidance of Om Sri Ashok Ganapathi Adake. This meet is restricted only for the graduate and post graduate Jain candidates. For further details please contact: Om Sri Ashok Ganapathi Adake, Jain Runanubandh, No. 2772, D. Ward, Shukravarpet, Near Jain Muth, Kolhapur - 416002, Maharashtra, phone numbers 0231-2544420 or mobile 0231-3124965. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service   

RESIDENTS PLAY REAL-LIFE ACTION HEROES

Mumbai, April 9: The residents of Shirin Sohrab Palace in Vile Parle are very proud of themselves. They have reason to be. On Wednesday night, they managed to successfully foil a robbery attempt in a Jain temple in the adjoining building Nawal Palace. During the usual society meeting at 11.30 pm on Wednesday, Dilip Mehta, a resident of Shirin Sohrab Palace, noticed someone closing the door of the temple. Mehta told the others he suspected something was wrong, as the temple was always shut at 9 pm every day. 

“They said I was mistaken as it was very dark and the temple was some distance away. But I was sure something was wrong and persuaded them to come with me to have a look,” said Mehta, a fifth-floor resident of the building.

On reaching the temple, they realised someone was hiding inside the temple. The residents quickly surrounded it and locked the main silver door from outside. Mehta then called the police, who arrived 20 minutes later. When the police opened the temple door, they found a man who was preparing to escape with money from the cash box. “He had stuffed the money inside his shirt. Thankfully, the idol’s jewellery was intact,” said P M Desai, another resident.  The Vile Parle police have arrested Laxman Khetaram Rawal (24) under Section 379 (theft), who, incidentally, is the temple priest’s brother. “When we asked the priest, who lives on the premises, he said he didn’t know anything,” said Desai. The police are now looking for Rawal’s accomplice who had escaped with a small part of the booty before they arrived. - News Courtesy: mid-day.com

JAIN PUBLICATIONS

THE WISDOM OF NAALADIYAR IN HINDI

Chennai: The wisdom and thinking of Jain monks have had a telling effect on followers of Jainism for centuries, not only in the North, but also in Tamilnadu. They are held in great esteem for their immortal works that transcend time and place. Their Tamil treatise Naalaidyar, on how life should be lived, is looked upon with reverence. The ancient Tamil literature has now been translated into Hindi by Pandit Mallinath Jain Shastri and Dr RK Jain. It has been edited by CSP Jain. Since most Jains live in Northern India and do not know Tamil, the authors have come up with the translatation for the benefit of the Hindi-knowing readers. The translation of Tamil verses (which are also given) into Hindi is elucidated clearly.

   The book has been brought out by Bharat Varshiya Digamber Jain Maha Sabha, Chennai. It has 40 chapters of 10 padhyas each. Each padhya has four charans (and hence the name Naaladiyar). The Tamil title has been retained for the Hindi translation, too. The original Tamil work dates back to more than 2,000 years. The literature showcases Jain heritage and deals with religious and social ethics. They were composed by Jain monks in Tamil based on their experience, knowledge and taste, over a period of time and put in a systematic form in the seventh century by Padumnar Muniraj. Of the 18 compositions in the great padhinen Keezhkanakkunool. Naladiyar occupies an important place, giving a vivid description on righteous conduct.    

   There is an interesting story behind the compilation of the ancient Tamil literature. Hundreds of years ago there was a king named Pandey who was a Jain. He had given shelter to 8,000 holy monks. The king was deeply religious and had lot of affection for these monks. So much was his reverence that he did not allow them to leave his region! The monks felt that it was not proper for so many of them to stay put at one place for a long period and hence decided to leave. One by one all the monks left the place during night without informing the king. Before leaving each of them left a composition of four lines under their seats. By morning, all the monks had left. When the king came to know of this, he became furious. In a fit of rage, he ordered his men to throw all the 8,000 compositions into the river. However, 400 of them could be retrieved later from the river and preserved for posterity. These 400 (quartets) formed the Naaladiyar. The compilation talks about religious and social obligations, duties and righteous conduct of persons.

   The literature dwells in detail about the way a householder and bachelor should lead their lives. It talks about friendship, happiness, sorrow, equality, association with good people, foolishness, injustice, charity, ignorance and righteous conduct among other attributes. The book can be got at Shri Bharatvarshiya Digamber Jain (Teerth Sarankshini) Mahasabha, No 1, Vinayaka Maistry Street, Sowcarpet, Chennai - 600079. The phone numbers are 25290980 and 28331704. -News Courtesy: newstodaynet.com

BOOKS AVAILABLE AT HINDI GRANTHA KARYALAY

SYADVADAMANJARI (Sanskrit): By Acarya Mallisena, Edited by Motilal Ladha, First published in 1925, Reprinted as Sri Vijayamahodayasuri Granthamala 1,  2002, 220 x 145 mm, 300 pp, Hardcover, Rs. 80.00.
Medieval India. The age of Nyaya. Logicians were the gladiators of this era. The Brahmanas, the Buddhists, the Jainas, all had developed their Nyayasastras. Mallisena made a very important contribution by establishing logically, the supremacy of the Anekanta philosophy.

Mallisena originally composed Syadvadamañjari as a tika on Acarya Hemacandra's 'Anyayogavyayacchedika'. Nevertheless, Syadvadamañjari has taken on the stature of an independent work on Jaina Nyaya. Written in a very lucid style, Syadvadamañjari critically examines the classical Hindu system of six philosophies from the Jaina point of view and establishes the superiority of Jaina Darsana. The work was first published in 1925; brilliantly edited by Motilal Ladha with no less than ten appendices. This is a freshly typeset edition published by Sri Vijayamahodayasuri Granthamala.

JAINA MONUMENTS OF ANDHRA (English): By Dr. G. Jawaharlal, 2002, 253 x 190 mm, 135 pp, 50 colour plates, 81 85616 86 8, Hardcover, Rs. 1500.00.

The earliest Jaina monuments in Andhra Pradesh conform to two types, Natural Caves and Structural Shrines. The Natural Caves were suitably scooped by cutting beds and drip-ledges to make them suitable for the Jaina ascetics who chose to meditate in them, and dwell in them during the caturmasa. The Jaina temples were built in conformity with the local Hindu style of that period. Not that it saved them from barbaric destruction at the hands of the fanatical Virasaiva movement, which targeted the Jainas and practically wiped out Jainism from Andhra Pradesh.

This book is based on Jaina iconography and architecture found scattered in Andhra Pradesh. It provides a scholarly study of Jaina art and architecture in Andhra Pradesh.

The book is informative and analytically written. The author, an eminent epigraphist, relies on traditional accounts as well as epigraphic evidences to present his facts. He does not hesitate to describe in detail the large-scale conversion of Jaina monuments into Hindu temples. There is ample photographic evidence of this in the colour plates.

The book shall be highly useful to researchers and students of Indian and particularly Jaina art. The price of the book is surprisingly high since it has been published with contributions from the jñana khatas (temple funds specially set aside for promoting Jaina literature) of Svetambara Jaina temples in Andhra Pradesh.

The book is well organised, with an excellent introduction, detailed appendices & bibliography. The cover of the book depicts an exceptionally graceful, beautifully sculpted idol of Bhagavan Parsvanatha in khadagasana.

For the Above Books Please Contact: Manish Modi, HINDI GRANTH KARYALAY, http://www.hindibooks.8m.com,
Hirabaug, C.P.Tank, Mumbai 400004 INDIA, Tel. 91 22 23826739, Email: manish.modi@bol.net.in

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.

Bidare (Tumkur District, Karnataka): The sixth annual pooja mahotsav of the Bhagawan Sri Suparshwanatha Jain temple will be held on sunday the 2nd May, 2004. The pooja proceedings will be held under the guidance of Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Narasimharajapura (Simhanagadde) Jain Muth. 

Doopadala (Gokak Taluk, Belgaum District, Karnataka): The first annual pooja mahotsav of the Bhagawan Sri Parshwanatha Jain temple was held under the guidance of Sri Jinasena Bhattarakha Swamiji of the Nandani Jain Muth. On the occasion the Kalikundala Arandhana, Car procession and 108 Kalasha Abhishekha were organised.     

Narasimharajapura (Chickamagalur District, Karnataka): The pooja mahotsav organised to celebrate the 10th year of renovation of the Jawalamalini Jain temple were held under the guidance of Sri Lakshmisena Bhattarakha Maharaj of the Jain Muth at Narasimharajapura (Simhanagadde). The five day long celebrations witnessed the akhanda Kumkumarchan, Kalarohan of the Goddess, Rathayatra of the chariot, 108 Kalashabhishekha to Bhagawan Chandraprabha and religious meetings. Thousands of Jains from all over south India attended the celebrations. - Jain Heritage Centres News Service    

http://www.jainpushp.org/ : Website of the Digambar Jain Mandir at Pushpanjali enclave, delhi. Also given information about Jainism, Jain groups and Jain websites.  

Monday 19th April 2004 - Kevalagnana Kalyana and Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Ananthanatha.

Tuesday 20th April 2004 - Janma Kalyana, Diksha Kalyana and Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Kunthunatha.

Sunday 25th April 2004 - Garbha Kalyana and Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Abhinandanatha.

Thursday 29th April 2004 - Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Sumathinatha.

Friday 30th April 2004 - Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Mahavira.

Monday 3rd May 2004 - Birthday of Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Maharaj of Shravanabelagola.

Thursday 6th May 2004 - Garha Kalyana of Bhagawan Parshwanatha.

Thursday 13th May 2004 - Kevalagnana Kalyana of Bhagawan Munisuvratha.

Friday 14th May 2004 - Janma Kalyana and Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Munisuvratha.

Sunday 16th May 2004 - Garbha Kalyana of Bhagawan Darmanatha.

Tuesday 18th May 2004 - Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Neminatha.

Sunday 23rd May 2004 - Moksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Dharmanatha, 132nd Birth day of Charitra Chakravarthi Sri Shanthisagaji Maharaj.

Monday 31st May 2004 - Janma Kalyana and  Diksha Kalyana of Bhagawan Suparshwanatha.

Additions as on 1st April 2004:

Calendar Wallpapers

Additions as on 15th April 2004:

Articles:

1. GURUDEV CHITRABHANUJI'S HISTORICAL VISIT IN AHMEDABAD - GUJARAT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WORLD PEACE - Shyam K. Saxena

2. ARTICLES ON LORD MAHAVIR

3. HISTORY OF JAINS IN NORTH AMERICA : "EVOLUTION" - J. V. Mehta - Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) is putting together a book of History of Jains in North America. This Article contains the details of this project.

4. DISCUSSIONS ON JAINISM AND BRAHMINISM - In our monthly web poll for the month of March 2004 we had asked the question about the relation between Jainism and Brahminism. This article contains the replies, explanation and interpretations to this question given by some of our visitors and Jain friends.