Mahamasthakabhishekha.com

Shravanabelagola, Jan 1: Karnataka Chief Minister Mr. N. Dharam Singh will visit Shravanabelagola on Tuesday (January 3, 2006) and review the ongoing works being carried out by various Government Departments in liaison with the Shravanabelagola Digambar Jain Mutt in the wake of the ensuing Bhagawan Bahubali Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsav.
Disclosing this in a media release on Sunday, Mr. A R Nirmal Kumar, Working President of Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsav Samithi, said the Chief Minister would arrive at around 12 noon. He will visit the Kalashanagar, the Tyagisevanagar and other works.
He will hold discussions with HH Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji and he will later chair a review meeting followed by a media briefing.

Chief Minister N Dharam Singh addressing the officers at the 6th State level review meeting on the preparations for the Mahamasthakabhisheka Celebrations on Tuesday at Shravanabelagola. ,HH Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, Deputy Chief Minister M P Prakash, Dharmasthala Dharamadhikari Veerendra Heggade and Public Works and Energy Minister H D Revanna are also seen.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 3: Karnataka Chief Minister Mr. N Dharam Singh on Tuesday gave strict directions to the officials to complete all the works in connection with the Mahamasthakabhisheka Celebrations before January 20, in time for the inauguration of the celebrations by President A P J Abdul Kalam on January 22.
Addressing the officers at the 6th State level review meeting at Shravanabelagola, the Chief Minister said all necessary directions have been issued and the Government will not cut corners for providing any additional funds as long as the proposals were concrete, justified and did not compromise on quality.
The Chief Minister also directed an Additional DGP to camp at Shravanabelagola itself and oversee the security arrangements in the wake of the Mahamasthakabhisheka Celebrations and the advent of many VIPs to the pilgrim town during the Mahashathakabhisheka, a celebration of the renunciation and non violence which were the hallmarks of the life of Bhagawan Bahubali Swami.
However, later speaking to mediapersons, Mr. Dharam Singh expressed confidence that the celebrations would pass off peacefully and the shadow of the Bangalore IISc terror attack will not be cast on the Mahamasthakabhisheka. But, he said the Government was not taking any chances and adequate measures were being taken.
The Chief Minister recollected that this was the third Mahamasthabhisheka he was participating in, the first being in 1980 with late R Gundu Rao and the second time as a Social Welfare Minister in 1993. He said the contribution of Shravanabelagola and the Mahamasthakabhisheka Celebrations in putting Karnataka firmly on the tourism map in the world couldn't be undermined in any measure.
Mr. Dharam Singh said all efforts were being made to ensure the presence of All India Congress President Sonia Gandhi at the Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsav. The Chief Minister said apart from Sonia Gandhi many other union ministers were also expected to participate in the celebrations.
Transport Minister Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking on the occasion, appreciated the Chief Minister for holding the review of the preparations at Shravanabelagola itself, for the first time since the celebrations commenced under the stewardship of the Union and Karnataka Governments. Pointing out that only 68 to 70 percent of the funds have been spent so far with just 26 days left for the celebrations to commence, Mr. Kharge said it was important that all works were finished in time as the message that will be taken from Shravanabelagola by the people who visit from the far corners of the world was important for the image of the State.
Meanwhile participating in the meeting, Hassan Deputy Commissioner Ashwath Narayana Gowda sought an additional grant of Rs.60 crores on behalf of the various departments toward completion of various pending works. Presenting individual reports the public works department and the national highway officials sought an additional sum of Rs.12 crore, the health and family welfare department a sum of Rs.20 lakh, and the police department a sum of Rs.1 crore toward fencing and surveillance equipments among others.
The railway officials said they would ply two to three trains per day to Hassan and Shravanabelagola from various parts of the country. The first special train from Kolkatta will operate on Jan 15th.
Principal Secretary to the Government Mr. Ramaswamy, said among various dignitaries expected to participate in the celebrations on different days apart from the President Mr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Vice President Mr. Bhiron Singh Shekawat, Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi were Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalliah and union ministers Mr. Laloo Prasad Yadav, Mr. Arjun Singh, Mr.Chidambaram and Mr.Shivaraj Patil among others.

HH Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji addressing the officers at the 6th State level review meeting on the preparations for the Mahamasthakabhisheka Celebrations on Tuesday at Shravanabelagola. Chief Minister N Dharam Singh, Deputy Chief Minister M P Prakash, Dharmasthala Dharamadhikari Veerendra Heggade,Transport Minister Mallikarjuna Kharge, Public Works and Energy Minister H D Revanna and others are also seen. Jain Acharayas are seen in the backdrop.

His Holiness Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji said Mahamasthakabhisheka Celebration will aid the over all development of Karnataka and spread the message of peace, renunciation, disarmament and non-violence to the entire world community. The first Mahamasthakabhisheka of this millennium will stand for the celebration of world peace and disarmament, which was disturbed the social order, he added.
The Swamiji said President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam will inaugurate the Rs. 1.5 crores Children' Hospital and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi will inaugurate the boys hostel of Engineering College named after Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. The Digambar Jain Mutt will also arrange for Dasoha (free food) to all the pilgrims and tourists during the period of Mahamasthakabhisheka celebration at a cost of Rs. One Crore, he added. He appreciated the Government for the immediate completion of uninterrupted power supply, water supply, drainage and sanitation works.
Dharamasthala Dharmadhikari Dr. Veerendra Heggade, speaking on the occasion, said Mahamasthakabhisheka of Gommateshwara would popularize the name of Karnataka with the message of peace. Mahamasthakabhisheka is not only a ritual to be performed once in 12 years but also a medium giving the message of non-violence to the world. He felt the need of immediate completion of all the development works considered to be very important on this occasion. Meanwhile he thanked the state government for the permanent development works being carried out in the region.
Mr. Nirmal Kumar Sethi, President of the Akhila Bharatiya Jaina Mahasabha who was honoured by the Chief Minister on completion of 25 years in the post, urged the State Government to establish a university for Prakrit studies in Shravanabelagola to preserve the oldest language that was disappearing from the masses. He also urged the government to raise funds to protect the historical monuments, which has rich historical value.
Mr. Naresh Kumar Sethi, Honorary President of Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsav Samithi congratulated the State Government for the keen concern over the Mahamasthakabhisheka celebrations and for carrying out permanent infrastructure development projects in the region. He urged the state government to increase the security measures for the safety of the devotees and tourists coming from all over the world. He also appealed the state government to exempt the road taxes for the buses coming from other states during the celebration period.
Mr. Abhayachandra, Chief Whip of Karnataka Government asked the state government to sanction grants for the Jain centers of South Canara such as Karkala, Moodbidri and Venur to establish sanitation and drinking water facilities for the pilgrims visiting these places during Mahamasthakabhisheka celebration.
Chief Minister Mr.Dharam Singh released a book 'Gommata' by Prajavani Chief Reporter Padmaraja Dandavathi on the occasion. Earlier Mr. A R Nirmalkumar, Working President, MMC-06 welcomed. Mr.Jitendrakumar, Chairman of the MMC-6 Publicity Committee, thanked.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 4: HH Swasthishri Charukeeerthi Bhattaraka Mahaswamiji distributed sewing machines to around 25 economically backward women on Wednesday under the aegis of Jana Kalyana Trust of Shravanabelagola Digambar Jain Mutt. This scheme is a part of the Janakalyana Programmes (People Welfare programmes) under taken with the Mahamasthakabhisheka Celebrations 2006. Ms. Saritha Jain of Chennai sponsored the machines. Vinod Kumar Bakiwala of Mysore, Nirmal Kumar Sethi of Lucknow and Poonamchand Gangwal of Delhi are seen in the company of the Swamiji at the function held at the Chavundaraya Mantapa in the Mutt premises.
A SADHARMIC GESTURE FROM THE MYSORE DIGAMBAR JAIN SAMAJ

Shravanabelagola, Jan 5: The Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry at Mysore will be thrown open to devotees and tourists participating in the Mahamasthakabhisheka Celebrations by the Mysore Digambar Jain Samaj.
Free accommodation and food would be provided to the devotees and tourists who pass through Mysore enroute to or on their return from Shravanabelagola from February 9 to 19. The spacious parking lot of the Choultry, situated near the Mysore Railway Station and opposite Hotel Metropole on Vinobha Road, will also be at the disposal of the pilgrims, informed Mysore Digambar Jain Samaj Secretary, A N Chandrakeerthy said in a media release here today.
Pontiff of Shravanabelagola Digambar Jain Mutt HH Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji while appreciating the gesture of the Mysore Digambar Jain Samaj, said assisting the devotees and pilgrims bound for Shravanabelagola in which ever manner possible was in keeping with the spirit of promoting world peace and universal brotherhood which the Mahamasthakabhisheka embodies.
Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsav Publicity Convener S Jithendra Kumar has appealed to all those passing through Mysore during the aforesaid days in connection with the Mahamasthakabhisheka celebrations to make suitable use of the facilities extended by the Choultry.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 7: As all eyes stay fixed on the hectic preparations underway in the pilgrim town of Shravanabelagola for the Mahamasthakabhisheka celebrations of Bhagawan Shri Bahubali Swami, it is only appropriate that attention is paid to the many social welfare programmes, also a part of the celebrations, undertaken by the Digambara Jain under the stewardship of His Holiness Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji.
The mutt's social welfare initiatives was given a kick start in the year 1981 when the Sahastrabdi or the millennium celebrations marking the 1000 years of installation of the 58.8 ft monolith of Bhagawan Bahubali was held. The Janamangala Kalasha, a highlight of the celebrations, which was flagged off by the then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi from New Delhi reached Shravanabelagola after itinerating all the States. This gave birth to Gommateshwara Janakalyana Trust, the service arm of the Mutt and its first act was memorable. One thousand people who were visually impaired got back their eyesight and that nostalgic moment still lingers in the minds of
many – the joy that abound on their faces when they witnessed Bhagawan Bahubali's millennium celebrations, a sight they had never dreamt of savouring.
The Gommateshwara Janakalyana Trust has not lagged behind even during the current celebrations, the first Mahamasthakabhisheka of this millennium. His Holiness Swamiji has gone out of his way to ensure that the celebrations are not just rituals, pomp, show and pageantry.
Several social welfare programmes have been taken up for the benefit of the people of Hassan and other surrounding districts. Janakalyana Programmes have primarily focused on providing basic facilities for the poor and the needy. Medical camps, cleanliness of villages, imparting awareness and education on protection of environment, and creation of new jobs for the rural people is some of the important programmes that have been carried out and some are still in progress.
According to H N Rajendrakumar, President of the Janakalyana Sub Committee, health sector through several medical camps was given utmost importance this time round, keeping in mind the inaccessibility of modern medical facilities to the poor and the middle class.

Artificial limb camp have been organized and Jaipur calipers distributed to more than 50 people from different parts of Karnataka in the co-ordination with C.B Bhandary Charitable trust, Bangalore. Seminars were organized in different schools to create awareness about dental care and free toothbrush and paste distributed. The much acclaimed eye testing and eye operation camp was held during May last year, and more than 1200 people underwent testing and more than 600 people eyes were operated upon. Dental Check up camp was organized in June and more than 50 dental sets were distributed. Free medical check up, Ayurvedic Medical and a second Dental care camp followed.
In order to provide permanent free medical aid, Pushpadantha Dental Clinic was established at Shravanabelagola, providing free dental care facilities. Free Ayurvedic Hospital was established along with an eye hospital and a clinical laboratory with X-ray departments providing free medical service to the people. "Smile" a treatment for split lips people was held in coordination with C.B Charitable trust in which more than 50 members from various parts of the State returned smiling radiantly. Gommateshwara Mobile Hospital, on its part is doing dedicated service to the local community throughout the year thanks to the dedicated work of Dr. Bramharaj, who is serving since the inception of the mobile hospital.
"Janakalyana Programme is also concerned with protection of environment and as a part of this endeavour, medicinal plants and other plantation trees were distributed to the farmers. As a part of the 'Total Sanitation Campaign', the Trust distributed bags of cement and other construction materials to 700 homes in Shravanabelagola to create sanitation facilities," says Rajendrakumar.
A separate self-employment scheme was launched for the women during the run up to the current celebrations, training them preparing handicrafts from the waste materials generated in day-to-day life. Sewing machines were distributed for the poor women to make them self sufficient in daily life. This apart, the Trust runs the "Jaina Shravaka Vriddhashrma", a home for the aged apart from a 'Goshala'.
The Janakalyana Trust's activities are not confined just to Shravanabelagola or Karnataka. A team of doctors and Gommateshwara Mobile Hospital helped flood victims in Belgaum and Bagalkote, providing medical aid to more than 2500 people. An amount of 5,00,000 was distributed for meeting the housing needs of those rendered homeless by the floods apart from making arrangements to meet the fodder and veterinary needs of the cattle. While Janakalyana Trust spends 78 percent of its resources toward meeting the relief and service requirements of the poor and needy in Karnataka, the remaining amount goes toward relief and service activities in other states from
its Akshaya Satkhara Nidhi.
Among the future plans of the Trust is introduction of a 24/7-ambulance service for handling emergencies and encouraging mechanised agriculture among the farmers through distribution of modern agricultural implements. The community service in health sector, self-employment and protection of environment will also include education sector.

His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji honouring Mr. Murena Sumatichandra Shasthri.

Shravanabelagola Jan 7: Social worker and veteran freedom fighter Mr. Murena Sumatichandra Shasthri was on Firday honoured in Shravanabelagola by Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of Shravanabelagola Digambar Jain Mutt for his immense contribution in the field of education and society.

Mr.Murena Sumatichandra Shasthri is a great name in the field of social service in Murena district of Madhya Pradesh. He served as a President of Murena Municipality and is presently serving as a Vice President of Akhila Bharatha Varshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha. Known for his honesty and hardwork, Mr.Shastri as the vice president of Sri Gopaldas Jain Siddantha Sanskrit Mahavidyalayahe is instrumental in producing a huge number of Jain scholars.

Replying to the felicitation, he recalled the inspiration gained from Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji and the tremendous impact it had on his life, and motivated him to work for the society. He urged the students to take up higher education in Jain and Sanskrit dharmic studies.

Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, who felicitated Mr.Shastri lauded the immense contribution made by Sumatichandra Shasthri to the society and asked the students to follow the right path while serving for the society, religion and the nation.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 8: With just weeks left for the Mahotsava Celebrations to commence and amidst hectic preparations, a host of Union ministers and other VIPs including President Mr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Congress President Ms. Sonia Gandhi are expected to converge on this the pilgrim township in the days ahead.
While it is confirmed that President Mr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam will inaugurate the celebrations by opening a Rs. 1.5 Crore children's hospital on January 22, Vice – President Mr. Bhairon Singh Shekawat will participate in the Tapa Kalyana programme on February 6.
Railway Minister Mr. Laloo Prasad will dedicate the Shravanabelagola Railway Station to the Nation on January 15. Human Resource Development Minister Mr. Arjun Singh will open the upgraded hospitals of Shravanabelagola and Chennarayapattana on January 23. Planning commission Deputy Chairman Mr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia will commission the drinking water supply scheme on January 24. Union Finance Minister Mr. P. Chidambaram will open the new blocks of accommodation built for pilgrims on January 25.
Union Home Minister Mr. Shivraj Patil is expected to participate in "Sarvadharma Sammelana" on January 27. Union Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Mr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh will inaugurate the Acharya Shanthi Sagar Memorial Building, Tyagi Nagar on February 1.
Civil Aviation Minister Mr. Praful Patel will open the Yatri Nivas on February 2. The Mahamasthakabhisheka with 108 kalashas will be performed on February 8.

Acharya Muni 108 Sri Viragsagarji Maharaj and His Sangh.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 8: Acharya 108 Sri Viraga Sagar Muni Maharaj reached Shravanabelagola today with a group of 34 monks to participate in the new millennium’s first Mahamasthakabhisheka of Bhagwan Bahubali Swami, bringing the total number of munis and nuns to reach this pilgrim town to 114.
Acharya Viraga Sagar Muni Maharaj traveled nearly 200 kms by foot from Moodbidri to reach Shravanabelagola. Before reaching Moodbidri for his Chaturmasa in September, the Acharya and his group of monks had traveled from Bhilai in Chattigarh and reached Karanja in Maharashtra, more than a 1500 kms, again by foot.
The Archarya, visiting Shravanabelagola for the first time, was ceremoniously welcomed near Vidyananda Nilaya and brought in a procession to Mangayi Jain Temple where he was received by Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji with poornakhumba even as devotees, acharyas, nuns and internees thronged the area, and devotional songs and music rent the air.
Later speaking at the occasion Acharya 108 Sri Virag Sagarji Muni Maharaj said it was his lifetime dream to have the darshan of Bhagawan Bahubali and now he considered himself truly blessed to have reached Shravanabelagola. “I propose to climb the hill without wasting time and we travelled the entire distance seeing Bhagawan Bahubali in every stone we came across. It is true that if a believer thirsts for the Lord, he will see it in any object. Personally, reaching Shravanabelagola and seeing the gathering of monks here, I feel like a small child returning to the fold of his family,” he said.

Acharya Muni 108 Sri Viragsagarji Maharaj addressing the people gathered to welcome him.

Continuing, the Acharya said the true meaning of religion has to reach the people to bring about a transformation in the current chaotic situation existing in the society. One has to understand the sacrifice, knowledge and dedication of the acharyas towards the dharmic values for the transformation of their soul towards the protection of these values, he added.
Acharya 108 Sri Vardhamana Sagarji Muni Maharaja, speaking on the occasion, described it as a moment in time witnessing confluence of renunciation, meditation and yoga, and said this was a time when pure devotion comes to fore.
Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, who graced the occasion said, this was the second biggest batch of monks to have ever arrived in Shravanabelagola, the first being the visit of last Shrutakevali Badhrabahu Swami and his group of 12,000 monks. The Mahamasthakabhisheka spectacle will spread the message of peace and universal brotherhood throughout the world in the presence of a large number of munis, all inspired by the life and message of Bhagawan Bahubali, he added.
Mr. D Surendra Kumar and Mr. Pushpadantha of Dharmasthala, and Mr. Gyanchand and Mr. Ratanchand Jain of Chattarpur were felicitated for accompanying the muni sangh.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 9: Continuing the more than 100 year old tradition of offering coconuts toward the Mahamasthakabhisheka Celebrations to the Digambar Jain mutt, the local community of this pilgrim town, inclusive of all segments, today offered 2400 coconut (Shrifal) to the Mutt in the presence of HH Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji.
Though this tradition is a continuation of the past, the number of coconuts offered this year is expected to increase by more than five times compared to the celebration witnessed hitherto because the current celebrations last nearly a month.
‘Shrifal Samarpan’ is a tradition of offering coconut to the Mutt during the Mahamasthakabhisheka celebration that has been followed from the past. It is believed that offering of ‘Shrifal’ for the Bahubali Swami’s Masthakabhisheka would bring prosperity and good fortune to the local community. This is the first major consignment of coconuts to reach the Mutt in connection with the current celebrations.

His Holiness Swasthi Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji on Thursday inaugurating Project Kasavara, a solid waste management programme, at Shravanabelagola. (l to r)Shravanabelagola Gram Panchayat President S B Sharatkumar and ISRO Environmental Scientist V Jagannath are also seen in the picture.

Shravanabelagola, Jan 12: Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, pontiff of the Shravanabelagola Digambara Jain Mutt, on Thursday launched ‘Project Kasa-Vara’, a programme aimed at managing the solid waste at Shravanabelagola on the occasion of Mahamasthakabhisheka Celebrations.
The uniqueness of the project is attempting to enforce abuse free plastic use in the whole event and banning of Plastic at the two hills. The project is implemented by involving local stakeholders such as schools, colleges and Stree- Shaktis.
The programme aims at turning the nearly1200 tones of solid waste, expected to be generated during the month long celebrations beginning January 22 by the nearly 30 to 40 lakh pilgrims and tourists all set to converge on this pilgrim township, into organic fertilizer, and also encourage shunning the use of plastic during the festivities, by leverging the local human resources at Shravanabelagola.
The Rs.30 lakh project aims at keeping Shravanabelagola clean and beautiful throughout the celebrations by encouraging the local community to participate in the collection and processing of the solid waste generated during the celeberations as an income generation opportunity. This initiative, aimed at involving all segments including business community, is accompanied side by side with a publicity campaign.
Green and white garbage bins will be set up all over the town as a part of this novel initiative, crucial for preventing outbreak of epidemics and other health hazards, apart from protecting the environment during the celebrations. While the white bins would be meant for putting paper, biscuit covers, plastics, bottles and such others imperishables, the green bins, would gather the organic wastes such as leftovers of meals, vegetable and fruit wastes etc, suitable for recycling.
Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji, launching the programme at a two-day orientation camp for the local residents, termed Project Kasa-Vara as a crucial programme, to keep Shravanabelagola clean, and mosquito and disease free, after the total sanitization initiative launched earlier.
The Karnataka Rajya Vignana Parishat (KRVP) is providing technical support with the assistance of Professional expertise of CST, IISc. & CED, ISRO. Chennarayapatna Taluk Panchayat and the Shravanabelagola Digambar Jain Mutt are implementing Project Kasa-Vara jointly. KRVP Secretary Dr. Niranjan Aradhya, IISc Scientist Dr. H N Chanakya, ISRO’s Environmental Scientist V Jagannath, KRVP Project Scientist Mahesh chandra, Chennarayapatna Taluk Panchayat CEO were present.