|
RATNAMMA HEGGDE REMEMBERED
Shravanabelagola Jan 26:
Sri Digambar Jain Mutt Shravanabelagola today paid homage to Mathrushree
Ratnamma Heggade of Dharmasthala, mother of Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Veerendra
Heggade at a memorial held at the Bandara Basadi.
Paying tribute to Mathrushree Ratnamma Heggade, who passed away in road accident
few days ago, Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji said Mathrushree was
an exceptional figure in the modern society and was the inspiration behind the
consecration of the Bahubali statue at Dharmasthala.
The Swamji said she was an ideal woman and in her death, the society has lost a
visionary woman She was instrumental in renovating the temples, serving the
tyagis and providing free education to the people from all walks of life, he
recalled and lauded her pioneering role in translating the Davala texts to
Kannada. "Her contribution to the Kannada language and to the Jain community
through these actions is immense," he said.
A minute's silence was observed in Mathrushree Ratnamma Heggade's memory.
Naresh Kumar Sethi and A.R Nirmal Kumar, Honorary President and Working
President respectively of Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsav Samithi were present on
the occasion.
'GOD IS TOO BIG TO FIT INTO ONE
RELIGION': CHIRANJEEV SINGH
Shravanabelagola, Jan 27:
After critical look into the role of the sants and political leaders themselves
in dividing people on religious lines and the responsibility of individual
citizens in aiding communal harmony, the Sarvadharma Samanvaya Sammelana
organized on the occasion of the Mahamastakabhisheka celebrations today
concluded that non-violence and renunciation, the basic tenants of Jainism, held
the key to maintaining peace and communal amity in the society.
Inaugurating the Sammelana, Former Principal Secretary (Karnataka) Mr.Chiranjeev
Singh said the tensions between different religious groups and faiths were a
reality and nobody could turn a blind eye to it. But, it is only those who do
not understand that God is too big to fit into one religion that is creating
these tensions.
Mr.Singh said all religious orders essentially enunciate ways of attaining
salvation with only the paths and means through which it can be attained being
spelt out differently in each religious order.
However, there are tensions between different religious orders when one tries to
increase the number of followers. "This is outdated and has to be relegated to
the past. The contemporary society it will only be counterproductive and against
the interests of peace Now we can only live and think of ensuring how our
society through our actions can be made a place to live and for this, one should
take the best of all religions," he added.
Pointing out that Dharma essentially means the values by which lead our lives,
Mr.Singh life is both internal, deciding our mental and emotional state, and
external, the way we behave and inter-act with another human being. "Religion,
faith or dharma helps one fine the right balance in both aspects of life. In the
modern world, Jainism with its tenants of non violence and renunciation can
become the basis helping man secure the right balance, be it in right conduct,
right belief or right knowledge, "he added.
Mr. Singh said the Sammelana, a confluence of all the religions and faiths on
the occasion of Mahamastakabhisheka was very appropriate and added that two
processes were happening simultaneously in the world.
On the one hand we are witnessing growing fundamentalism and on the other,
increasing inter faith dialogues, with organizations such as United Nations and
UNESCO involving in such activities through its programmes such as 'Culture of
faith'.
Revolutionary Jain Monk Tarun Sagar held the sants themselves responsible for
dividing people on the lines of dharma. Questioning the moral right of different
sants in dividing people on lines of caste and religion, he dared them to divide
the sky and the air and if they could not, leave the people alone and not divide
them on the lines of religion. "The sants instead of providing dharmic guidance
and helping live in peace and harmony are doing just the opposite by dividing
them on lines of different mutts, castes and divisions.
Similarly, if it was not for the
selfish interests of some politicians partition would not have happened and
people on both sides of the border would have been living happily," he lashed
out.
Sir Raghaveshwara Bharati Swamiji of Ramachandrapura Mutt, Theerthalli, who
began by saluting the eternal truth that every religion is trying to teach, said
he had come here earlier as a student and now donning the role of a guru, but
Bahubali stood there the same without any change. "When I had come here as a
student, I must confess that the thought 'why is he naked?' came to my mind.
But, now I know the answer. In fact, we are unnatural and Bahubali is natural,
for a man is born naked and he dies naked", he said.
The Swamiji said Bahubali belongs to all faiths as the ideals he stands for are
universal and beyond time. These ideals can help attain lasting peace and for
the sake of peace and amity let us bring heaven down to earth and if violence is
indeed inevitable in life, let us ensure that there is no violence owing to
religion, he added.
Expressing happiness at heads of various religious orders coming together, he
said all the religious orders are like different types of sweets in a sweetmeat
shop but the taste essentially is the same. And the person who realizes this is
always in harmony with himself and his surroundings.
The Swamiji said Jain monks lead one of the most rigorous lives in the world.
They are in a state of mind where they are beyond pain. "They are like a
coconut, with hard exterior and soft and loving inside. Jain munis have three
eyes, the third being their mind's eye which is active owing to the rigorous
life they lead," he added.
Shivasugnana Swamiji of Aremadanahalli Mahasamthana Mutt, Hassan, appealed to
all not to waste their precious life fighting one another in the name of
religion, caste or faith. "In the entire universe, there is life only on earth
and man is the only one of his kind among all living beings. Your life is so
very precious, value it and leave in peace," he said.
The Swamiji said God is like a light that was covered by a pot called ignorance
of mankind. Saints, who realized this truth and showed the way, showed the
different ways through which they had realized God could be seen and known.
Christ, Prophet Mohammed, Shankara and others did this. "Why then, this fight
between religions even though all religions seek to take mankind toward
realizing God through the right path? Jainism realized that God can be realized
through different means, recognized it and gave the world the root mantra
'Ahimsa Paramodharma'.
Further, he said Tyaga (Renunciation) of Jainism is great ideal and very
relevant during the current times when materialism has overtaken man and he is
moving away from dharma. Jain monks are role models for all in renouncing
everything and turning the mind toward pursuit of the eternal truth.
Shivananda Shivayogi Rajendra Swamiji of Kodimutt, Arasikere, said though there
was only one Jagat, there were many Jagatgurus. And then there is this race of
superiority among one another. If one names himself as Noorkhan, denoting 100,
the competing guy will name himself Noorondaiah, denoting 101 while the third
will decide to end all
competition by naming himself Ananthakoti Narayana.
"This is the way different religious orders are competing instead imparting
actual values. Dharma is one that protects the weak, those in trouble and those
in need. Moving away from these, dharmic one-upmanship is what is being indulged
in now. Faith is not blind, only minds are blind. Selfishness is deep rooted and
unless that is not removed dharma cannot take roots. Consumptive lifestyle is
also taking deep roots leading to erosion of values; hence there is a need for
timely action. Life is all about being awake, sleeping and dreaming. All values
are degenerating though there are more mutts, swamijis and temples today", he
said.
Shwethambar Sthanikvasi Vinayaji Maharaj said the Sammelan was very relevant
during the current times when influences that are alien to the Indian
civilization are spreading among the current generation. Religious leaders
should come together in mind and not just on platforms, he added.
Basavaraj Swamiji of Chinmooladri Bruhanmutt, Chitradurga, said religious
fundamentalism is the root cause for terrorism. For peace to reign supreme
non-violence should permeate all actions of life including thought. Day or
kindness is the root of dharma, he said.
Earlier in his opening remarks MC06 Hon. President Mr.Naresh Kumar Sethi said
communal tensions are always the handiwork of a few, He termed the partition of
the country a folly by some leaders, following which the two countries are not
grappling with the reality of tension between the two reality of tension between
the two countries. "In such a scenario, if we truly follow the principles of
ahimsa, we can ease the atmosphere and all can live in peace. Secular tenants,
truly, should actually mean a state without orthodoxy and conservative polity
and not one that is described as 'dharma nirpeksha' in Hindi. Without the
directions of dharma, no society can succeed," he said.
Jagadguru Karmayogi Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji of
Shravanabelagola graced the occasion. Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka
Swamiji of Moodabidri presided. MMC06 Working President A R Nirmal Kumar
welcomed. Mr.Rushabhadas Shastri thanked.
MATHRU VANDANA
WOMEN'S CONTRIBUTION
UNDERPLAYED
Shravanabelagola, Jan 28: Jainism
is the only religion that recognizes women have equal rights as men and provides
canonized (dharmic) protection to the same. But, evils such as destruction of
female foetus are plaguing even the Jain community today and corrective measures
in the form of proper education in Jain value systems and
role of women need to be taken, said the speakers at the 'Mathru Vandana'
programme held on Saturday as a part of the Mahamastakabhisheka Celebrations.
The Speakers, including leading scholars such as Mrs.Hanumakshi Gogi, Deputy
Director Co-operatives, Hubli, and Dr. M S Padma, Chairman of the Post
Department of Jainology, Mysore University, said though women have been accorded
equal status in nearly all spheres, the contribution of women to the protection
and preservation of Jain
culture and heritage has not been recognized enough. More publications need to
be brought out highlighting the lives and deeds of various Jain sanyasinis who
have donned various mantles dictated by the faith and Jain women who have proved
their prowess in all other fields.
Conceding that essentially Jain women's role was as a wife and a mother, the
speakers pointed out that Jain Sanyasinis and women of Jain royal families have
emerged equal to their male counterparts.
This has been recorded in history and the earliest written inscription of the
deeds of the Sanyasinis is found in Shravanabelagola. While the first
Teerthankara Adinantha himself led by example by educating his daughters Brahmi
and Sundari, who in turn developed the script for Prakruth language, history is
replete with examples of Jain Sanyasinis initiating others as munis, being
philanthropic and encouraging philanthropy, and building temples. Jain women
have excelled themselves in all other spheres of life too, be it art, culture or
literature, they said.
Inaugurating the Sammelan Ms. Shobha Vimukthakumar, Chairperson of the All India
Jain Women's Sammelan, said the meet was very relevant and the challenges faced
by women need to be given proper focus through such meets.
Ms. Manjula Abhaya Chandra Jain, wife of Karnataka Legislative Assembly Chief
Whip Abhaya Chandra, who presided reminded the delegates of the age old saying
that home is the first school for a child and added this was very true in terms
of the over all development of a child, especially in the spheres of ethics and
values. She warned that if mothers fail, nobody else could succeed. She also
lauded the role of Jain sanyasinis in being a bridge between the monks and the
society.
Releasing a souvenir brought out on the occasion, Ms. Usha Bahubali Kumar of
Kerala said the role of Kalaladevi in getting Chavundaraya to sculpt Bahubali
was immense and added that all women should hold their maternal values and
instincts with pride.
Aryika 105 Surathamathi Mataji warned the women against falling into the fast
track lane without heeding to time tested covenants on feminity, female body and
the role of women in society, proven both by science and faith across cultures.
Chief Guest Mrs. Bouridevi Bhandari, who released by Jalaja Jain's book 'Sadachara',
translation of a Hindi work 'Nari Bano Sadachari', by Arika 105 Vishudhamati,
said women should accept their role in society with responsibility and aid in
protection of values.
Jagaduguru Karmayogi Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamji graced the
occasion. MMC06 Working President Mr. A R Nirmal Kumar delivered the
introductory address. Ms. Shanta Sanmathikumar, Sammelan Convener welcomed.
In the Acharya Vandana programme
that preceded, Acharya 108 Vardhamana Sagar Muni Maharaj, Acharya 108
Sanmathisagar Muni Maharaj, Acharya 108 Kushagrinandi Muni Maharaj and Acharya
108 Thapasagar Muni Maharaj, spoke on the role of women as the backbone of Jain
culture and added it was their responsibility to ensure that the values
enshrined in Jainism was carried forward.
CROWDS START POURING INTO
MAHAMASTHAKABHISHEKA CELEBRATIONS
Shravanabelagola, Jan 28: If the huge turnout at the Mathruvandana
programme at the Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsava on Saturday was any
indication, the momentum for the celebrations for which preparations
began nearly six months has commenced. The huge Panchakalyana Mantap,
where the programme was held was full to the seams unlike the moderate
turnout witnessed during Friday for the Sarva Dharma Sammelan. What
was more important was that nearly the entire gathering comprised
women, with representatives from the nearly 100 Mahila Sanghas all
over the State participating in large numbers.
The food counters in all parts of the Mahotsav venue was overflowing
during the afternoon session.
CHARUKEERTHIJI CONVENES
OFFICERS' MEET ON SANITATION AND EMERGENCY RELIEF
Shravanabelagola, Jan 29: Digambara Jain Mutt Pontiff Swasthi
Sri
Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji has convened a meeting of Government
officials on Monday to review the preparedness in Shravanabelagola,
especially in the areas of sanitation and medical emergency, with only
Nine days left for the biggest draw of the celebrations, the
Mahamastakabhisheka of Bhagwan Bahubali beginning February 8. Lakhs of
devotees and tourists are expected to converge on this pilgrim
township by them.
Addressing media persons on Sunday, the Swamiji said the meeting would
review preparedness on various fronts and added that while nearly 90
percent of the sanitation works were complete; there was a need to
review the medical emergency preparedness inclusive of air and water
pollution. Further, the organizers have not been able to meet the
demand for accommodation with the demand exceeding expectations even
after provisions have been made for the stay of as many as 30, 000
persons.
This apart, the Swamiji said everything was going on smooth as planned
with the co-operation of the authorities plugging all the loopholes
noticed, since the inauguration of the celebrations on January 22 by
President APJ Abdul Kalam. The Mutt has been able to provide free food
to all the visitors since January 22 and has been successful in
meeting the burgeoning demand.
Expressing happiness at the resounding success of the two-day Mathru
Vandana Programme, which concluded on Sunday, the Swamiji said it was
an experimental programme held for the first time during
Mahamastakabhisheka and organized solely by the Jain Mahila Sanghas of
Karnataka with the assistance of the Mutt. The programme was a homage
paid to Kalaladevi, the mother of Chavundaraya, who got the huge
Bahubali monolith atop Vindhyagiri sculpted.
The Swamiji said Acharya Shantisagar Memorial Hall would be
inaugurated by Acharya Vardhamana Sagar on February One and on the
same day a sliver chariot will be offered to Bhagawan Bahubali. A
grand Mahamastakabhisheka procession would circle the Vindhyagiri
hills and the Shravanabelagola town on February 5 as a part of the
celebrations. The Vice President Mr.Bhaireon Singh Shekhawat will
participate in the Panchakalyana celebrations on February 6. However,
the visit of Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh and Congress President
Ms.Sonia Gandhi were yet to be confirmed. The Mutt was yet to receive
information regarding the visit of Railway Minister Mr. Laloo Prasad
Yadav either.
On President APJ Abdul Kalam's suggestion that Shravanabelagola should
develop as a research centre, the Swamiji said the Mutt was acting on
it and working toward elevating the Prakruth Research Institute into a
deemed university.
The Swamiji said Vindhyagiri makes a beautiful spectacle after sunset
owing to the illumination of the hills which is underway and with the
illumination of the steps up the hill and some of the structures on
top already complete.
MATHRU VANDANA: VIRTUES OF A
MOTHER EXTOLLED
Shravanabelagola, Jan 30: The two-day 'Mathru Vandana' programme,
homage to Kaalaladevi, who inspired her son Chavundaraya to sculpt
Bhagawan Bahubali's giant monolith at Vindyagiri, concluded with a
colourful procession featuring various tableaus and folk groups from
different Jain Mahila Sanghas going round Vindhyagiri hills and the
town from Panchakalyana Mantap on Sunday morning.
Tableaus featuring various facets of Jain life and ideals were taken
out in the procession led by an elephant with representatives of
various Jain Mahilas Sanghas performing behind. The top honours of the
procession was bagged by Hubli's Shantinath Jain Mahila Samaj while
the tableau by Chennarayapattana's Jwalamukhi Jain Mahila Samaj came
second. Kushmandini Mahila Samaj of Shravanabelagola and Vama Devi
Mahila Samaj of Bijapur shared the third prize. Bangalore's
Chakreshwari Mahila Sangha received the consolation prize.
Later speaking at the valedictory ceremony, revolutionary Jaina Ascetic Tarun
sagar extolled the role of a mother in the society and said one needs
the blessings of three entities to attain happiness and peace in life.
If the first is the blessings of a mother as a child, it is a mahatma
when you are young and God when you are old. Pointing out that
Goddesses Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Parvathi symbolize Education, Wealth
and Power with a reason, he said it was to remind a mother the values,
duties and responsibilities she has to instill in her children if they
are to become good well-behaved and successful cultured individuals.
Ruing that the world was changing and relationships were becoming more
and more brittle, he said these were days one thinks twice before
saying that a new- born resembles either the mother or the father. Man
should realize that even an animal gives birth but being born in a
species that can give him culture is a blessing.
Stressing on the role of a woman in ensuring that all in the family
succeed, Tarun Sagar said though it is said 'The man of the house',
everybody knows actually who is the 'boss' of the house. The same is
true of our Union Government too. Everybody knows who is the boss even
though Dr Manmohan Singh is the Prime Minister. Continuing, he termed
the punishment meted out by the mother as the verdict of the Supreme
Court that cannot be challenged even by the father, whose authority is
just that of a High Court.
Jagadguru Karmayogi Swasthishree Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji
graced the occasion and congratulated the women for turning out in
large numbers and blessed them that all secure the instincts that made
Kalaladevi make Chavundaraya what he was that today we have the
divinity of Bahubali to savour.
Jayaratna Dharanendraiah of Mysore, Preethi Abhay Patil of Belgaum,
Nalini Jawali of Hubli and Susheela Kailash Chand Bhaj of Bangalore,
spoke. Harshini Sudhakar of Chellakere presided.
PRINCIPLES OF NON-VIOLENCE
TAKING ROOTS IN NORTH AMERICA: JAINA
Shravanabelagola, Jan 30: The
principles of non-violence was taking deep roots in North America meaning United
States of America and Canada, home of nearly 100,000 Jains, according to members
of the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA).
According to the 86 member strong delegation of JAINA which visited
Shravanabelagola on Monday, the first generation of Jains from India migrated to
North America in the 1960s and currently the second generation of Jains
comprises 40 percent of the population. "When we landed in USA in the 60s,
there was no climate to practice Jainism and some fell prey to western culture.
But today it is different. The climate exists and regular meetings and
programmes are held to promote Jain way of life, rather than mere rituals," says
Kirit C Daftary, President of JAINA, an umbrella organization of local Jain
Associations in USA and Canada started with the blessings from Gurudev Shri
Chitrabhanuji and Acharya Late Shri Sushil Kumarji. It was initiated at the
first Jain Convention held in Los Angeles in 1981 and formalized at the second
Jain Convention in New York in 1983.
JAINA is a federation of 62 Jain organizations representing more than 100,000
Jains living in USA and Canada without any distinction based on sect, language
or region. It has provided a forum to foster friendship and unity among various
Jain communities in North America, spread over New York, Chicago, Los Angeles,
San Francisco, Houston, Dallas, New Jersy and Boston.
"We have been successful in spreading the message of Mahaveera over the last 12
years and made it easier for the current generation of Jain youth in USA
live the value systems enshrined in Jainism, especially with the number of
marriages outside the community being high. Further, the interest in Jain way of
life is on the increase. This is clear from the fact that if during 1993
Mahamastakabhisheka, a 43 member Jaina delegation attended the celebrations,
this is year we are 86 member strong," says Dr.Dheeraj Shah, former President of
JAINA, who participated the '93 celebrations. The delegation, which visited
Shravanabelagola and held discussions with the Swamiji and MMC06 Hon President
Naresh Kumar Sethi on Monday, will return again on February Seven to take part
in the Mahamastakabhisheka on February 8.
JAINA as followers of "Jiv Daya" (Kindness) and "Ahimsa" has responded to
various humanitarian causes over the years. "Previously we raised over $200,000
for Tsunami Victims, $650,000 for Gujarat Earthquake, $100,000 for Latur
Earthquake Fund, more than $70,000 for Kutch Cyclone Relief Fund and then for
the Turkey earthquake Fund, Orissa and Kosovo. Now, we are involved in helping
victims of Cyclone Kathrina," says ex-JAINA Committee member Pramod Jaweri.
According to Kirit C Daftary, JAINA was successful in arranging the recital of a
jain Prayer as an opening prayer in the US house of representatives in May 2001
in celebration of the 2600th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th
Tirthankar. Jain prayers were also held in the state assemblies of Maryland,
Ohio and Virginia.
JAINA has adopted the first Sunday
in October in recognition of Mahatma Gandhi's birthday as Ahimsa Day. JAINA
volunteers work with local governments to issue proclamations for observance of
Ahimsa Day. It is celebrated by promoting non-violence, Vegetarianism and
organizing seminars on Ahimsa.
"We were also instrumental in Bill Clinton pardoning the Thanks Giving turkey
and sending it to the Washington Zoo instead of the kitchen. The tradition has
continued since with the current President George Bush following suit. We are in
hot pursuit to ensure that October 2 is declared as a National Ahimsa Day in
USA. We had made the suggestion to Clinton but he did not agree though now he
rues the decision," says Dr.Dheeraj Shah, who was in the campaign team of the
former US president. JAINA has also constructed composite Jain Temples and
places of worship featuring both the Digambara and Shwethambara idols, with the
religious freedom of all getting legitimacy with the passage of Religious
Restoration Bill in 1993 by Clinton administration.
In recognition of JAINA's world wide humanitarian work, United States Agency for
International Development has awarded JAINA a certificate of registration making
it eligible to receive grants from USAID. It also grants JAINA a blanket
certificate to export medical and educational equipment for humanitarian aid
globally. JAINA has also received several awards in United States and India
including awards from World Medical Relief Inc. of Detroit, and American Red
Cross.
There are two youth organizations within JAINA: Young Jains of America (YJA) and
Young Jain Professionals (YJP). The Marriage Information service and JAINA
Network Forum have enabled many parents to find Jain spouses for their children.
The North American Family Assistance committee has quietly helped Jain families
in need and the Senior Housing Committee is exploring possibilities of creating
housing for the aging Jain population in different cities.
JAINA has established bilateral relationships with the World Confederation of
Jains, Veeraytan, Vegetarian Society of Bombay, Jain Social Group Federation and
Bidada Sarvodya Trust through its Government and International Relations
Committee. The Interfaith Committee has fostered valuable contacts with many
inter-religious organizations and participated in the Parliament of the World's
Religions in Barcelona, Spain.
KARNATAKA VAIBHAVA: ROYAL
PATRONAGE REMEMBERED
Shravanabelagola, Jan 30: The
patronage of various royal families of India like the Gangas, Chalukyas,
Chalukyas, Vijayanagara kings and the Mysore Wodeyas to Jainism and Jain
literature over centuries was remembered with gratitude at the Karnataka
Viabhava-Smarane on Monday at the Mahamastakabhisheka Celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, Shravanabelagola Mutt's Dharmakeerthi Swamiji recalled
the contribution of the various royal families and said if today's rulers come
by air in helicopter and leave without even having darshan of the great saints,
the kings of yore used to come by road, pay their respects to the various saints
and scared spots. He recalled how the the Wodeyar king of Mysore had come,
prayed before the footprints of Chandragupta Mourya and Badrabahu atop
Chandragiri Hills and left behind the signature of their visit.
Prakruth Vidwan Dr.Jivendrakumar Hothpate, speaking on the occasion, said Jain
way of life was vibrant in Karnataka owing to the patronage of royal families,
be it the Rashtrakoota kings, Hoysala kings or the Wodeyars. All these families
helped build and preserve Jain temples and heritage sites. These royal families
have contributed a great deal to the role played by the Jain munis, with some of
them having these munis as their advisors. During the rule of the Rashtrakootas
many davala works were written. "The royal families have contributed to the
Saints, the Gurus and the Shastras," he said.
POLITICAL CHANGE AND
MAHAMASTHAKABHISHEKA HAS NO RELEATION: CHARUKEERTHI BHATTARAKHJI
Shravanabelagola, Jan 31:
Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji the pontiff of the Shravanabelagola
Jain Mutt, on Monday brushed aside arguments and theories that
Mahamastakabhisheka has always heralded in political change.
He was speaking to media persons atop the Vindhyagiri hills after paying homage
at the boulders bearing the footprints of Ganga Dynasty's Commander-in-chief
Chavundaraya, who was instrumental in getting the huge monolith of Bahubali
sculpted.
"I will never accept the argument that there has always been a political change
whenever Mahamastakabhisheka celebrations are conducted. Such an argument is
irrational and irrelevant. Preparations for a Mahamastakabhisheka begins nearly
three and a half years before the actual celebrations commence whereas in
today's political climate, change can occur any time,'' the Swamiji said.
He conceded that the political uncertainty in the State and the changes at the
Centre prevented the Mutt from going ahead with some programmes featuring the
Karnataka and Union ministers. But, this has not impacted the rituals and the
mass dharmic programmes in any way.
"Ever since the President inaugurated the Celebrations on January 22, 2006, the
programmes have been going on smoothly and activities such as Mathru Vandana
drew huge crowds. Leaving out today, with hardly a week left for the
celebrations to commence on February 8, the celebrations are picking up
momentum," he said.
Regrets for delay in train services: However, he regretted that delay in
inauguration of the train services from Shravanabelagola, and urged the Union
Railway Ministry to commence the train services from February 4 in time for the
Panchakalyana festival with many looking forward to reaching Shravanabelagola
this time around in train from different parts of the country.
Officers Meeting: On the officers meeting held on Monday, the Swamiji
said it has been decided to accord top priority to power, water supply and
sanitation, and directions have been issued to various officers and conveners of
different sub committees to work in close liaison with each other and complete
the works in time for the celebrations without further delay.
Swamiji Offers Pooja to the Chavundaraya's Foot Prints: Earlier Swamiji
offered pooja to the foot prints of Chavundaraya atop the Vindhya Giri Hills on
a group of boulders onto the right of Bahubali statue. With the boulder being
narrow and steep only few Acharyas and the Swamiji conducted the pooja while
others Acharyas led by Acharya 108 Vardhamana Sagar Muni Maharaj watched the
proceedings from the platform built around Bahubali statue.
The Swamiji said Chavundaraya supervised the sculpting of Bahubali monolith
astride the boulder and during the later part of his life, Chavundaraya decision
to lay down arms, renounce his life as commander-in-chief, threw his arms into
Kalyani Lake and undertook penance atop the same boulder where he attained
Sallekhana-Samadhi. "In a sense Chavundaraya, emulated the life of the
Bahubali-his inspiration- during the later part of his life,'' Swamiji said.
On Wednesday, a silver chariot would be offered to Bhagawan Bahubali and
Shantinath Memorial Bhavan will be inaugurated by Acharya 108 Vardhamana Sagar
Munimaharaj.
SATELLITE TOWNSHIPS IN CRITICAL
PHASE, AROUND RS. 10 CRORES SPENT
Shravanabelagola, Feb 1: Thanks to the wide publicity
given to the Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsav and the resultant demand for
accommodation from various parts of the country and outside, the organizers are
negotiating for an additional facility to house around 8,000 visitors in the
villages neighboring Shravanabelagola even as the satellite townships being
constructed on 227 acres of land at a cost of Rs.10 Crore to accommodate as many
as 30,000 pilgrims are at a critical phase. A sum of Rs.35 lakh has been given
as compensation to the farmers for use of the land during the celebrations.
According to Suresh Kumar Jain (9880511991), Convener of the Accommodation
Committee, the State Government has released a sum of Rs.8.25 crore of he
allocated Rs.9.73 crores for the satellite town structures, water supply and
electricity. While the structural works are being carried out through the
special sub divisions of the national highway, the water supply lines are being
drawn by L&T and the power supply by Cescom.
Thyagi Nagar: This township, two kms away from the Vindhyagiri hills on the
Bangalore Road houses 348 persons, of which around 200 are Jain monks and the
rest their attendants who have arrived from different parts of the country.
Thyagi Nagar houses comprises 48 cottages, 24 'b' type cottages with attached
bath, each costing Rs.11,400 and as many 'd' type cottages without an attached
bath each costing Rs. 4,605.
The Nagar houses a flour mill and the facilities here include underground
drainage facility, hemavathy water supply, tube well, electricity, kitchen,
store, phone and an administrative office with computer facility. The monks
sleep on plywood planks without using cushions or mosquito repellents. Attached
to Thyagi Nagar is the Panchakalyana mantap, the main pendal were all the major
programmes are currently being held. All the streetlights here have generators
and free North Indian and South Indian food counters are served to the visitors.
Allopathic medical facility, Ayurvedic hospital, firefighters standing by, food
Corporation of India (FCI) sales counters; LPG Gas, both domestic and
commercial, each domestic cylinder costing around Rs.360, Rs.40 more than normal
to meet transportation costs, free mineral water by Jain Yuva Sankatan and
Manava Seva Kendra and a counter selling sarees, dhoti etc used for the dharmic
rituals are other features of this Nagar.
Kalasha Nagar: The biggest layout, comprising 3050 cottages is expected to house
15, 000 people during the celebrations. This township three kms from the hills
on Bangalore road comprises 600 'a' category cottages that have a verandah, four
cots with attached bath and toilet each costing Rs.13, 182, 500 'b' category
cottages and 450 'c' category cottages, each costing Rs.8,400, with general
toilet and bathroom facility. Apart from the civic amenities, Kalasha nagar has
two dining halls and free food service, and will house Kalasha donors and
sponsorers. Here all accommodations are fitted with fans, mosquito mesh and
windows. Kalasha Nagar will be operational from February 4.
Yatri Nagar: Near the railway station, this nagar is meant for devotees who
reach by buses and trains. Yatri Nagar houses 398
cottages, 48 (a), 50 (b), 250 (d) and 40 (e), dormitories each costing Rs.
69,000. The feature here is service of subsided rate of food at Rs.15 per North
Indian meal at the one dining hall and breakfast at Rs.2.All cottages are fitted
with fans and regular city bus and auto facilities will be provided at this
township on Chennarayapatna Road 3.5 kms away from the hillock is expected to
house 4000 visitors.
Swayam Sevak Nagar: Housing the 4000 strong volunteers, this township on Melkote
road, three kms away from the hills, has 64 dormitories, 30 tents and 34 sheet
cottages. Foot, both South Indian and North Indian cuisine are served free for
volunteers.
Government Officers Nagar: Meant for housing officers and media persons, this
township on Mysore Road three kms away from hills, consists of 271 (a) 80 (b),
60 (c) and 124 (e) type cottages. Currently policemen are housed in this
township.
|
