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Court calls for Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir antique idol
NEW DELHI, December 31, 2011: An antique idol of Lord Mahavira placed in the Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir at Chandani Chowk, one of the oldest
temples in the city, has been the subject of a legal battle for the past
four years and now it is going to be produced before a trial court next month.
Metropolitan magistrate Aparna Swamy issued summons to a representative
of Jain Panchayat (Jain organisation), with the direction that he produce the idol on January 31, 2012, as the trial has finally started
against three persons who allegedly were trying to sell it in the international market.
The court's order came while allowing the plea of the counsel of the
accused, who submitted that the examination of witnesses could not be
continued further until the case property was brought before it. Allowing his plea, the court issued the summons.
The idol, which is worth crores of rupees, was recovered from three
persons who claimed to be contractual labourers, on February 21, 2007.
Police filed an FIR alleging that the suspects were about to sell the
"stolen" idol, weighing 4.2kg in the international market. As the idol was lying in the storeroom of the Kashmere Gate police
station in central Delhi for few years with no rightful claimant, Prachin Shri Aggarwal Digambar Jain Panchayat, a Jain organization,
moved the court to take the idol on conditional possession and instal it
in the Shri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir for performing its religious rituals.
The community submitted that the idol was a work of art and sculpture
and belonged to society as a whole. He said the idol would be installed
in a manner that it could be removed if required, as the Jain scriptures
provided for 'chal pratishtha' (movable establishment). Even as Delhi Police opposed the application, the court had in an order
on April 9, 2007, allowed the conditional release of the idol on a payment of Rs 5 crore to the applicant organization. Source: The Times of India
Jain Temple burgled in Thane
Thane, December 24, 2011 (PTI) A Jain temple in the powerloom town of Bhiwandi near
here was burgled and cash and valuables worth around Rs 1 lakh were looted, police said today. Burglars broke open the doors of the Vastu
Pooja Jain Mandir at Kamathghar last night and looted it. Cash and valuables like a crown and a
silver- made pot worth Rs 1 lakh were looted, they said. The robbery came to light this morning when the
priest went to open the temple.
New religious channel Jinvani goes on Sea TV Network
Mumbai, December 10, 2011 (PTI) A new religious channel, 'Jinvani',
which caters to the Digambar sect of Jain community, has been
launched. Sea TV Network Ltd launched the channel a few days ago
under the umbrella of Jain Telemedia Services Ltd. "This is
world's first satellite 'Jain channel' solely dedicated to the
Digambar sect. The channel is directed at bringing the philosophy of
`ahimsa' (non-violence) propagated by Bhagwan Mahaveer," Neeraj
Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of Sea TV Network, said in a
statement here today. "With this channel we not only look at
targeting audiences from India but also those who have settled
abroad." The channel will have several shows that would focus on issues
like religion, spirituality, moral values, health, art of living and
principles of Jainism in simplest form, and ensure that people,
especially the youth, easily understand the preachings and their
importance, the statement said. For the youth, the channel would
telecast 2D and 3D movies and serials based on Jain epics and
historical and religious events to portray the teachings and beliefs of Jainism, it added. -PTI
Silver idols, valuables stolen from Jain temple
Gurgaon, December 5, 2011
(PTI) Five silver idols and other other valuables were stolen from a
Jain temple near Bilaspur village on national highway 8, around 30
km from here, police said today. Dharam Chand Shastry, chief patron
of the temple, said five idols, three chatars, three kalash and one
throne were found missing from the temple. All the items, weighing
more than five kg, are made of silver, he said.
Thieves broke the gate of the temple in the wee hours of
Sunday and made away with the valuables, he said in his complaint.
In his complaint, Shastry has suspected the involvement of some
workers who had come on the same day for construction works
currently going on in the temple. Local SHO Babu Lal said some of
the workers have been taken into custody and their questioning is
on. PTI
Will law prevail over the practice of child diksha in Jainism?
Mumbai, November 30, 2011 (DNA): To what extent law can prevail over
religion will be ? A division bench of Justice PB Majmudar and Justice Mridula Bhatkar of the Bombay High Court will decide on the
issue after hearing petitions for and against the practice of child
diksha in Jainism. The issue came under debate after a minor girl, an Indore resident, was given diksha in Mumbai on May 11,
2004. Questions were raised if a minor girl was capable of deciding if she wants to renounce the world.
Earlier, Justice Majmudar had remarked: "We have to look at welfare of society and also of the minor." The court
has asked the petitioners in favour of diksha to produce literature and affidavits of religious leaders saying that child diksha is
integral part of Jainism. Stating Jainism is being practised since seventh century, Srihari Aney, Prateek Seksaria and Lalit Jain
"counsels for the girl's parents Santosh and Seema Bagricha " have pleaded that law should not curb the religious
practices. Aney said the diksha system is not as rampant as it is made out to be.
"Jains don't just give away their children for diksha practice. There is a process to be followed before a child is given
diksha," he added. When Aney stated that under Article 27 of the Constitution, every citizen had the right to practise his/her
religion, Justice Bhatkar replied saying, "Article 27 gives
right to religion, but at the same time Article 21 gives right to childhood also."
The parents and Jain community group have contended that the Bombay high court does not have the jurisdiction to decide in the
case as the girl and her parents were not from Maharashtra. Besides, the Child Welfare Committee did not have the jurisdiction to inquire
into the matter as it is based in Mumbai and not Indore, where the family belongs. A petition has also been filed by NGO Child Line
challenging the conversion of the minor girl into a nun. In fact, several other religious organisations have been quoted in the
petition, both in support and against the diksha system. Child Line had alleged that the girl's parents had forced the child into taking
diksha, as the family was financially unstable. The NGO had sought that the parents should be booked under the Juvenile Act since the
child was suffering a social death. The case will now come up for hearing in mid-December.
9th century Jain sculpture on display at Egmore museum
CHENNAI, November 22, 201: A rare Jain sculpture, said to date
back to the ninth century AD, was put on display at the Government Museum in Egmore on Monday for
the first time since it was gifted in 1976. Part of an exhibition during
the heritage week, it will be on display till November 27. The sculpture called " Navadevata Chakra", museum
officials said, is the earliest evidence of the type of worship popular
among members of the Digambara sect of Jainism. "Of the 44 stone Jain sculptures in the museum, this one is unique
because it contains details like petals of lotus and a cone-shaped crown. It also an improvisation of sculptures of earlier periods with
more ornaments," said museum commissioner SS Jawahar who inaugurated the exhibition.
It is aimed at highlighting the deep roots of Jainism in South India. Usually, museum officials said, 'Navadevata chakras' (nine deities in a
circular format) have eight deities on eight lotus petals and the ninth
one on a petal in the centre. The sculpture put on display on Monday, officials said, is slightly
different in that the circular portion rises from a banded rectangular
base. At the centre, Arhat, one of the nine deities, is in dhyana pose.
On his either side are bearers of a chamara (frisk) in a standing
position. The deities are Siddha, Arhat, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu, Chaitya (image), Chaityalaya (shrine), Dharma Chakra (wheel of law) and
Sruta (scripture). The order of the arrangement of the deities in the sculpture is similar
to the latter period Navadevata bronzes found in south Indian Jain temples, officials said. For example, the bronzes at the Jain temples at
Thirupparuthikkunram and Trilokyanathar in Jina Kanchi (near
Kancheepuram) contain the same arrangement. "We got the sculpture as a gift from the managing editor of the Indian
Review, a news magazine, in 1976. It is the first time we have put it on
display," said curator (archaeology section) R Balasubramanian. In South India, experts say, Jainism is more than a name with Andhra
Pradesh, Karnakata and parts of north Tamil Nadu having remained centres
of the religion, especially up to the 12th century when Saivism began to spread. Source: The Times of India
Birth ceremony of Lord Sambhavnath celebrated
SHRAVASTI, November 15, 2011: The birth ceremony of the third proclaimer of Jainism Lord
Sambhavnath was celeberated with great fervour at Shravasti. A huge chariot procession was also taken out from Digambar Jain temple. It was
launched by state minister Daddan Mishra by breaking a coconut. Jain
devotees and a number of foreign tourists participated in the chariot procession.
After starting from the Digambar Jain temple, the chariot reached the
original birth place of Lord Sambhavnath at Mahet where the three 'Indras', Nitesh Jain, Saurabh Jain and Abhishek Jain, performed
Mahamastikabhishek of the Lord. Thereafter, Nitesh Jain of Bahraich
bid highest for 'gyanmala', 'poolmala' and 'sahasramala' of the Lord and
won it. Source: Times of India
Pattabhisheka Mahotsava of Sri Dharmakeerthi new pontiff of Sri Kshetra Humcha from 14th-17th November 2011.
The Pattabhisheka Mahotsava of Vichara Patta Kshullaka Sri Dharmakeerthi
Swamiji as the new pontiff of Sri Devendrakeerthi Peetha of Sri Kshetra
Humcha will be held from 14th-17th November 2011.This was announced by
Sri Vasantha Hombanna a senior member of the Sangami family of the Humcha Jain Mutts tradition at a religious function held at
Shravanabelagola under the presence of His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthi
Bhattarakha Swamiji of Shravanabelagola Jain Mutt. Latter a formal invitation was offered to Sri Dharmakeerthiji by keeping a tilak
on his fore and a letter stating his appointment as the new Bhattarakha
of Sri Kshetra Humcha was handed over to him. Sri D Surendra Kumar of
Dharmasthala who happens to be the working president of Sri Kshetra Humcha informed that Sri Dharmakeerthiji will start from
Shravanabelagola and reach Humcha on 14th November. His Pura Pravesha to
Humcha (entry to Humcha) will be held on 14th November followed by certain religious rituals and the Pattabhbhisheka on 17th November. The
Pattabhisheka Mahotsava will be held in the presence of Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of Shravanabelagola Jain Mutt.
Kerala's ancient Jain temple renovated
PALAKKAD, October 25, 2011: The centuries-old Jain temple in the district, one of the few
surviving structures in Kerala representing typical Jain architecture,
is all set to reopen after renovation. The historic "Digambar" shrine, dedicated to Chandraprabha, the eighth
'Thirthankara' in Jainism, had been in a dilapidated condition for long.
Suffering ravages of time, its brickworks were damaged and cracks appeared on the temple
walls. However, through massive renovation which began two years ago, the structure has been restored to its past glory
and is expected to be opened on an auspicious day next year, Jain community members here said.
According to local legend, the Digambar Jain temple at Jainimedu, located about
three km from Palakkad town, was built by a family of diamond merchants who came from Kanakahalli in Karnataka centuries back.
Three merchant brothers -- Ejjenna Shetty, Doddu Shetty and Payappa Shetty -- used to visit Kerala for trade. During one such visit, the
second brother -- Doddu Shetty - died of some illness.
Their brother's untimely demise saddened the two others. They visited
Elacharya Muni, a Jain saint living in the area to find a way to relieve
themselves of their sorrow and built the temple in memory of the deceased brother according to the sage's advice.
They later settled around the shrine with their families and in due course of time around 400 Jains came to be settled in and around the
temple. As majority of them were pearl and diamond merchants, the place later
came to be known as " Manikyapattanam " (diamond town) and "Muthupattanam"
(pearl town). The place also came to be known as 'Jainimedu' due to the
presence of the Jain temple. Though modern historians say that the structure could not be more than
five centuries old, members of the Shetty family, who live near the temple, claim that the structure was about 2500 years old.
The shrine, built of huge granite blocks, is located in 70 cents of
green-rich plot at Jainimedu. With walls devoid of glittering ornamentations and attractive decorations, the 32-feet high structure
comprises four "araas" (divisions). Though Chandraprabha Thirthankara is the principal deity of the shrine, the images of other 23 Thirthankaras
and "yakshas" and "yakshinis" (demi-gods) can also be seen in different
chambers.
Source: The Economic Times
Ahmedabad crime branch arrest thief robbing temple artefacts
Ahmedabad, October 19, 2011 : On Monday, Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) officials arrested a man who
was in the city to sell precious metal artefacts stolen from the Jain
temple in Pamol village, Vijapur taluka. The man identified as Naresh
Parmar, 27, is a resident of Poojanagar Society, near Narol court of the
city. The police recovered a bag containing artefacts worth Rs 90,000 which
were stolen from the temple. The DCB received a tip-off informing them
of Parmar's whereabouts near Narol Circle. The cops rushed to the area
to catch hold of the man before he was able to sell the stolen works of art.
In the theft which took place at the temple earlier in July, artefacts
worth Rs2.4 lakh were stolen, of which objects worth Rs 90,000 were recovered by DCB on Monday.
According to ACP Mayur Chavda, "Parmar is a notorious miscreant who was
involved in other instances of thefts and house break-ins. He had broken
off a piece of one of the stolen statues to take to a jeweller to get an
evaluation of the metal before selling it. This small piece was recovered from him during his arrest."
In the past month, many instances of thefts of precious metal artefacts
from various Jain temples have taken place in the city, the investigations of which are still going on. Source: DNA
2,500 Jain doctors to attend medical meet in Pune
PUNE. October 16, 2011: The Jain Doctors' Federation, Pune, will conduct the seventh Jain
Doctors' Conference, which will cover topics ranging from "medication to
meditation". The two-day conference will start at the Ganesh Kala Krida on Saturday.
Briefing mediapersons, orthopaedic surgeon Ramesh Ranka, organising
chairman of the conference, said, "The theme of the conference is 'modern medicine and science with spirituality for global health and
peace'. Discussions will primarily revolve around the major strengths of
modern medicine, its capacity to grow, adapt and accept ideas from other
areas of healthcare, including acupuncture, hypnotherapy, homeopathy,
ayurveda, nutritional medicine and spirituality." "We expect about 2,500 doctors to attend the conference," said Hitesh
Solanki, hospital administrator and organising treasurer for the conference.
"We believe that such a holistic approach is the key to achieving global
peace and health, which is the ultimate goal of this conference," said
surgeon and organising secretary Suresh Jain. Source: Times of India
Stolen idols recovered from Indore flat
Indore, October 12, 2011 (PTI): City Police have recovered six idols, believed to
have been stolen from various Jain temples, from a flat in Mahesh Yadav
Nagar area of the city and have detained two persons in this connection.
According to police, the idols were recovered when they were conducting
a search operation for stolen gold in another case last night.
Police said the idols were stolen from Jain temples in Ujjain last month when
curfew was in place during the communal unrest. The idols were kept wrapped up in boxes in the kitchen of the flat, they said, adding two of
the six idols were stolen from a temple in Ujjain, while location of
others was being traced. Police said two persons present in the flat at
the time of the search operation were being questioned in this connection. Besides the idols, five LCD television sets and six laptops
were also recovered from the flat, they said, adding the modus operandi
of the suspects was to change their location after committing theft and robbery.
Tirthankara idols stolen from Jain temple seized
Chennai, September 30, 2011: The CB-CID idol wing sleuths on Thursday arrested four men and seized 15
panchaloha idols stolen from a Jain temple at Ethanemili village, in
Villupuram district, on August 29 this year. The idols date back to 1834.
Police said on information, a special team nabbed four people waiting
near the northern entrance of the Koyambedu bus stand in the city on Thursday evening.
“When they tried to escape on seeing the police, we nabbed them. We used
decoys to keep a tab on them and recovered 11 idols on searching their
bags,” said a police officer. During interrogation, they confessed to have buried four more idols in a
farmland in Ethanemili. “We have seized idols including Nemi Theethangarar, Vishaya
Theerthangarar, Santhi Theerthanayanar, 24th Theerthanayanar, Thagubali
Theerthanayanar, and 10 small ones,” the officer added. The arrested were identified as Sundarrajan, 25, Murugan, 25,
Bagyaraj, 24, and Shanmugam, 28, all from Tindivanam. Source: Deccan Chronicle
Eight silver idols stolen from Jain temple
JAIPUR,
September 24, 2011: Burglars decamped with eight silver idols of
Jain deities from a temple in the city on Thursday. The temple is
situated a few kilometres from Sadar and Vidhayakpuri police
stations. However, the burglars did not touch the antique idols and
other important idols in the temple, police said. "They
removed a water cooler from outside the temple to enter it. Prima
facie it seems that the burglars were not professional enough to
understand the value of other antique idols which were not been
touched," said commissioner of police B L Soni.
"We have got some concrete clues," he added. Deputy
commissioner of police (south), Jose Mohan and other officers
visited the spot. An FSL team and a dog squad also reached the place.
Source: THE TIMES OF INDIA
Jains observe fast on Nirvan Utsav of Tirthankar Vasu Pujya
ALLAHABAD, September 12, 2011: The annual 'Nirvan Utsav' of
12th Jain Tirthankar, Vasu Pujya Swami, was observed on Sunday at
Jain temple on Zero Road. The event was held under the aegis of
Digambar Jain Panchayati Sabha, Prayag, in the presence of Jain Muni,
Uttam Sagar and Kshullak Suparshva. The devotees observed fast on
the occasion which coincided with the ongoing Anant Chaturdashi
festival. Convener, Rajesh Kumar Jain said that the programme
started in the morning with 'abhishek' performed by the Jain munis.
A music band rendered religious tunes and songs for the devotees.
Throwing light on the life of the 12th Jain Tirthankar, Swami Uttam
Sagar said that he was born at Champapur in Bihar, where he also
attained 'nirvan' during the month of 'bhadon' on the occasion of
Anant Chaturdashi. He exhorted the devotees to keep a control over
their desires and lead a simple and austere life.
Once a rare Jain sculpture, now a washing stone
CHENNAI,
September 5, 2011:For decades, women used a stone near the temple
tank in Padur on Old Mamallapuram Road to wash clothes. On Sunday,
village elders and panchayat officials, who were renovating the
tank, turned the stone over only to discover that it was a rare Jain
sculpture dating back more than 1,000 years.
Now, the same women worship what was their washing
stone and lay flowers on it. Panchayat officials were clearing
bushes near the tank and dug up the stone to shift it. They realized
that the side women were using was the back of the sculpture and the
front had got buried a few feet. "For years, we thought the
sculpture was missing. We were overjoyed to find it," said
Padur panchayat president T Paramasivam. The sculpture was of
Mahavira, the 24th and the last Jaina tirthankara.
The tirthankara is depicted in the 'dhyana' (meditation) pose
with flywhisk bearers behind him. The sculpture also has an 'Ashoka
vriksha' (tree) above the head and 'chamaradharis' (bearers carrying
flowers) on each side. Only the first and 24th tirthankaras —
Rishabha and Mahavira —are depicted in sculptures and worshipped.
Archaeologists said the presence of three umbrellas above the head
was a clear indication that the sculpture was that of a Jain
tirthankara and not the Buddha. Source: THE TIMES OF INDIA
Idol stolen from Jain temple
Firozabad (UP), August 12, 2011 (PTI): A prized ''ashtadhatu'' (mixed metal) idol
was today stolen from an ancient Jain temple here in Shikohabad area, police said.
The incident occurred this morning when the priest had gone out of the
temple. The thieves took away the idol weighing about one kilogram, they
said. Police have launched a manhunt to nab the culprits.
ALBERT EINSTEIN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE - 2011 TO JINENDRA KUMAR JAIN
August 6, 2011:Shri Jinendra Kumar Jain, Vetaran Editor of 'Jinendi' news paper, devoted to
all the Jain sects has been selected for "Albert Einstein Award of Excellence -2011", by the American Biographical Institute. He is one of
the 50 eminent persons, selected from all over the world for their humanitarian services and devotion to the society.
Shri Jinendra Kumar Jain has been recipient of several awards in the past.
www.digambarjainonline.com extends heartiest greetings and congratulations to Shri Jinendra Kumar
Jain.
Thieves target historic Parshavanath temple, loot valuables worth Rs 26 lakh
CHANDRAPUR, July 26, 2011: In a daring act, burglars targeted
the historic Parshavanath Jain temple in Bhadrawati and decamped
with goods worth Rs 26 lakh on Sunday night. The theft in the
secured premises located in the thickly populated area has taken the police by surprise.
Police said that the theft came to notice on Monday
morning, when chief pujari Pundalik Chavarol opened the main door of
the temple only to find that one of the side doors was damaged and
locks broken. The gold ornaments on Parshavanath Swami's idol and
silver canopy over it were missing. The donation box was also broken
and the cash inside was stolen. The alarmed pujari immediately
informed the matter to the trustees of the temple, who in turn
intimated Bhadrawati police. PSO Ramesh Sarvade, along with his
team, rushed to the spot, while SP Suvez Haq and SDPO Ashok Bharte
later joined them. Sniffer dogs were pressed into action while
finger print experts were called in. Sources said that the thieves
had also severed the cables of CCTV installed inside the temple.
SDPO Ashok Bharte said that the thieves decamped with
goods collectively worth Rs 25.97 lakh from the temple. It included
gold ornaments (935 grams) worth Rs18.70 lakh, silver canopy
weighing around 11 kg worth Rs 5.57 lakh and cash from donation box
amounting to Rs 1.70 lakh. The thieves however left several
valuables including silver wares, some ornaments installed with gems.
Bhadrawati is a holy town having revered Jain, Buddhist and
Hindu temples. The Parshvanath temple targeted by the thieves is
over a century old, while the idol of Parshavanath Swami is believed to be over
2,700 years old. Devotees of both Sweatambar and Digambar sects of
the Jain community revere the place. The temple management has taken
up massive construction of a new temple in the premises and several
labourers from other states are working in the premises. The police
are investigating the case from all possible angles. Source: Times
of India
Guru Poornima celebrated by Shri Digambar Jain Panchayati Sabha, Prayag
ALLAHABAD, July 17, 2011: Guru Poornima was celebrated on Friday under the aegis of Shri Digambar Jain Panchayati
Sabha, Prayag at Jain temple, Zero Road in the presence of Jain saint Shri
Uttam Sagarji Maharaj and Kshullak Suparsh Sagar Maharaj. Convener Rajesh Kumar Jain has informed that the programme began with
the 'abhishek' and 'pujan' of Lord Mahavira which was followed by Dharma
sabha and Mangalacharan. The portraits of Jain acharya Shanti Sagar ji
Maharaj and Vidya Sagarji Maharaj were unveiled by members of a prominent Jain family amidst lighting of the traditional lamp.
Addressing the gathering Pandit Prem Chand Jain from Etawah said that it
was heartening to see that Guru Poornima was being celebrated at Prayag
in the presence of distinguished saints who are visiting this city on
this auspicious occasion. In his address Pandit Shailendra Kumar Jain
Dongiri said that Guru helps in identifying the right path and he is as
important as God. Guru Poornima was also celebrated with gaiety and fervour at
Shankaracharya ashram in Alopi Bagh where the programme started with the
pujan of Padukaon( Footwear) of Guru in the presence of Shankaracharya
Swami Vasudevanand Saraswati. This was followed by Bhandara and
pujan. The programme was conclude in the evening with the recitation of
bhajan, informed the convener, Acharya Chote Lal Mishra. Source: Times of India
Jain community takes out Ghat yatra
ALLAHABAD, July 09, 2011: A ghat yatra was taken out on Friday by members of the Jain
community under the leadership of spiritual leader Muni Uttam Sagar ji
from Shri Mukundi Lal Digambar Jain mandir, Zero Road and after passing
through Clock Tower crossing and Johnstangunj culminated at Jain temple premises.
Convener Rajesh Kumar Jain said that a large number of women from the
Jain community wearing saffron sarees and holding 'kalash' donning the
attire of 'Indranis' walked along the entire route amidst beating of
drums and music being played by the accompanying band.
The entire atmosphere reverberated with the chants of 'Jiyo aur Jeene Do' as
enunciated by Jain Tirthankar, Lord Mahavira. However, the centre of
attraction was the children band led by students of Jain Vidyalaya. The programme began with the unfurling of the flag by DIG Jails V K Jain
which was followed by the pujan of Anant Siddh Parmeshthi performed by
Pandit Manishji Shastri of Jabalpur and Pushpendra Jain of Bhopal.
“Live & Help Live” JAINA Convention 2011 in Houston
Houston, July 09, 2011: The 16th Biennial JAINA 2011 Convention at Houston
held over from July 1 – 4, 2011 at the George R Brown Convention Center & Hilton
Americas in Downtown Houston. The
Convention theme of “Live and Help Live” emphasizes the idea to live a
life of worthiness by serving others.
Over 3,000 people from across the nation, and many from other parts of
the world, came to the Bayou City for the 16th Biennial convention of
the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA), the first time in its 30 years that it has ever been held in the southern
US. JAINA is composed of 67 Jain organizations in North America, and
works to preserve, practice and promote Jainism.
The attendance made this convention one of the most successful so far.
The convention began on Friday July 1st with blessings from religious
and spiritual leaders who come especially for the occasion: Gurudev Chitrabhanu who founded JAINA in 1981; prominent sadhus Acharya
Chandanaji, Charukeerthi Bhattarakji, Guruvanand Guruji, Amrendra Muniji
and Pujyashri Rakeshbhai Jhaveri from India and six nuns, including Samani Akshay Pragya and Samani Sanmati Pragya with the Houston center,
who reside at Jain Vishwa Bharati centers across North America. A temporary temple was also set up at the GRB with two Jain idols,
specially brought from India for the convention.
Silver
chatras, statues stolen from Jain temple
Indore, July 01, 2011 (PTI) Three silver 'chatras'
(umbrella), two idols of Lord Mahaveer and a donation box were
stolen from a Digamber Jain temple here, police said today. The
robbery took place last night in scheme number 51 area near the
airport here, the police said today. Robbers broke open a grill
window and fled with the booty, police said, adding the total amount
of stolen goods could be in lakhs. A case has been registered and
searches are on to nab the culprits.
Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago celebrates 18th anniversary
Chicago, June 27, 2011 (PTI) The 18th anniversary celebrations of the Jain
Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC), the largest membership representation of the Jain Centers in North America was held here recently.
Union Minster of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dinesh Trivedi,
who was scheduled to attend the event could not make it due to visa problems.
Former Union minister and Chairman of Gao Sewa Board, Government of Gujarat, Vallabhbhai Kathiriya also could not attend due to visa problems.
A few spiritual leaders and dignitaries spoke on the topic of non-violence � "Ahimsa", the core principle of Jainism".
The Interfaith Forum on the topic "Peace Through Non-Violence" had
speakers like H H Acharya Lokesh Muni Ji, President of Ahimsa Vishwa
Bharti (Jain), H H Swami Chidanand Sarshwati Ji- President of Parmarth
Niketan Rishikesh (Hindu), Michael Ribet from Naperville-based Science
of Spirituality, whose leader is Sant Rajinder Singh Maharaj and Sadhvi
Bhagwati Saraswati. All of them spoke on the topic of meditation and that outer peace cannot
be achieved by inner peace. Acharya Lokesh Muni Ji said that one cannot acheive peace in the world
without inner peace. Enjoyments in the world are momentary, but true happiness lies within
yourself, Swami Chidanand Saraswati told the audience. A beautiful cultural programme of children''s songs and Bharatnatyam was
also presented. Most of Chicago''s Jain local community attended the event.
Founded in 1970, JSMC has a membership of about 1,500 families.
Theft at temple on Kondhwa Road, Pune
PUNE, June 21, 2011: Some unidentified persons broke into a Jain temple on the premises
of the Gangadham housing complex on Kondhwa Road and disappeared with cash and silver ornaments, together worth Rs 47,000.
The incident came to light on Sunday around 6.30 am. A complaint in this
regard has been lodged by Rakesh Lalchand Mehta of Gangadham complex
with the Swargate police station.
According to the police, the suspects entered the Shree Adeshwar Maharaj
temple by breaking a window. They stole Rs 7,000 from the donation box
and the silver ornaments in the temple, and disappeared. Senior police Inspector Ram Pathare said that the police had earlier
written a letter to the temple authorities, asking them to appoint private security guards. "But there were no security guards around the
temple," he said. Source: Times of India
Jain Acharya Pulak Sagarji
Kishangarh, June 19, 2011: Pulak SagarJi Gurudev Kishangarh (Raj.) Mai Virajman Hai,12-18 June 2011 Tak Gyan Ganga
Mahotsav, 3 July 2011 Ko Jaipur( Rajasthan.) Mai Chaturmas Parvesh, Dakhe Daily Gurudev Ke
Amrit vani: AASTHA TV-2.30 Pm, PARAS TV-7.40Am, ARIHANT CHANNEL-8.30Pm -AnkitJain@09810900699
Bombay high
court to decide on Jain child diksha on August 23
Mumbai, June 14, 2011: The Bombay high court on Monday posted
for August 23 the final hearing of a petition on the controversial
issue of child diksha, which came into the limelight after an
8-year-old opted for it in March 2004. A division bench of Justice
Ranjana Desai and Justice RV More was hearing a petition filed by
Ashok Bagricha and several others. It also sought the assistance of
additional solicitor general Darius Khambata and advocate general
Ravi Kadam on this "sensitive issue".
The 2004 incident was brought to the notice of the Child
Welfare Committee by an NGO called Childline. In July 2006, the HC
directed the CWC to find whether she had taken diksha voluntarily or
was forced. The CWC reported that the young girl needs care. Her
parents challenged the CWC's order in the high court, which stayed
the CWC order. In September 2008, a bench of the court compared
child diksha with sati. "No religion can allow a minor to
become a sadhu. It's as bad as sati pratha and there should be some
law to prevent minors from taking diksha," a bench headed by
justice PB Majmudar had observed.
Shrut
Panchmi`Mahotsava was celebrated in Allahabad
ALLAHABAD, June 7, 2011: The Shrut Panchmi Mahotsava was
celebrated with much fanfare by the Jains on Monday. Devotees from
Lucknow and the city thronged the Jain temple in large numbers. Shri
Saurabh Sagarji Maharaj and Pandit Ratan Lal Jain were present at
the Jain Mandir on the occasion. The programme started with puja of
Goddess Saraswati. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Saurabh Sagarji
Maharaj elaborated on the importance of the day of Shrut Panchmi
Mahotsava. He said that sacred book of the Jains Shatkhandasan was composed on this day.
He also spoke that parents should give good morals to their
children and try to bring good qualities in their children so that
they can lead virtuous life in the society. However, he lamented
that under the spell of modernism, parents are not devoting much
time to their children. He also said that parents leave property for
their children. But, if the parents give good moral values to their
children, then the citizens would tread on the path of religion and
moral values.
Foundation
laid for Bhagwan Aadinath Jain temple in Canada
Canada, June 4, 2011: Hundreds of devotees lined up recently
with their own bricks to lay the foundation of Bhagwan 1008
Aadinatha Jain Temple being built on Mayfield Road (Mayfield and
Gore Road) in Brampton, on land donated by the Gyan Jain family. His
Holiness Bhattarka Charukirtiji and Pandit Dharm Chand Sastri
conducted the special religious pooja to purify the land and lay the
foundation stones. This will be the first Jain temple of its kind in
Canada, with the idol of Bhagwan Aadinath, the first tirthankar of
this era, to be installed. An elders' home and a hospital are to
form part of the complex.
` Jain sadhvi rape: One held, search on for other accused
Jaipur, May 30, 2011: Rajasthan Police have arrested Mahendra Jain in connection with
the rape of a 15-year-old Jain sadhvi in an ashram under Falna police
station of Pali district. The police are interrogating the accused in
order to get information about the other three accused persons, who are still absconding.
The victim a native of Shivrajpur village in Gujarat, had lodged a case
against four persons — Mahendra Jain, Chimanbhai, Mukesh Jain, Ashok
Jain, senior Jain Sadhvi Nirmala and her driver Pappu — at Pavagadh
police station in Panchmahals district. However, the case was transferred to Falna police station in Pali district of Rajasthan as the
crime (rape) took place there. Source: DNA
Jain muni on indefinite fast in Baghpat against new slaughter houses
LUCKNOW, May 12, 2011: Support continued to pour in for Jain priest
Muni Maitri Prabh Sagar Maharaj of Bada Gaon Jain temple (Baghpat), as his fast-untodeath protesting against issuing of licences
for eight new slaughter houses in the region, entered the 15th day on Wednesday.
Protestors were joined by delegates from across the country, who pledged
their support to the cause. Apart from various local organisations, volunteers from Ahinsa Samaj (Meerut), Mumbai's Amrit Math, Dr SC
Ramaswami from Kerala and Gaurakhsha chief Pradeep Pandey also came out
with their support to the movement after meeting Muni Maitri Prabh Sagar
Maharaj. The growing impact of the campaign was reflected in the bandh
that was called in Meerut on Tuesday to protest against the new slaughter houses.
Locals described the bandh as unparallel, as petty general stores and
even pan shop owners pulled down their shutters late on Tuesday evening,
to express their solidarity with the protestors. Led by the Jain priest, scores of social outfits, animal lovers and non
government organisations (NGO) have been protesting for more than a month against the licenses issued for eight new slaughter houses by the
government a fortnight ago.
Protestors insist that the eight new slaughter houses would result in
around 20,000 more animals being slaughtered everyday in the region,
which means many animals being subjected to cruelty during transportation. The existing slaughter houses have been repeatedly
accused of blatant violation of norms in place for rearing, upkeep and
health of the hapless animals killed to mint money.
The protestors say that the industry fetches hardly anything for the
government in terms of revenue, as compared to what it drains away from
the state. But, the authorities continue to look the other way round
merely to oblige a few for vested interests. "The manner in which critically ill animals are kept and killed cannot be allowed to continue
unchecked. The government will have to make a move in this regard," said
Dr Sushil Misra, an animal lover from Meerut who visited Muni Maitri
Prabh Sagar on Tuesday.
Silver ornaments stolen from Shirur Jain temple
PUNE, May 5, 2011: A Jain temple at Anand society in Shirur, around 50 km from here,
was broken into early on Wednesday morning and silver ornaments worth Rs 8 lakh stolen.
The Shirur police have detained three security guards of the temple for questioning.
Speaking to TOI, inspector Ashok Kshirsagar of the Shirur police station
said that a complaint had been filed by Kavrilal Indrabhan Jain (56) of
Anand society, who informed the police when he found the door of the
temple open. "When we went there we found that ornaments on the three
idols had been stolen. Their silver crowns had also been taken," said
Kshirsagar.
Source: Times of India
Idols stolen from Modasa Jain temple found in Ubhrat
SURAT, April 1, 2011: The idols stolen from the 500-year-old Jain temple at Modasa in
February were found abandoned near Ubhrat beach of Navsari. A technician of a petroleum company was checking a supply pipeline
passing through Ubhrat beach when he spotted the idols. Eleven idols made of panchdhatu and a sidhhichakra yantra were kept in a
white plastic bag when found. Jain leaders and Modasa police learnt about the recovery of the idols.
Tamil-Brahmi script found at Pattanam in Kerala
CHENNAI, March 14, 2011 : A Tamil-Brahmi script on a pot rim, reading “a ma na”, meaning a
Jaina, has been found at Pattanam in Ernakulam district, Kerala, establishing
that Jainism was prevalent on the west coast at least from second century CE (Common Era). The script can be dated to circa second century
CE. The three Tamil-Brahmi letters are followed by two symbols generally
called Megalithic graffiti and these two symbols could not be identified. This is the third Tamil-Brahmi script to be found in the
Pattanam excavations.
The Kerala Council for Historical Research (KCHR) has been conducting
excavations at Pattanam since 2007, with the approval of the Archaeological Survey of India. The pot-rim was found during the sixth
season of the excavation currently under way. Pattanam is now identified
as the thriving port called Muziris by the Romans. Tamil Sangam literature celebrates it as Muciri.
P.J. Cherian, Director of the Pattanam excavations, said: “The discovery, in the Kerala context, has a great significance because of
the dearth of evidence so far of the pre-Brahminical past of Kerala,
especially in relation to the socio-cultural and religious life of the
people. We have direct evidence from Pattanam now with the Brahmi script
which mentions “a ma na” [Jaina] and so we have evidence that Jainism was present in Kerala.”
Iravatham Mahadevan, a scholar in Indus and Tamil-Brahmi scripts, said
the discovery showed that “there was Jainism on the west coast at least
from second century CE. The importance of the finding is that it stratigraphically corroborates the earlier datings given to the
Tamil-Brahmi cave inscriptions in Tamil Nadu on palaeographic evidence.
I will date this sherd, on palaeographic evidence, to circa second century CE.”
The Tamil word “a ma na” meaning a Jaina was derived from Sanskrit
Sramana via Prakrit Samana and Tamil Camana, said Mr. Mahadevan. The two
megalithic graffiti, following the three Tamil-Brahmi letters, could not
be identified. “But we know from similar finds in Tamil Nadu, especially
at Kodumanal, that Tamil-Brahmi letters and megalithic graffiti symbols
occur side by side,” he said. Mr. Mahadevan was sure that “many more
exciting finds will be made at Muciri [Pattanam] which was a flourishing
port on the west coast during the Sangam age in Tamil Nadu, which coincided with the classical period in the West.” Source: The hindu |
|
A Tamil-Brahmi script on a pot rim, reading “a ma na”,
meaning a Jaina, has been found at Pattanam in Ernakulam district, Kerala, establishing
that Jainism was prevalent on the west coast at least from second century CE (Common Era). |
