Demonstrating Lord Mahavir's widely popularised concept of ‘unity of life', one of the highest principles of human life, members of the Jain community in the city celebrated His 2609{+t}{+h} Janma Kalyanak Mahotsav on Sunday.
The significant occasion was celebrated under the joint aegis of Sri Sambhavanath Jain Swetambar Murthi Pujak Sangh and Sri Sambhavanadh Rejendrasuri Jain Swetambar Trust, with the divine blessings of Pujya Muni Yugprabh Vijayji.
A recitation of Bhaktamar Stothra at 6.30 a.m. marked the commencement of the ritual ceremonies associated with the festival. This was followed by Shanti Snatra Pujan at 7.30 a.m., and in an hour a colourful procession was taken out from the Jain temple located at Marwari Temple Street.
Overpowered by spiritual emotions, members of the Jain society walked quietly in a rally, following a festooned palanquin that carried the idols of the decked up presiding deities. An Indra Dhwaja and a musical band preceded the procession. Girls and women clad in traditional attire chanted prayers.
Cool water point
The procession went through the thoroughfares that included the Hindu High School, Police Station Road and Park Road, before culminating in a gathering at the Jain temple. Inauguration of ‘Sri Mahavir Cool Water Point' on B.R.P. Road near One Town police station by members of Sri Sambavanadh Jain Seva Mandal lent further meaning to the celebrations. The water point would serve free buttermilk to the passers-by during the hot summer months.
The ceremonial Mahavir Panch Kalyanak Puja and Chapan Dikumari Mahotsav were performed at 2 p.m. while in the evening the idols were once again tastefully decorated before offering ‘aarti'.
Society members Mohanlal Golecha, Santilal Solanki, Ashok Jain, Parasmal Jain, Bhogilal Jain, Jaykumar Kochar, Suresh S.P. and Praveen Ranka played key role in making elaborate arrangements for the celebrations.
