The Sri Sambhavnath Jain Temple of Two Town in the lane opposite Raghavaiah Park has become cynosure of all eyes, thanks to the aesthetic appeal it exudes.
The Maha Puja, which forms part of eight-day Paryushan celebrations, saw the faithful tastefully decorating every nook and cranny of the space. The temple is given a beautiful splash of colour and illumination.
Four Jain shravaks from Chennai, led by Jitender Bhai, descended on the temple to take the devotees through the rituals. Images of Jain Tithankars are focus of the temple interiors.
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“This is the first time in the temple’s eight-year history we have decorated it on a grand scale. We have about 100-odd families as members,” says Poonam Budhraj, an active member of the temple.
Explaining about Paryushan, she says Paryushan Parva has a great importance in the lives of Jains. It’s a period in which every Jain tries to purify and elevate his soul. For this purpose a shravak must perform the following five duties: Amari Pravartan (Total non-violence), Sadharmic Bhakti (helping people of same faith), Kshamapan (asking for forgiveness), Atham Tap (fasting for three days) and Chaitya Pari Paati (Visiting local Jain temples).
In the temple, 14 people observed eight-day-long fasting at a stretch while 62 others observed chat atham fast. On the last day, called Samvatsari, the Barasa Sutra is read in the morning while evening is the time for Samvatsarik Pratikraman, repent for one’s sins and remind oneself to refrain from doing so again.
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“Paryushan Parv brings with it an opportunity to introspect upon truth that resides within us, the reason for our existence. These eight days of joy take every soul to a new high of spirituality,” says Ms. Budhraj.