Editor Aparigraha Jain
Editor Carla Geerdes
25th November 2006, 10:30 – 12:30
Samanijis (Jain nuns) on Ahimsa Yatra
Rural families watching Ahimsa Yatra
Rural families watching Ahimsa Yatra, lay followers joining Ahimsa YatraMany rural families had come to watch passage of Ahimsa Yatra; they focused the attention of their children to it, looked with respect to lay people, and bowed down when the saints arrived. The women's faces were covered with shawls, but they visibly enjoyed the variety of what they saw and also looked a little proud that such an important saint originated from their region.
Acharya Mahaprajnaji surrounded by monks and lay followers on Ahimsa YatraAcharyashree was the centre of a bunch of monks and lay followers. They all concordantly moved forward and showed the same expression of deep concentration. The landscape behind them seemed to disappear in the ever present desert sand, purifying skin and mind.
Mumukshu sisters (novices) on Ahimsa Yatra; those wearing man made flower garlands took Diksha (were ordained) in January 2007
Acharya Mahaprajnaji surrounded by monks and lay followers on Ahimsa Yatra
Three boys desiring to become monks as soon as possible march in front of Acharyashree's chariotMumukshu sisters preceded the procession, headed by those who recently had taken Diksha, easily to recognise by the man made flower garlands around their necks. Two boys of 8 and 9 years, longing to become Munis as soon as possible, were happy to be admitted in front of Acharyashree's chariot.
Mumukshu sisters (novices) on Ahimsa Yatra
About 30 Samanijis (Jain nuns) on Ahimsa Yatra
Tired of walkingAll approached Tamkor where many people waited for them. All preparations were finished in time; now the only thing left was to wait for arrival of Ahimsa Yatra. Some kids, tired from walking, seated down on the back of the slowly proceeding loudspeaker car.
Women and girls escorting H.H. Acharyashree
Acharya Mahaprajnaji surrounded by monks and lay followers on Ahimsa Yatra
Rural ladies bowing down before H.H. AcharyashreeLaywomen ofTerapanth Mahila Mandal meanwhile had taken the head position of the procession; they had waited at the roadside for Ahimsa Yatra to escort it to town. Spectators bowed down when the saints passed.
Blowing of conch to welcome Ahimsa Yatra
Welcome to Ahimsa Yatra on horseback
Samanijis approaching TamkorSome gave big conch blows to announce arrival of the saints. Others honoured arrival of Ahimsa Yatra on horseback. Samanijis formed an escort for Acharyashree, before them, Mumukshu sisters marched, and before Mumukshu sisters women of Terapanth Mahila Mandal.
Gyanshala students (learning to read ancient Jain scriptures) waiting for Acharyashree
Gyanshala students in Tamkor
Welcome of Ahimsa Yatra in TamkorAt the entry of Tamkor, Gyanshala girls formed a row of honour, welcoming Ahimsa Yatra by devotedly bowing down and praising Acharyashree. After the girls, Gyanshala boys continued the row of honour.
Arrival of Ahimsa Yatra in TamkorAcharyashree’s arrival at Tamkor, viewed from the balcony of Ratan Lalji Nahata’s house, where Ahimsa Yatra stopped, and Yuvacharyashree entered for Gochari.