…When devotion, reverence and consciousness towards the Jain Terapanth Sect got collective affirmation …
Kolkata, 24.08.2009:
SAMVATSARI was celebrated on the eighth day of Paryushan Mahaparva organized by Shree Jain Swetamber Terapanthi Sabha, Kolkata at Mahasabha Bhawan under pious presence of Sadhvi Kanak Shri ji, a learned disciple of Acharya Shri Mahaprajna ji, the known initiator of Ahimsa Yatra, amidst the presence of thousands of lay followers (Shrawaks and Shrawikas).
The last day of the eight days religious worship, devotion and reverence –“Paryushan Mahaparv” is known as ‘Samvatsari’, that is the Great Annual Festival. Millions of people observe complete fast (few taking water only and mostly remaining even without water) on this day, accept Poushadha Vrata, recite the deity’s name, practice meditation, engage themselves in studies of religious scriptures, listen to discourses, perform annual Sanvantsarik Pratikraman & undertake deep self - analysis. As a result they prepare themselves to taste the nectar of forgiveness. Forgiveness is life’s splendor. It’s pride. It is, therefore, necessary to disseminate forgiveness far and wide. Samvatsari, every year gives ample opportunity to one to beautify the soul and attain that lasting beauty forever with the help of the most valuable jewel of Samyaktwa. This jewel is to be kept secured for the development of our soul. The day of ‘SAMVATSARI’ provides a golden
Opportunity to us for making our health and mind beautiful as well as of interaction with our own self.
Thousands of men & women from Greater Kolkata and adjoining area came for celebrating the Samvatsari Festival under the pious presence and guidance of Sadhvi Kanak Shri ji, Sadhvi Veenakumari ji, Sadhvi Madhulata ji. Sadhvi Madhulekha ji, and Sadhvi Shantiprabha ji. The Programme started from 5.00 A.M., well before the sunrise with over 300 lay followers accepting vows for their day night long Ashtaprahari Poushadhbrata. After the Collective recital of Bhaktamar Stotra, mantra jaap and anuvrata prayer the formal discourse session of Samvatsari began at 8.00 A.M.
Sadhvi Masdhulataji began with chanting of mantras and the experiment of preksha meditation. Sadhvi Veenakumari ji gave her discourse based on ‘Uttaradhyayan Sutra’. Bhikshu mandal members presented a chorus song ‘Samvatsari Geet’. Sadhvi Madhulekhaji and Shantiprabhaji recited the verses from ‘Veerathui’.
In her effective address Sadhvi Kanakshri ji explained in detail the objectives, tradition, the procedure of devotion and reverence and finally the achievements of Paryushan and Samvatsari. She said –“In the present era of violence, terror and sorrow if the world understands the relevance of the Paryushan, then it can get relief from all such evils. This festival encourages one self to get closer to his soul and inspires the followers to develop emotional relationship with all the living creatures on the universe, not only man. Self restraint is one of the most important principles preached by Lord Mahavira.”
Illuminating the graceful events of sadhana and reverence of Lord Mahavira in an effective style Sadhvi Kanakshriji Said- “Lord Mahavira was a spokesperson of independence, equality, and non-possession. In his Sadhana kaal (period of devotion) he met self realization and enlightenment by performing meditation, observing silence (Maun) and hard penance. As a result he became omniscient. In that era, the Chhatriyas and Brahmins were opponents to each other. Mahavira acted as a bridge between the two. Having been borne through Brahmin parents, accepting first diet (ooj Ahar) from Brahmin Parents, after initiation accepting first alms(Bhiksha- Gochari) from Bahul Brahmin and immediately after getting illuminated with Kewalya Gyan (complete knowledge) and establishment of the Tirth, induction and initiation of 12 learned Brahmin Pundits and to offer them the responsibility of leading the Order- are few examples of Lord Mahavira’s steps towards initiating reconciliation between the ongoing unresolved social matters and removing the continuing evils from the social platform.” Throwing light upon the immense effectiveness of the preachings of Lord Mahavira, Sadhvishri illuminated the lay followers with the Gandhar Order, many educating events of the omniscience of Lord Mahavira, other acharyas following his order, in her own typical style such that the audience enjoyed the teachings amidst the life and history of great acharyas personalities narrated by her. The large samwasaran was jam-packed upto 5.00 P.M.
Sadhvi Madhulata ji enlightened the gathering with detailed information about the long line Shrutkewali Acharyas, life and teachings of various Jain Acharyas who has glorified the Jainism & humanity with their valuable contribution, beginning with Sudharma Swami, the Ganadhar.
Arham mandal and Teyup members presented the great clan of Terapanth Acharyas in verse form under the direction of Sadhvi Madhulataji. Occasional sweet songs presented on the relevant points of the discourse by the group of Sadhvishriji were enlightening the audience.The discourse part was ably compered by Sadhvi Madhulataji.
Along with the huge Pragya Samawsaran, all the three floors of Mahasabha and the huge pandal in front of Mahasabha upto the road in front were jam-packed with the presence of lay followers. At times the information and notices disseminated by Sri Bhanwarlal Singhi were creating aweareness amongst and making the lay followers well informed. Many gents, ladies, boys and girls accepted the vows for tapasya. They were honored by literary mementos. On the occasion Hundreds of lay followers were present with paushadh in Mahasabha. Thousands observed complete fast. Tanushri Baid, 3 years old grand daughter of Sri Bhojraj Baid astonished all with complete day long fast. On the occasion of Paryushan for first seven days the uninterrupted NAMOKAR MANTRA chanting continued in an organized manner participated BY SHRAWAKS and SHRAWIKAS.
Inspired by the continuous preaching by Sadhvi Kanak Shri ji and fellow Sadhvis, Most of the active youngsters and office bearers of Kolkata Sabha who were busy with the organizational part of the arrangement during the paryushan, joined with 4 prahari poushadh (an act by which one becomes a saint from sunset to sunrise).