Vichara Patta Kshullaka Sri Dharmakeerthi Swamiji will be the new Bhattaraka of Sri Deevendrakeerthi Bhattarakha Peetha at Humcha.
Sri Dharmakeerthi Swami the future Bhattarakha of Humcha.
Humcha (Shimoga District, Karnataka), 23 September 2011:
The long awaited news is finally out. Vichara Patta Kshullaka Sri Dharmakeerthi Swamiji will be the new Bhattaraka of Sri Deevendrakeerthi Bhattarakha Peetha at Humcha. The Bhattarakha seat had fallen vacant since July 14, 2010 owing to the death (samadhi) of its previous Bhattarakha.
The news about the selection of the new pontiff was announced by Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade of Dharmasthala, president of the committee that over sees the management of Humcha. It can be recalled here that this committee was constituted after the samadhi of the previous Bhattarakha.
The news was anounced after the formal process of asking 'Prasada' from Goddess Padmavati the chief deity of Humcha. Prasada is a ritual followed in Karnataka where in a question is placed before the fully decorated idol of the Goddess by a priest or Shravaka (Jain house holders). Falling of flowers from the right of the idol is considered as auspicious and people go ahead with performing a particular task. A similar task was followed on Friday September 23, 2011.
About Dharmakeerthi ji:
Dharmakeerthiji a disciple of His Holiness Swasti Sri Charukeerthi Bhatarakha Swamiji of the Shravanabelagola Jain Mutt was born in 1982 in a middle class family in Sakaleshpura, a taluk centre in the Hassan district in the state of Karnataka.
He joined Gomatesha Vidyapeetha Gurukula, Shravanabelagola at the age of 13 in the year 1995.
Called as Praveen in his purv-ashrama (life as a shravaka) was given the Vichara Patta Kshullakha Diksha in the year 2000 by Sri Charukeerthiji of Shravanabelagola. Since then he has undertaken an in depth study of Jaina Agama, history, literature and other aspects of the religion over the past 12 years.
Sri Dharmakeerthiji who holds a master degree in Kannada literature (M.A. Kannada) is currently pursuing his Ph.D. from the University of Mysore. The topic for his dessertation thesis is "Samyakthvakoumudi Ondu Adhyayana" (Samyakthvakoumudi - A Study). He is been guided by Dr. Padma Shekar a professor in the department of Jainology and Prakrits at Mysore. He will be submitting his thesis by next month.
Being a disciple of Sri Charukeerthiji he has been well trained in all aspects of the religion. He has participated in many religious celebrations and delibrations as a representative of Sri Kshetra Shravanabelagola. He has also played a pivotal role in the organising of many viharas of Jaina Muni Sanghas and is well connected with many Jaina Acharya's and Jain samaj's. He has also been instrumental in the development of Sri Kshetra Mahendragiri at Bijapur, the holy abode of Lord Parshwanatha under the guidance of Sri Charukeerthiji.
Pattabhisheka Mahotsava:
The decision of conducting the Pattabhisheka Mahotsava (consecration) of Sri Dharmakeerthiji as the Bhattarakha of Humcha and completing other rituals and formalities will be announced on 3rd October after a meeting scheduled at Shravanabelagola. This will be held in the presence and guidance of Sri Charukeerthiji to be attended by Sri Heggadeji and other members of the committee. According to reliable sources the Pattabhisheka is most likely to be held in the month of November 2011 after the Deepavali festival.
Dharmakeerthiji's Reaction - When contacted by Sri Nitin H.P. the founder and director of the Jain website Jainheritagecentres for his immediate reaction this morning, he expressed happiness over his selection as the next Bhattarakha of Humcha. Further, he said that, "this was possible due to the blessings of Lord Bahubali, Goddess Padmavathi and his guru Sri Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiji of Shravanabelagola". He added that - "he will work towards the overall development of Sri Kshetra Humcha and propagation of Jainism".
Karnataka Jain Samaj Over Joyed:
The Jain samaj of Karnataka is over joyed over the selection of Sri Charukeerthiji as the next Bhattarakha of Humcha. People started making phone calls and sending SMS soon after they heard the news and celebrations are on across the state. Sri D. Surenendra Kumar of Dharmasthala, Sri S. Jitendra Kumar, president of Karnataka Jain Association have expressed happiness on Dharmakeerthiji's appointment.
Dr. H.A. Parshwanath, a professor of pathology at SDM Medical College, Dharwad and editor in chief of Jaina Voice, said that, "he was over joyed to hear this news and mentioned that his erudite knowledge in Jainism and Kannada literature will play a pivotal role in the propagation of Jainism". Further "He said that his experience gained while working as a disciple of Sri Charukeerthiji Swamiji will help him to a great extent in the administration and over all development of Sri Kshetra Humcha".
Nitin H.P. director of Jainheritagecentres congratulating Sri Dharmakeerthiji on the occasion recalled his personal relationship and Jain Heritage Centres relationship with Sri Dharmakeerthiji. Further he said that, "Dharmakeerthiji has been a great source of inspiration to him and his team at Jain Heritage Centres and wished that Dharmakeerthiji will take Sri Kshetra Humcha to new heights".
Sri Y.C. Bhujabalaiah an advocate at the Karnataka High Court said that, "the selection of Sri Dharmakeerthiji is very apt and a right choice and wished that his experience gained over the years will help him in his new role as the Bhattarakha of Sri Kshetra Humcha".
About Humcha:
Humcha or Hombuja or Hunchadakatte is the well known Padmavathi shrine in Karnataka. It is at a distance of 55 Kms from Shimoga the nearest district centre. It can be rated as the most popular abode of all the Padmavathi shrines in the world.
- Jain Heritage Centres News Service