Monks Dilemma

SR No.: 007604
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: S M Jain
Publisher: ABD Publisher
Total Pages: 100
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 1 MB

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to describe their stupendous charm that enthralled the visitors. They spoke volumes about the hard work, dexterity and patience of artisans and workers who must have toiled days after days, months after months for years to satisfy the exhibitionist ego of the rich who squandered money for no real purpose but only to show their vanity in competitive pursuits. The guide told that two sisters-in-law got their respective constructions repeatedly demolished to have it done better than that of the other.
Deepti was not enamoured by such vulgar purposeless display of wealth and said, "Deepak, I am not at all in favour of such wasteful expenditure and that too on temples of Tirthankaras who preached simplicity and not extravagance like this. The artists who toiled hard here must have been very talented and their talent and expertise could have better been utilised for bringing out new designs of household and agricultural implements or for evolving new technologies for cottage industries. You must also notice that majority of designs are human forms men and women displaying despicable obscene vulgarity, women in dancing and enticing poses and gestures exposing their curves to arouse sexuality. There are carvings showing even sexual intercourse. What is depicted here is that which is prohibited in Jain code of conduct where seeing such depiction is transgression of the partial (for householders) and total (for monks) vow of celibacy. It appears, you are so enthralled and enticed that you have forgotten time management. There is nothing important and of real utility to be so engrossed. These structures are as a matter of fact sheer irrational exuberance of ego and celebrity quotients of the rich. We have to go to see other places particularly Gurushikhar, the highest mountain peak in
Rajasthan. We have appointment with Brahmakumaris in the evening and we do not have much time."
Deepak as if waking up from slumber said, "You are right. We shall move though the splendour here is enticing to hold on the onlooker forever."
On way to Gurushikhar they stayed just a few minutes to only glance at some temples, both Jain and Vaishanavite. Deepti has always been averse to ridiculous idols, particularly of Ganesha and Hanuman. Ganesha is depicted with elephant head on human body and people pride in interpreting this as expertise of Indian scientists (Shiva here) in transplanting of organs. The fact is that at no point of time the head of smallest and youngest elephant could have fitted on largest human torso lest on baby Ganesha. About the birth of Ganesha also there is a very funny story that Parvati, the spouse of Shiva, created him in human form from the dirt removed from her own body while taking bath and then infusing life into it. Shiva killed Ganesha by cutting off his head because he did not allow him to enter the house on instructions by Parvati. On request of Parvati Shiva revived the dead Ganesha by putting a elephant's head on the dead torso. The question is why Parvati herself did not do it when she could infuse life in human form created from dirt and why Shiva put elephant's head when Ganesha's slaughtered head must be available there. Hanuman was very much in human form but made into monkey mischievously by some artist. There were different emblems on flags of different ruling classes and it was monkey on that of Hanuman's race like snake on that of Naga race. Devotees worshipping them are in fact insulting them by distorting their figures from human to that of half elephant and monkey respectively.