Agam 06 Ang 06 Gnatadharma Sutra

Author(s): Jambuvijay, Dharmachandvijay
Publisher: Mahavir Jain Vidyalay

Page 23

22
ATMA VALLABH SANSKRITI MANDIR
Shree Mrugavatiji was then camping at Ambala alongwith Her preceptor and mother Sadhvi Shree Sheelvatiji as also other Sadhvis. She inspired the Jain community to erect a memorial in the capital of the country, in His cherished memory, befitting the dignity and high ideals of this noble soul in the form of a multi-purpose academic institution in consonance with His preachings.
Advent and Blessihgs
Acquisition of a suitable large piece of land eluded success and time passed by. However, after a lapse of 18 years, at the directive and the blessings of Acharya Vijaysamudrasuriji Maharaj, Sadhvi Shree Mrugavatiji undertook a long march to Delhi from Baroda, for the purpose and underwent self imposed penance to arouse the Jain Samaj from its slumber. Through Her untiring zeal and efforts, she revived and revitalized the project. During the auspicious 2500th Nirvan year of Bhagwan Mahavira, Shree Atma Vallabh Jain Smarak Shikshan Nidhi, an All India Educational Trust, was instituted on 12th June, 1974 at her instance. For the memorial, a piece of land measuring 62 acres was purchased forthwith. Acharyavijay Samudrasuriji and His entourage who arrived in Delhi on 30th June, 1974 to grant patronage to the Mahavira Nirvan Celebrations organised on national basis, felt extreme
ly happy at this achievement. Later, he inspected the Smarak site, sanctified the same by taking its parikrama (circumambulation) and blessed the project. Unfortunately, Acharya Samudrasuriji passed away in 1977, even before the construction work could start. Once again, the authority passed on to Shree Vijayindradinnsuriji Maharaj, the present Acharya, who in turn also accorded his blessings to the sacred job already entrusted to Sadhvi Shree Mrugayatiji by his predecessor.
Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony
Bhoomi Pujan (propitiating the mother earth) and the shilanyas (foundation stone laying) ceremonies of the Memorial were held under the holy presence and the blessings of Sadhvi Shree Mrugavatiji on 27th July and 29th Nov. 1979 respectively, both amidst a vast and distinguished All India gathering with all gaiety and chanting of pious hymns. The 24th session of All India Jain Swetamber Conference was also held on the occasion of Shilanyas. Her sermons, minutes before the auspicious ceremony, touched the hearts of the congregation so deep that the audience assured their whole hearted financial support for the project and ample funds have been flowing in, ever since. Ladies in their glittering finery, did not ļag behind and a number of them made offerings for the noble cause on the spot.