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MATA CHAKRESHWARI DEVI FAIR BEGINS AT PUNJAB (SIR HIND) JAIN TEMPLE
FATEHGARH SAHIB: The three-day annual fair at Mata Chakreshwari Devi Jain Temple will begin here from October 5. Pilgrims from all over the country and abroad belonging to Jain community are likely to reach here to pay obeisance to Mata Chakreshwari Devi. Mata Chakreshwari Devi Jain Temple, the highly respected religious shrines of Sikhs, Hindus, is situated two kilometers from here on the Sirhind -Chuni road lies the religious shrine of the Jains, "Mata Chakreshwari Devi Jain Temple". Thousands of pilgrims from all over the country and abroad converge on this shrine every year on the full moon of Kartika. This year the annual fair will be held from October 5 to October 7.
As per reports, this is the only temple in the country where the idol of Mata Chakreshwari Devi is situated. According to history once Rajasthan faced a severe drought situation. A large number of devotees of Mata Chakreshwari Devi moved towards Punjab on their bullock carts. The idol of the Mata was placed on one of the carts. On the way the devotees stopped near Sirhind for rest. Most of them were Khandelwal Jains. As they set out after a brief rest, the cart carrying the idol of Mata Chakreshwari Devi just did not move. After some time they heard a voice from above to let the idol lie there, as it was the fittest place for the Mata. The devotees subsequently built a temple at that spot. Now a beautiful temple, Amrit Kund, and the other complex for the stay of devotees has been constructed. A free dispensary service has been provided for the residents of the area.
Not only Jains but people of other faiths also visit this temple to pay obeisance. Chakreshwari Devi believed to have great powers and protects her devotees through crisis. The Sikhs also hold this place in great reverence because "Diwan Todar Mal", who was also a devotee of Mata Chakreshwari Devi, purchased land by offering gold coins to cover the land selected for the cremation of two younger Sahibjadas of Guru Gobind Singh, who were bricked alive at Gurdwara Fatehgarh Sahib and now Gurdwara Jyoti Swarup is situated there.
This year more than 10,000 pilgrims are expected to take part in the annual fair. Children from various Jain schools of Punjab and Haryana will present cultural programmes. A free medical check-up camp will also be arranged. As per information, the district administration has provided special medical teams, sanitation staff and facilities of drinking water and buses from Sirhind to the mela site have been made.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF VARDHMAN SANSKAR DHAM TRUST MULUND, MUMBAI
1. Distribution of more than 100000 food packets, 400000 water pouches, 50000 biscuit packets, 50000 water bottles and antibiotic medicines distributed during flood days.
2. 10000 basic necessity kits were distributed to 10000 affected families by our volunteers. The cost of each kit was around Rs 700/- and contained 5 kg rice, 3 kg dal, 2 kg sugar, 1 kg oil, 250 gm tea powder, 1.5 kg masala, 2 bottles of milk, 2 water bottles, 1kg namkeen, matchbox, a set of steel utensils, set of kitchenware plastic box, 2 buckets, mats, lunchbox, waterbag, plastic bags etc. Few of our ongoing projects are
1. Aawas Yojana (Home for Needy) for Jain sadharmik badhus at Mira Road, Mumbai and Virar, Mumbai, wherein Dham provides interest free lifetime loan/donation for needy sadharmiks. For 50 odd needy families, Vardhman Sanskar Dham has donated the flats for free.
2. Ashlilata Virodhi Aandolan - Dham has produced a small clip on Ashlilata in TVs and how it affects the mind of children/kids. For more details, please contact us Paresh Jain (9820781696), Abhay Shah (9323910931), Web: www.geocities.com/greatparesh
MAHATMA GANDHI'S BIRTH DAY CELEBRATIONS IN USA
Like previous years there were celebrations in many cities and towns across USA. Mahatma Gandhi statues were installed in Cleveland, Ohio in Atlanta, Georgia and other places. In Houston, for the past three years, Mahatma Gandhi Library has been celebrating Mahatma Gandhi Week from Sept 25-October 2nd. This year the program was on a big very scale with participation by many Indian and non Indian organizations and persons. On Sunday, October 1st, the Universal Unitarian Church of Houston started the day with prayers and a Tribute Service to Mahatma Gandhi and his practice of Non violence, compassion, love and service. In next few weeks, this Church is planning to start regular 12 week long classes on wisdom and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi Jayanti -Gandhi's Birth day, was proclaimed as a peace and non-violence day in proud city of Housten by mayor Bill White at "1000 Lights for peace", A candle lighting ceremony of more than a thousand people celebrated at the steps of the Housten city hall. It was a celebration of Mahatma Gandhi and all the values he stood for. All in attendance left with renewed spirits, and perhaps a better understanding of his relevance in today's world. In recognition of the wisdom and effectiveness of Gandhi, the Mahatma Gandhi Library and more than 60 local organizations celebrate Mahatma Gandhi Week each year. Gandhi demonstrated to the world that nonviolent methods such as Satyagraha (holding to truth) can be used to bring about profound social change and lasting peace. The mission of the Mahatma Gandhi Library is to increase public awareness of Gandhi's philosophy and teachings, highlighting the universal values of Truth, Nonviolence, Service and Love. Courtesy: Dr. Sulekh Jain
DELEGATION OF INTERNATIONAL JAIN CONFEDERATION MEETS JAIN COMMUNITY OF DELHI
The Jain Community of Delhi Met the Delegation of the World Jain Confederation who came to India to have an "All World Jain Confederation Peace Meet" at Ashoka Hotel New Delhi. The following were present:- Mr. Dirk Ficca, Mr. Partap Bhogial (Trustees of W.J.C.), Smt Vidya Stokes (MPP & Power Minister HP Govt.), Smt Aruna Oswal (VP of W.J.C.), Sh Naren Bhiku Ram Jain (Secy. D.P.C.C.), Sh Pradeep Patodi, Sh M.P. Jain, Sh. Dr. A K Merchant (Exe. Trustee Bahai Temple), Sh Amitabh Jain (IAS), Sh Sanjay Jain (Hony. Secy. W J C), Ms Tempa Tsering
http://jainsamaj.org/magazines/ahimsatimesshow.php?id=105
05/18/2011
