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AHIMSA TIMES - APRIL 2009 ISSUE - www.jainsamaj.org
Page 9 of 15
presents magnificent examples of Jain temple art - the temples of Mount Abu and Ranakpur. Replete with awesome sculpture and stunning photography, the book is a collector's item. It has been lavishly printed in full colour. The accompanying text is insightful and well researched, a fine introduction to Jainism for the layman. Available at: Hindi Granth karyalay. Publishers Since 1912, 9 Hirabaug, CP Tank, Mumbai 400004 INDIA, E-Mail: manishymodi@gmail.com
ICONOGRAPHY OF JAINA DEITIES - A Photographic and Architectural Study of Jain Sculpture,by Shantilal Nagar Jainism, English Set of 2 books 1999 285 x 225 mm 562 pages + 231 art plates in b/w and 36 art. Jain architecture and iconography is amongst the most beautiful and entrancing in all of India. Jainism is a unique and independent religion of India, and its history goes back into prehistoric times. This work discusses in great detail the iconography of various Jain deities and the development of Jain art over the millennia, spanning ancient, medieval and modern India. Available at HINDI GRANTH KARYALAY, Publishers Since 1912,9 Hirabaug CP Tank, Phones: +91 22 2382-6739, 2035-6659, E-Mail: manishymodi@gmail.com
MISCELLANEOUS JAIN NEWS FROM PUNJAB For the first time, to celebrate Mahaveer Jayanti , Punjab Government released full page advertisements in 40 newspapers across the state. Earlier in 1947, Punjab Government had released similar greetings. Sri Rakesh Jain, chief of Bhagwan Mahaveer Seva Sansthan, Ludhiana pursued the issue with the government for officially recognizing the most important festival of Jain Community. As part of Mahaveer Jayanti calibrations, Adinath Jain Ladies Organisation of Ludhiana also organized cultural programme (Bhajan Sandhya). The event was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, Sri Sukhbir Singh Badal. Famous Jain singer from Mumbai, Sri Rajendra Jain ands his group gave an impressive performance. On 12th April, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sewa Sansthan organized polio camp & distributed Life support equipments etc. to over 40 persons. Jain Samaj of Ludhiana has also constructed a new Jain Temple Complex which is just 25 km. from Ludhiana. This complex is spread over 121,000 sq. yards of land & comprises a temple, museum, Meditation hall, residential facilities etc, apart from expansive lawns, trees & plants. It is an institution that all jains must visit.
POSTAL STAMP ISSUED ON JAINACHARYA VALLABH VIJAY SURI To honour Jain Saint Acharya Shreemad Vijay Vallabh Surishwar Ji Maharaj, the Government released a commemorative postage Stamp of Rs. 5/- on 21st February, 2009 at Chennai.
Jain Acharya Vallabh Vijay Suri ji Maharaj is an example par excellence of humanism and spiritualism. Chhagan (childhood name) was born at Vadodara in November 1870 AD to worthy parents Deepchand and Icchabai. In search of peace he studied under his holiness, Jain Acharya Shree Vijaynand Suriji Maharaj (popularly known as Guru Atmaramji), the then highly venerated saint and a profound scholar of Jainism. Chhagan entered monkhood (sadhu) renouncing wordly life in 1887 AD at Radhanpur (Gujarat) at the tender age of 17 years. He was later christened Muni Vallabh Vijay. Guru Atmaramji taught Muni Vallabh the Jaina philosophy propounded by Lord Mahavir viz Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekant (non-absolutism), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness). Vallabh also mastered study of contemporary religions. Unfortunately, the illustrious Guru did not live long but he surely advised Muni Vallabh to set up, not only places of Worship, but also educational institutions and service centres which would help both men and women to understand religion in its true perspective,
True to his Master, Muni Vallabh worked for the welfare of the society irrespective of caste, class and creed. He initiated various programes to eradicate Ignorance, Superstition and Illiteracy. His humane approach, scientific outlook and practical life endeared him to the masses. He was bestowed with Acharyaship in 1924 at Lahore (now in Pakistan). He placed before the mankind, both by precept and practice, the highest moral and spiritual values of life. He widely traveled barefooted as in enjoined on Jain Monks, many times all over Maharashtra, Gujrat, Saurashtra, Rajasthan, U.P. M.P, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir to spread this message.
This visionary Saint, realizing the prime needs of the society emphasized on giving moral and righteous education,
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