________________
गणिनी आर्यिकारत्न श्री ज्ञानमती अभिवन्दन ग्रन्थ
(3x
built by 1979 without any natural or otherwise catastrophy. Her team of devoted persons worked for day and night to complete the first phase. This could be possible only due to her acute ascetical accomplishmental blessings. The ne project required huge finances. The jain community proved liberal enough to render all type of material assistance for such a novel cause. Additional work on the project is still continuing to canonical details.
Ganiniji was highly impressed by the Mahavir Charioteering tour for propagating Jain principles and practices. It also served a fund raising device. She also thought of a similar novel plan of a 1046 day tour to highlight Jambudvip in terms of 'Light of Jambudvipal Knowledge in 1981 which was materialised in 1982 with a great start by the late prime minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi from Red Fort, Delhi. Though it served the religious propagation purpose but it did not prove that financial success.
These two projects reflect Ganiniji's imagnative and executive acumen-so rare in general. (c) Religious Ceremonies and Ritualistic Performances
The monks and nuns have two fold functions to perform: (i) spiritual growth of the self and (ii) kindling the torch of religiosity in the community-a function more important for the society. Ganiniji has always been ahead in performing this function prominently. This represents the devotional aspect of religion. This also reflects that religion may be renunciatory for the self but it is performing arts for the society. Ganini has felt that repeating litanies or mediation is somewhat difficult for common man. He would prefer reading or reciting venerating material easily. She has composed many such ritualistic reciting material of short and long duration towards this end to supplement that already existed. Various types of such ceremonies have been celebrated under her blessed guidance and presence at different places. Indradhwaj, Kalpadrum rituals are her creations. They are gaining popularity these days in all parts of the country. Besides many five-fold consecration cermonies have been held under her auspicios presence and guidance. Hastinapur has been the venue of many of them. These are grand festivals specific to the jainas. In addition, many smaller observances called Vidhanas are always taking place under her encouragement. A specific meritorious atmosphere has been created by her in this maeter. She had added new dimensions in this direction. (d) Glorification of Religion through Devotionalism and Meditation
Her devotional and meditational practices have shown many religious glorificationary incidents at different time and places. Some examples (i) the pacification of small pox of her brothers (i) painless delivery of her sister by drinking litanised water in 1952 (iii) getting a lost boy in 1983 by following her instruction for repeating a litany 1,25,000 times (iv) normalisation of eyepower to a devotee's son by her litanic instrtuctions in 1988 (v) non-harming by serpents and scorpions many times (vi) gaining proper health by wearing her clothes by a devotee lady in 1987 (vii) attaining health by many thruogh her blessings and touching through peacock-feather broom. These beneficiary effects are due to her inner strength and psychology. There are numberless such glorification incidents occurring occasionally suggesting active internal energy due to constant devotional and meditational practices by her. (e) Continuation of Tradition
One of the most important duty of ascetics has been to encourage continuation of traditon. Ganiniji has prove highly successful in this area. Besides her ever-studious nature, she had also an interest in teaching colleagues and votaries. She manifests an impressive encouragement to others for ascetic path. Her name, fame, spiritual practices and scholarship wields an all round influence on those learning from her. It is due to these qualities that she has been able to encourage many initiations under her fold-the first one being Prabhvatiji. She has been instrumental in about 50 initiations of different stages, the most important being the initiation of Ajitsagarji in 1961 who later became chief of monks. A good number of initiates are her pre-initiated stage kiths and kins who are working for her mission. It is because of these that she bears a title of group leader-Ganiniji. Her group is highly disciplined carrying out her prejects
Jain Educationa international
For Personal and Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org