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An imposing marble super structure rising from the sacred spot sanctified by Lord Mahavira's first sermon to the world now stands as a beaconlight on the majestic Vipulachal summit. The grand edifice rises to a height of 72 feet corresponding to the years of Lord's life-span. The 3-tier edifice symbolises the soul's trilogy of the exterior self, the inner self and the ultimate perfected self. Its circular shape proclaims the divine majesty of Samavasarana.On the crest of the top of the pedestal are enshrined four 5-foot statues of Lord Mahavira, symbolising the radiation of his sermon in all directions.
The entrance itself is embellished with a pillar that carries identical inscriptions in Jain language Prakrit, India's national language Hindi and English. The inscription reads, "I bow to the Omniscient Vardhaman Mahavira whose sermons preached the welfare of all living beings of the entire universe."
At a solemn function held on April 12,1986 at Rajgir when members of Jain community had assembled from all over India. Sahu Shriyans Prasad Jain, brother of late Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain dedicated the memorial to the entire Jain community for the enlightenment of the nation.
From Rajgir, a flight of over 800 steps lead to Mt. Vipulachal. This small town was once the flourishing capital of Magadha founded in the sixth century B.C.by Emperor Shrenik Nestling at the foot of the five-hill ranges, Rajgir draws every year over hundred thousand Jain piligrims and an equal number of non-Jains. The monument has further sanctified The Shrine.
Excerpts from THE SAMANASUTTAM Central Book Of The Jains
Obeisance to Arihantas (embodied spiritually perfect personalities) Obeisance to Siddhas (disembodied spiritually perfect souls). Obeisance to Acharyas (propogators of ethico-spiritual values). Obeisance to Upadhyayas (teachers of ethico-spiritual values). Obeisance to all Sadhus (pious personalities) in the world.
This five-fold obeisance is the destroyer of all the vices and (so) among all the (types of) auspiciousness (this) becomes the foremost auspiciousness.
Meditate on the five holy teachers (spiritual pillars) who are permeated with spiritual energy, who are auspicious, who are the shelters in the four grades of existence, who have adorned the world, who are the supreme objects of devotion, and who have been adored by the human and celestial beings along with the Vidhyadharas.
Arihantas, Asariras (siddhas), Acharyas, Upadhyayas and Munis are the five holy personalities. Omkara has emerged from the first letters, A+ A+ A+ U + M , of the five holy personalities.
Translated by Dr. Kamal Chand Sogani Sukhadia University, India.
Jain Education International 2010_02
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