Jain Digest 2000 03 Vol 16 No 1

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 19

we first stopped at Atmavallabha hospital run by a Jain trust. A warm reception at the gate of the hospital was arranged and we entered the compound singing "Maitri Bhavnu Pavitra Jharnu”. We presented a carton of medical supplies and doctors among the Yatris took a tour of the hospital. In the lobby of the hospital we saw a huge sign on the wall acknowledging donations from JAINA and Jain Centers of Chicago, New York and New Jersey.
In the afternoon we went to Shrimad Rajchandra's ashram on a small hill. Shantibhai Kothari gave a very inspired talk about Shrimad's teachings. Yatris spent some time meditating and listening to one Sadhu. Some of the yatris visited Ider Gadh - Shri Shantinath temple established by Samprati Maharaja. On the way to Mehsana from Ider, although not on our itinerary, we took a chance to visit Mahudi. But it was not to be, the temple had just closed and disappointed we proceeded to Mehsana.
The Water Park hotel outside Mehsana complex was one of the best accommodations during the Yatra. We visited Shri Simandherswamy temple for Darshan and pooja and Choumukhi Adinath temple. In the same temple complex, there were some Sadhus and we paid our respects. The local Jain Social group had arranged a reception and refreshments for the Yatris.
In the afternoon we visited Yashovijay Jain Sanskrit Pathshala. Here students live and study Jain scriptures for four to six years. Most Pathshala teachers in India are graduates of this school. North American Jain community is familiar with Pandit Dhirajlal who is a former student of this institution. We were so mesmerized by the talk given by a young student that we invited the entire student body to our hotel at night for more interaction with them. From the Yatra fund, we donated Rs25,000 for sponsoring a student for full four years. This inspired three others among us to sponsor one student each and raised enough money for a fifth student.
In the evening we visited Linch Mahajan Panjarapol. Many Yatris confessed to have never seen a panjrapol before. Jain principle of Karuna for all living beings is practiced in these institutions that run entirely by charity. This Panjarapol just outside Mehsana is in a poor town.Harsh weather of last two years have put this Panjrapol in financial straps. That night after dinner at the hotel, the Jain Social Group of Mehsana had arranged a Bhavna program at the hotel. We were lucky to have Jain Social Group's support in various cities as they helped with logistics, emergency medical help and smoothing our paths.
Next morning we proceeded to the 1200 years old Panchasar Parswanath Temple in Patan. This 52 Jinalay temple was last rebuilt in 1955. This is one of the 108 Parswanath Tirth and Just out side the temple is the Gyan Mandir of Kalikal Sarvagna Shri Hemchandracharya. Patan Jain Mandal had kindly arranged for a very knowledgeable scholar to show the rich collection of old manuscripts and artifacts. Some of our Yatris spent four hours in this revered house of knowledge. In the afternoon we went
sightseeing. Ranki Vaav - a well with seven story stone carving was awe-inspiring. Patan is most famous for Patola weavers of Patan. This is a vanishing art as there are only 5 families that are still producing Patolas and one has to order them three to six months ahead as each Patola takes three months of weaving.
From Patan we started for Sankheswara and arrived at the Dharmasala late at night. Darshan and Pooja at the main temple was eagerly awaited by many Yatris. Individually, Yatris also went to Agam Mandir and 108 Parswanath temple. At the 108 Parswanath temple, Acharya Labdhisuri Maharaj was present. The temple was celebrating completion of his 50th year of monkhood. An exhibition of books and musical Pooja in the Rangmandap was added bonus to the Yatris.
We started for Palitana that afternoon and the six hour Journey became a ten-hour affair. We reached Palitana Dharmasala at two in the morning. Most did not retire until 3:30 A.M. but Pahad Yatra early that morning was not something anyone was going to miss. Mysteriously, every one was energized and present in Dada's Darbar for Pooja and Darshan. Also at 9:00 am in Palitana, 2-day JAINA Medical Camp with help of Navkar Sarvar Kendra was inaugurated. Bharatbhai Kothari, the 70 year old leader of Navkar Sarvar Kendra was present for the inauguration of Medical camp although that day was his birthday. Instead of celebrating his birthday with his grand children, he spent that day and the next in service of the cause he has championed. Many items like tiger balm, magnifying plastic sheets, cotton socks, kamblis etc. were distributed to the Sadhus and Sadhvis as they were also examined by Vaidrajs. Only Ayurvedic medicines that are also acceptable to Jains is carried by the Navkar Sarvar Kendra. Many of our Yatris got to meet and talk with our holy Sadhu/Sadhvis in the bhakti atmosphere. This was quite a learning experience as well as rewarding one to the Yatris.
At night we had a Bhavna Geet program arranged by Navkar Sarvar Kendra and during that program, the Yatris thanked the 46 member staff of Patni tours for wonderful food and service provided during the yatra. Each staff member was called by name, applauded and handed an envelope with cash as further sign of gratitude. Dr. Kantibhai Shah, in celebration of his birthday distributed a book by Shri Anandghanji to all the yatris and Navkar Sarvar Kendra gave a two volume set on Tirthdhams to each Yatri families. Kirit Daftrary and his wife Pramilaben also presented a check for $7,000 from the Tirthodhdhar committee of JAINA to
Navkar Sarvar Kendra.
After a good night's sleep, next morning was free for yatris to visit other temples in Palitana and after lunch we started towards Ahemdabad. Our first stop was Songadh where beautiful temple complex with a model of Nandi Dwip and Shri Kanji Swami's Ashram is located. Next, we stopped at Bagodra, where a 12' Pratima of Parswanath is installed in what one day will be a mini Samet Sikhar Tirth. The last stop of the day was Koba. Al
JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2000/17