Jain Digest 2008 07

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

Page 12

Bhoomi Poojan of Veerayatan Sarvoday Tirtham
by Urmi Mehta
The time ticks and the moment arrives, and the divine designs bloom, thus making history — Bhoomi Poojan (Ground-breaking ceremony) of Veerayatan Sarvoday Tirtham at Sunbright, Tennessee, USA.
Located in the picturesque surroundings of Tennessee with hills and dales, rocks and valleys, forest and trees, Veerayatan Sarvoday Tirtham is a project awaited, expected and urged by many people for a long time in the United States. Veerayatan Sarvoday Tirtham will be and institute where everyone will experience peace and bliss every moment. A pristine location with a flowing creek and ponds was selected as the site of a retirement and vacation resort on a sprawling 560 acres of land in the vicinity of Sunbright village, between Knoxville and Nashville. The area is known for its moderate temperature and unspoiled wilderness. The Smoky Mountains and Mammoth Cave National Park are unique nearby attractions.
Veerayatan Sarvoday Tirtham is a concept of holistic living wherein the way of life is a manifestation of inner peace, bliss and tranquility. Based upon the Jain principles of non-violence and vegetarianism, as taught by Bhagvan Mahaveer, the resort community will be a gathering of like-minded individuals of all ages. The profound natural beauty at the site in Tennessee will not only provide solace to body, mind and spirit but also enable the seeker to awaken the spark of divinity within. This is a resort for all ages.
Beautiful homes will be enhanced by the community infrastructure which will include religious facilities such as temple, discourse hall, prayer hall, museum, publication unit, spiritual and cultural center. The resort community will also have amenities such as walking and jogging trails, a fitness center, shopping mall, business center, yoga club, community hall, library and dining hall. In all, the magnificent 560 acres will be an ideal community emphasizing peace and harmony. You are all invited to enroll and choose your own home in this unique retirement and vacation resort along with other like-minded people.
In July 2007. Pujya Acharya Shri Chandanaji envisioned the establishment of Veerayatan Sarvoday Tirtham in America. Inspired by the vision of Shri Chandanaji, Dr. Harsha and Mr. Vikram Mehta undertook the uphill task, utilized their own resources and dedicated themselves unconditionally to the project. All the formalities for the acquisition of land were fulfilled and the land was acquired with complete legal documentation within one year. On the auspicious date of August 16th 2008. Bhoomi Poojan was performed under the holy presence and guidance of Pujya Acharya Shri Chandanaji. the embodiment of love. purity and spirituality.
The Bhoomi Poojan began with prayers by Sadhvi Shri Shubhamji, followed by rituals and blessings by Pujya Acharya Shri Chandanaji. The program was attended by distinguished guests, patrons, well-wishers and dignitaries from various parts of the United States. Some of the special attendees were: State Senator Tommy Kilby, County Administrator Becky Ruppe, the City Council Person, members of the Sunbright Utility Board. Dr. Mahesh and Mrs. Pramila Shah from Maryland. Drs. Mahendra and Chandra Varia from Kentucky, and the Project Developers Dr. Harsha and Mr. Vikram Mehta, their daughter and son-in-law. Ms. Amee Mehta and Mr. Ted McCaughan, and their granddaughter, Asha McCaughan, all from Chicago.
During the ceremony, special thanks were given to Dr. Harsha and Mr. Vikram Mehta by Mr. Deepak and Mrs. Sampurna Shah of Atlanta for their relentless efforts in the execution of a project of such magnitude in the short span of nine months. They specifically mentioned that such dedication is a model to be emulated. With his personable style. Mr. Mehta gained the support of local people. In fact, his hard work and constant motivation are inspiring in their own right. Mr. Vikram Mehta expressed his gratitude and informed those present that the concept of Veerayatan Sarvoday Tirtham, as visualized by Pujya Acharya Shri Chandanaji, will begin to be transformed into reality with engineering of the resort's layout and finalization of floorplans within one week's time. He is hopeful that the project will progress at a rate such that Paryushan Parva of 2009 may be held at the resort. More information regarding this celebration will be forthcoming and will be available on the website. A ccraat:111.nct.
Veerayatan Sarvoday Tirtham has generated a tremendous amount of enthusiasm, joy and the full-hearted participation of members of the Veerayatan International family. Hundreds of emails and phone calls of support and good wishes continue to pour in. Countless words of congratulations and appreciation were conveyed at the ceremony, yet Mr. Mehta maintained his usual modesty and emphatically expressed that Veerayatan Sarvoday Tirtham is but a divine grace of Pujya Acharya Shri Chandanaji.
10/JAIN DIGEST. Fall 2008
Jain Education Intemational