Jain Heritage and Beyond

Author(s): Shailesh Shah
Publisher: Oshwal Associations of The UK

Page 39

Bhojak who had accompanied Babubhai from India. Upon completion of poojas, two Sramnijis who were present recited Navakar Mantra and Manglik. 2 Minutes of silence was observed in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales and Mother Theresa of Calcutta. Exactly 9.30 a.m. Ashokbhai, our President then, as instructed by Panyas Vajrasenvijayji Maharaj sprinkled the specially prepared Vashakshep on the site where Bhagwan Mahavir is to reside on completion of the Derasar accompanied by Late Gulabbhai, Dhirubhai and Pravinbhai Bhojak whilst reciting Navakar Mantra.
Thereafter, Late Babubhai Kadiwalla led the 108 Gulabbhai Performing a Bhoomi Poojan
families already in position into the Bhoomi Poojan
calmly and with dignity. Each family was provided with the Pooja items which they were allowed to keep as a momento. Late Babubhai was amazed at the sight of 108 families participating in the Bhoomi Poojan in unison, whereas normally only one family performs this ceremony. Of these 108, the family of Mohanbhai D Karania did the Poojan at the spot where Bhagwan Mahavir is to reside. Upon completion of the Bhoomi Poojan, bidding was performed for the 108 Diva Aarti(Pushpaben Mohanlal Karania Family), Mangal Divo (Deparbhai Parbat Family),Shanti Kalash (Jethiben Vrajpar Shah Family), Bhagwan Pokhna (Ramniklal Jesang Family). The 25 families participating in the Khanan Vidhi were each provided with a Rushabh to enable them to ceremoniously break the ground and everyone was guided to the spot where each of our 24 Tirthankars are to reside. Hasmukhbhai Samji Shah with his family performed the Khanan Vidhi on the site of the Ghabharo. We were blessed by approximately 80 Tapasavis on that day who were led in procession for their parnas. Surajben Bhandari was breaking her fast after one month, accompanied by Late Gulabbhai on his second Varsi Tap. At 2pm, Arhat Mahapoojan commenced and was celebrated with great zeal. Bidding was conducted for Dus Dikpal (Late Gulabbhai Shah), Nav Grah Pooja (Prabhulalbhai Shah), Asta Managal (Maniben Shah), Aarti (Chetanbai Mehta), Mangal Divo (Rupesh and Minal Shah), Shanti Kalash (Kanchanben Shah). Bidding was also conducted for those who wanted to participate in the short play depiciting the life of Bhagwan Mahavir which was held on 13th September 1997. During the week commencing 8th September 1997, Dhirubhai Karania with the use of JCB, and assistance from Bhagwanjibhai and a few other volunteers, under the guidance of our Architect, Chhaganbhai Mistry prepared the site. A base approximately 10ft deep was dug and a balcony fence was erected around the proposed Gabharo. A large number of volunteers from all Areas gathered on 13th September to help with the preparation of the food, the tent, decorations, seating etc., for the Shilanyas. In the evening of 13th September, after some rehearsal the play on the life of Bhagwan Mahavir was performed under the guidance of Babubhai Kadiwala, It was a great success. All the participants, particularly the Masterji performed by Hasmukhbhai Kachra and Babubhai Kadiwala in his many roles were magnificent. The 6.00am start on Sunday 14 September was due to the Muharat. Bhagwan was ceremoniously once again
037