Jain Journal 2001 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 48

NEWS ON JAINISM AROUND THE WORLD
139
"It may be that 'Navangi' was acceptable to a microscopic minority among Jains and may be it was also not universally accepted. But there is no Jain Shastra or scripture to show that 'Navangi' is against the tenets of Jain religion."
'Navangi' might be of recent origin but such a practice was in vogue in a section of the Jain community and if such worship was in accordance with religious tenets, practices and usage, the trust had no powers to restrict devotees from performing it in the Upashraya. It also had no right to allow only 'Ekangi' worship, Justice Kochar ruled.
The trust was empowered to frame regulations on the administration of the shrine or place of worship or any other property, but it could not lay down guidelines for the mode of worship, the Judge remarked.
The Judge also went through the scheme framed by the High Court many years ago for the administration of the same trust and found that there was no clause to show ban on 'Navangi' form of worship.
"According to me, the trust cannot choose to invite only such gurus who follow either 'Ekangi Guru Pooja' or 'Navangi' worship. It has to treat all of them equally without any discrimination. It can, however, fix any day of the week for 'Navangi' worship to avoid inconvenience to others", he opined.
The Hindu 31 July 2000
Lampless Jain temple turns 100
The 'Lampless Jain temple' in Mattancherry is celebrating its centenary and the Sthanakvasi Jains are commemorating it during *Paryushan Parva', falling between Aug 26 and Sept 9.
Lasting for nearly eight days, Paryushan Parva is the most important festival of the Jains when they observe severe penance, undertake fasts and do charities. On Sept 3 they observe 'Samuhik Kshamapana' collective pardon, when they seek pardon from all living beings in the world. They also grant pardon for any wrong done to them.
The prosperous Jain community in Kochi has about 1200 Swethambara Jains and 400 of them belong to the Sthanakvasi sect who worship without idols, pujas, incense or flowers, or lamps (hence the name lampless temple), as they believe that even flowers have life and that light can attract flies and kill them. They sit in meditation