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The Jains through Time
given to the project for the setting up of the said Nandadeep in the holy land of Rajgir. The name combines the epithet Veer (hero) from Mahavir's name, with the Sanskrit word Ayatan which signifies samavasarana (where all beings are afforded equal protection). The name 'Veerayatan therefore, literally means the land of Tirthankar Mahavir', but the wider implications of the word make it the land where truth and non-violence prevail.
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It was at this historic spot Rajgir that Tirthankar Muni Suvrat Swami's four kalyanaks (auspicious moments) took place. This is the holy place where, casting aside their great wealth - the extent of which had astonished even King Shrenik - Dhanna and Shalibhadra dedicated themselves to Tirthankar Mahavir. It is said that they crossed over the ocean of life and death' in the ship of the Jain religion with Tirthankar Mahavir at the helm. This holy land is also witness to the dreams and fantasies of little Atimukta who, by sailing a paper boat on the water, sailed his own voyage of life and death and liberated himself. Here every
Naming the Nandadeep In 1971, during the auspicious celebrations for the birthday of Tirthankar Mahavir, the highly symbolic name of 'Veerayatan' was
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