________________
The Jains through Time
160
aware of every stage of the development of is indeed one of surpassing beauty. It marks Veerayatan and blessed every step of the the dawning of a new age. Only someone undertaking. From the very beginning of with far-seeing ideas like yourself is capable the chaturmas the great task of infusing new of accomplishing such a holy task!" life into an ancient tradition began. Every However, these were mere words; they were day Sadhvishri, with her group of sadhvis, not backed up by any action, and time was travelled to the site chosen for Veerayatan in running out for the project. the foothills of Vaibhargiri and paid homage to the memory of the shining souls who The autumn of the centenary year 1973 had gained nirvana in that sacred place. At arrived. It was also Gurudev's birthday, but the same time the work of raising the there was not enough money to celebrate consciousness of the locals began on the the event. Sadhvishri was still thinking lands of Veerayatan. The games of the naked about what could be done, when one little urchins in the area included teasing morning she woke up to find Rs. 500/- on little birds, and killing the fish they found in the floor in her room. No one could say the dirty water of ditches as well as in the where the money had come from. It seemed purer waters of ponds and lakes. Part of that providence had made it possible to Sadhvishrt's daily routine was to teach them celebrate Gurudev's birthday. Sadhvishri the lessons of love, kindness and decided to use the money to distribute the compassion.
guru's prasad. That day Shri Devraj Mehta
came to seek an audience with Sadhvishri. Laying the Foundation Stone
With his generous contribution and with Each day before her trip to the Veerayatan the help of the managers of both the site, Sadhvishri would address the pilgrims Digambar and Shvetambar Kothis, staying at the Kothis, explaining the Gurudev's birthday was celebrated for the significance of the project. They were often first time in the holy land of the moved by her words and said, "The concept samavasarana. Though this sacred land still
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
