Book Title: Jains Through Time
Author(s): Shilapi Sadhvi
Publisher: Veerayatan

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Page 169
________________ meditating on rocks and hard ground. But stronger than constructive power is destructive energy. No sooner was she putting up the walls during the day than at night mischievous people took pleasure in pulling them down. This sequence of construction and destruction went on for some time. But like Sadhvishri, Shri Yashaji was not one to admit defeat, and somehow or other the kutiya was finally completed, earning her the distinction of being declared an architect. Since then at least 60 buildings at Veerayatan testify to her excellence in this field. Without exaggeration she could well be called the Vishvakarma, or 'Celestial Architect' of Veerayatan Along with the kutiya, another small hut was put up for the night-watchmen and caretakers of the site. Sadhvishri sometimes used this to relax in. One night whilst Sadhvishri was resting there with her Gurumata, a sudden violent gale hit the structure with such force that the entire thatch was stripped away and the main roof Jain Education International The Jains through Time beam came crashing down upon them. When this happened, the watchmen were in an agony of uncertainty as to what to do. In a state of fear and trepidation they began to shout. Sadhvishri called out to them and assured them calmly, "Alkhanandan, do not worry, we are perfectly all right. We are trying to get out at the north end. You two try to lift the roof on that side." A few hours later, as a result of the men's hard work, Sadhvishri with her Gurumata emerged unharmed. During this period, along with the construction of Veerayatan, an institute called Jain Bhavan was set up in Rajgir town in memory of the saintly Shri Jagjivanji Maharaj. It was built through the inspiration of Gurumata Sadhvishri Sumati Kunwarji Maharaj. Pujya Shri Jagjivanji Maharaj was very close to Gurudev's heart and their two souls were in perfect harmony. For a long time they had toured the east of India together, giving talks along the way. After thirty five days of Santhara - fasting unto death this great ascetic and seer had been liberated from his body in the valley of For Private & Personal Use Only 170 www.jainelibrary.org

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