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674
The Unknown Pilgrims
land and a beautiful ancient temple. In its precincts are to be found many well-lit cells for wayfaring munis and áryikās. 98
Mātāji, accompanied by several äryikās, spends long months at Hastināpura, working incessantly at her writings. She often goes to that part of the jungle where the construction-works depicting Jambūdvipa and Meruparvata are going on, in order to issue instructions. On the same spot an administrator takes care of all the practical questions; he receives in his office the pilgrims' gifts of money and sells the various publications of Mātāji. These construction works and publications are rendered possible thanks to the contributions made by the śrāvakas of Dilli and the surrounding district formed into a committee. The proximity of the capital and the frequent arrival of numerous pilgrims are factors favourising intelligent and efficient organisation and also the necessary material help. It is a Dilli architect who, according to plans drawn up by Mātāji, has put the work in hand, employing local masons and workmen.99
Two young brahmacárins and several brahmacāriņis are permanently in residence, all being under the spiritual direction of Mātāji. The brahmacărins deal with all matters connected with Mātāji's publications.
b) Jambūdvipa, Meruparvata: Jambū Island, Mount Meru
The intermediate world, according to Jaina cosmography, is made up of a great number of concentric continents, each one separated
98 On the same property are to be found a large dharmaśalā for the reception of pilgrims with an immense well in its central courtyard; a gurukula, boarding-school for boys; and, on the surrounding estate, a temple dedicated to Mahävira and 24 small shrines, dotted around and dedicated to each of the tirthankaras. The Svetambaras have also a beautiful temple and a dharmaśală of recent construction, situated on the other side of the road which leads to the entrance of the Diganbaras dornain.
99 Lately, on April 28, 1985 we read, in The Hindu, that the Defence Minister, Mr. P.V. Narasimha Rao, inagurated the Jambu Dvipa Jñana Jyoti complex, stressing the need for peace and non-viclence in a strife-torn world.
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