Vardhaman Book on Jainism

Author(s): Jayshree Menon
Publisher: Bennete Coleman & Co Ltd

Page 72

foundation stones for this great religious centre.
The significant architects of the modern Dharmasthala were the two illustrious predecessors of the present Heggade. The late Manjayya, Heggade (1918 to 1955) and the late Ratnavarma Heggade (1955 to 1968). Their zealous efforts have not only been responsible for putting Dharmasthala prominently on the pilgrimage map of India, but also enhanced the amenities to make the pilgrims comfortable.
Veerendra Heggade (born in 1948) is the son of
ಯೋಜನೆon.
Ratnavarma Heggade, is the 21 st Heggade of Dharmasthala. The position of Heggade of Dharmasthala is a unique one,
ಸಮಾರಂಭ. unknown to any other religious centre in the country. Accord ing to tradition, he represents Lord Manjunatha and is a pious grahastha with numerous religious, social and cultural responsibilities.
His duties include propagating the tradition of dharma in accordance to the command of the Daivas, who accept him as their foster son. As the traditional head of the Manjunatha shrine, he must ensure that traditional practices are observed regularly. He also has to discharge his responsibilities true to his conscience and function as the representative of the Daivas.
He executes his social responsibilities as a pious grahastha by extending the four traditional danas (gifts) - annadana (food), aushadadana (medicine), vidyadana (knowledge) and abhayadana (freedom from fear).
Besides worship and social service, Heggade is also responsible for promoting the fine arts. He maintains a touring Yakshagana troupe, encourages the flow of new idea and hosts the annual Sarvadharma Sammelana and Sahitya Sammelana to spread religious tolerance and knowledge
That's why Heggade is revered as a man of God in his actions.
Twenty generations of Heggades have devoted their lives to manage and develop Dharmasthala kshetra. Sheer dedication, selfless service and pious devotion to God and man have been the
Ratnavarma Heggade. He was a boy of great dig. nity and devotion and nurtured by the piety of his mother Ratnamma and influenced by his father's administrative skills and dedication to dharma. The boy showed great maturity at an early age, and this was put to test when the mantle of Heggade fell on his young shoulders at the age of 20, on October 24, 1968.
Since then, he has carried his heritage to greater heights, not only by continuing to protect the essence of the kshetra, but also by achieving remarkable progress in his service to mankind. In the Pergade tradition of generous hospitality, every pilgrim to Dharmasthala is an honoured guest. Whatever his caste, creed or culture, he is provided with free food and shelter.
The Annapoorna Choultry, named after Goddess Annapoorneshwari (Goddess of Food) feeds more than 20,000 people per day. Thus Heggade fulfils his promise of annadaana.
Jain Education International VARDHAMAN 72