The Majestic Paryushan Mahaparva 2019 Thousands of enthusiastic devotees from across the globe congregated at the Dome in NSCI, Mumbai to celebrate the most glorious of all Jain festivals, the Paryushan Mahaparva in the exalted presence of Pujya Gurudevshri. Paryushan Mahaparva commenced on 26th August serving a rich course of pravachans, meditations, bhakti and devotional dedications; making way for new seekers to begin their journey of inner transformation and for those already on the path to accelerate their momentum. Jubilant Snatra Puja The sacred Paryushan mornings began with highly spirited and elevating Snatra Puja to celebrate the Chyavan and Janma Kalyanak of Tirthankar Bhagwan. Brimming with joyousness, several devotees were blessed with the opportunity to do pakshal pujan, perform nrutyabhakti and offer creative ghaulis. The atmosphere was surcharged with divinity during Snatra Puja, fuelling seekers with fervour in the devotion for Tirthankar Bhagwan. Celebrating the birth of Bhagwan Mahavir on the 5th day with great piety and festivity. Pujya Gurudevshri reverently rocked a cradle with an idol of Bhagwan Mahavir symbolic of the Lord’s birth and invited the devotees congregated at the venue to do the same. Captivating Pravachans Pujya Gurudevshri’s enriching morning pravachans elucidated the four Pathways to Liberation – ‘Mokshna Chaar Dwarpal’ based on Shri Yogvasishtha Maharamayana by saint Valmiki. Delving on each virtue essential for liberation, the Master simplified ‘Sham’ as quietude in all circumstances; ‘Vichar’ as the ability of the intellect to ponder over the fundamental questions of life; ‘Santosh’ as a sense of enoughness in material accumulations and achievements and gratitude; and ‘Satsang’ as the companionship of the Enlightened and wise. The Sadguru inspired seekers to listen, contemplate and experiment on the 4 virtues so as to experience the Truth and tread firmly on the path of liberation. The soul-stirring evening pravachans on ‘Inner Awakening with an Enlightened Master’ – ‘Jnanino Samagam Sarje Kalyan’ were based on Shrimad Rajchandra Vachanamrut Patrank – 522 which was addressed to Pujyashri Ambalalbhai. The Master’s gripping exposition electrified seekers giving them an insight into the transformational inner changes experienced by a seeker on coming in contact with, and recognising the Enlightened One. The inevitable transformation in the seeker would include the weakening of intense, long-lasting anger, pride, deceit and greed; a drop in the insistence of opinion and preconceived notions; turning towards seeing one’s own flaws; feeling disinterested and disgust in worldly talks and detachment from sensual pleasures. Repeatedly Pujya Gurudevshri would ring an alarm in the hearts of seekers to take spiritual welfare on their agenda and also give it the topmost priority. On the sacred day of Mahavir Jayanti, Pujya Gurudevshri addressed the large gathering with an address on the meaning of the Lord’s name ‘Vardhaman’ and the importance of Faith, Patience and Enthusiasm on the spiritual path. Purifying Meditations Aiding aspirants untangle inner knots, daily guided meditations embellished the evenings. They helped seekers delve within, overcome shortcomings and extend love to one and all. Encompassing themes of universal compassion, forgiveness, self-love and more, the 15-minute meditation sessions enabled seekers to seek and offer apologies and mentally dissolve the distance with others as also with themselves. Practised in a healing soft blue light amid the Sadguru’s peaceful presence the meditations quelled anger, hatred, worry and filled hearts with feelings of loving kindness. Esteemed Guests Hon. Union Cabinet Minister, Shri Nitin Gadkari was the guest of honour on the evening of August 27. Shri Nitin Gadkari holds the portfolio of Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises in the Government of India. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gadkari appreciated the compassionate initiatives undertaken by Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care. He also shared personal experiences of his involvement in social work and the audience appreciated the same. The Hon. Union Cabinet Minister reverently felicitated Pujya Gurudevshri and sought the Master’s blessings. Shri Gadkari was lovingly felicitated by representatives of the Mission. Pujya Gurudevshri along with Shri Gadkari launched the 2019 edition of ‘Power of One’, a social initiative by Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care that aims to benefit thousands from the underprivileged sections of society. It is a unique programme that invites people to donate even as little as one pair of clothes, one handful of grains, one pair of footwear, one soft toy or one utensil for the deprived. Eminent personalities from the field of Education such as Founding Dean – Indian School of Management & Entrepreneurship (ISME) and President and Chairperson of Indian School of Design & Innovation (ISDI), Dr Indu Shahani; Managing Director – Navneet Education Ltd., Shri Sunil Gala and Dean (Finance) – Welingkar Institute of Management and Founder – Kanu Doshi Associates, Shri Kanubhai Doshi were the special guests on August 29. Dr Indu Shahani shared her heartfelt appreciation for the values that Pujya Gurudevshri is instilling in the youth of today. She mentioned how some of the young devotees of the Mission who are her students took quick action in developing plans for one of her projects to help the society. The dignitaries were presented with mementoes by Pujya Gurudevshri. On the auspicious occasion of celebration of Mahavir Jayanti, the Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijaybhai Rupani and Hon. Minister for Railways and Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Shri Piyush Goyal were cordially present at the large evening gathering for the virtual inauguration of Shrimad Rajchandra Animal Nursing Home, an initiative by Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care for providing compassionate healthcare services to animals. A plaque bearing the name of the nursing home was unveiled by Pujya Gurudevshri, Shri Vijaybhai Rupani and Shri Piyush Goyal. A book penned by Pujya Gurudevshri – ‘The Benevolent Principles of Bhagwan Mahavir’ and a DVD set of Pujya Gurudevshri’s pravachans in Hindi ‘Adhyatma ka Beej’ were also launched by the distinguished guests on this hallowed occasion. Shri Vijaybhai Rupani and Shri Piyush Goyal expressed their reverence by felicitating Pujya Gurudevshri. Amidst claps of appreciation from all present, the Hon. Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijaybhai Rupani was conferred the ‘Shasan Ratna’ award by Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur. Shri Vijaybhai Rupani was presented with this award for his contribution in upholding Jainism and supporting various benevolent initiatives. Both Shri Vijaybhai and his wife Anjaliben sought blessings from Pujya Gurudevshri. Shri Vijaybhai Rupani addressed the gathering and extolled the various spiritual and social initiatives of the Mission. Shri Piyush Goyal also spoke on the occasion about Param Krupalu Dev and Pujya Gurudevshri’s immense contribution towards making a difference in the world with their thoughts, beliefs, ideologies and spiritual connect. Beneficiaries of the Shrimad Rajchandra Mahila Gruha Udyog initiative offered a hamper of their products to Shri Vijaybhai Rupani while the medical team of the newly-inaugurated Shrimad Rajchandra Animal Nursing Home offered a token of love to Shri Piyush Goyal. Elevating Dramas On the 1st day of Paryushan Mahaparva an uplifting and inspiring theatrical performance highlighting the importance of Paryushan Mahaparva was showcased by devotees. Titled, ‘The Glory of Paryushan’ the drama brought to light the wonderful history of Paryushan. The beautiful drama along with exuberant dances, recounted how in response to a question by King Shrenik, Bhagwan Mahavir explained the glory of Paryushan Mahaparva. The play narrated the story of King Gajsinh, who by practising and celebrating Paryushan Parva will become Tirthankar and attain liberation. It also described how King Udayan sought forgiveness from his enemy King Chandapradyot, who was held captive by the former but was released on account of the sublime Paryushan Mahaparva. The drama was directed by Parthsarthi Vaidya, who had performed the blessed role of Param Krupalu Dev in the drama Yugpurush – Mahatma Na Mahatma. On the splendid occasion of celebration of Mahavir Jayanti during Paryushan Mahaparva, a musical dance – drama ‘Lord Mahavir’s Message in the Modern Era’, was performed by devotees; highlighting Jainism’s four great principles of Ahimsa, Aparigraha, Anekant and Apramad. Through portrayal of various incidents from Bhagwan Mahavir’s sacred life, the drama skilfully showed how Bhagwan not just preached but lived these principles. It also expertly demonstrated the significance of these values in today’s times. The uniquely choreographed dances held the audience spellbound. Ecstatic aspirants fluttered the flag of Jainism during the finale. The elating musical drama was written, directed and performed by devotees of the Mission. Devotional Evening with Sachin Sanghvi With their heart-touching rendition and moving lyrics, music composer duo Sachin-Jigar have made a special place in the hearts of devotees. The duo had seekers swaying in devotion with their mesmerising performances during ‘Unmoved Mover’, the Golden Jubilee year celebrations of Pujya Gurudevshri and ‘Yugpurush Saardh Shatabdi Mahotsav’, celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Param Krupalu Dev. Taking their association with the Mission ahead the pair had also rendered music to the phenomenal play ‘Yugpurush – Mahatma Na Mahatma.’ Sachin Sanghvi, from the duo, along with his daughter Tanishka Sanghvi gave an enthralling performance on the 6th evening of Paryushan Mahaparva immersing seekers in the bliss of devotion. Singing some of their most famous tracks, the team of father-daughter immediately connected the audience with the divine enveloping the ambience in serenity. Sachin and Tanishka were lovingly blessed by Pujya Gurudevshri. Sanctifying Samvatsari September 2, the last day of Paryushan Mahaparva, witnessed an ocean of white pour into the premises of the Dome, NSCI. The venue was jam-packed as emotions reached a pinnacle on the soul-cleansing day of Samvatsari. Each devotee was drawn inwards into introspection during the heartfelt alochana recounting the faults committed knowingly or unknowingly. A sense of atonement emerged effortlessly. As the benevolent Sadguru traversed all sections of the large venue, blessing seekers with His compassionate gaze, they sought forgiveness with moist eyes resolving to align their life as per the teachings of the Enlightened Ones and committing once again to the Master to put ‘Atmakalyan’ on top priority in their agenda.
