On January 30, 2012, Monday, which happens to be Ratha Sapthami day, the idol of lord Mahavira, the last Thirthankara of Jainism, is being installed at the Sri Danvantri Arogya Peedam, Walajapet, Vellore district, between 9 a.m. and 10.30 a.m.
A note from the peedam explains that Mahavira was born in 599 B.C. and was the last Tirthankara. ‘Maha’ means great and ‘vira’ means hero. ‘Tirtha’ literally means a ford, a means of crossing over. Metaphorically, it denotes a spiritual guide or philosophy which enables one to cross the ocean of recurring births in this world. ‘Kara’ means one who makes. The whole word Tirthankara means a Jain holy teacher.
In Jain metaphysics, ‘time’ is divided into cycles. It is claimed that in each half-cycle, twenty-four Tirthankaras, at long intervals, preach anew the doctrines. Mahavira was the twenty-fourth, and like the others, is claimed to have been omniscient.
Mahavira’s 12 Anuprekshas according to the Jain scriptures:
1. All worldly things are temporary.
2. The Soul alone is the sole resort.
3. This world is beginningless and crooked.
4. There is nothing to help the Soul, but the Soul itself.
5. Body, mind, etc., are essentially separate from the Soul.
6. The Soul is essentially pure and the body, etc., are essentially impure.
7. The Soul’s bondage is due to the inflow of Karma in it.
8. Every being ought to stop this inflow.
9. Emancipation is attained when Karma is absolutely got rid of.
10. The emancipated Souls remain fit the foremost top of the filled spaces.
11. In this world, to have the birth of a human being and to meditate on the nature of the Soul are the greatest blessings.
12. To have the three jewels as described by the Omniscient is the only morality.
The Sri Danvantri Arogya Peedam founder Muralidhara Swamigal felt that everyone should follow the preachings of Mahavira and, hence, decided on installing the idol of lord Mahavira at the peedam, Walajapet, Vellore district.
The idol installation function will be presided by Swasthi Sri Lakshmisena Battaraka Battacharyavarya Maha Swamigal, Sarva Jainaalaya administrator – Jaina Kanchi Mutt and Swasthi Sri Thavalakeerthi Battaraka Battacharyavarya Maha Swamigal of Sri Seshadri Arahanthagiri Thikambara Jaina Mutt, Thirumalai.
The chief guests are Rajnibhai Babulal Shah & Hemlata Rajnibhai Shah, Amartex Dyes Corporation & Arihant Dyechem, Goregaon, Mumbai. The other guests of honour are Dr Rita, Anna Nagar, Chennai, and Walajapet advocate K P Kumar.
The note from the peedam adds that devotees are welcome to attend the function and get the blessings of lord Mahavira.
For more details, please contact:
Sri Danvantri Arogya Peedam,
Ananthalai Madhura, Kilpudupet,
Walajapet - 632513, Vellore District.
Phone: 91-4172-230033/292133/292433/0-94433-30203
E-mail: danvantripeedam@gmail.com, info@danvantri.org
www.danvantri.org
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