Mahavir Jayanti Celebrated in Bangalore

BANGALORE: Messages of non-violence and virtue reverberated in the air even as the city was painted in riotous colours marking Mahaveer Jayanti.

The 2610th birth anniversary of the last Tirthankara saw thousands take part in celebrations across the city. Organized by various Jain organizations, colourful processions, meetings and religious discourses marked the day. Speakers lauded the "Ahimsa Paramo Dharma" (the principles of non-violence and virtue) taught by Bhagwan Mahaveer and its relevance in the present day scenario.

The day began with the idol of Mahaveer being given a ceremonial bath followed by several rituals. Later, Maha Mastakabhisheka of Lord Mahaveer and special puja were held. Religious discourses and cultural activities were held throughout the day.

Speaking at a function in Freedom Park organized by the Jain Youth Association in Gandhinagar, chief minister B S Yeddyurappa lauded the contribution of Jain poets to Kannada literature.

"For ages, Jainism has been an integral part of Indian ethos. The rituals, teachings and religious roots of Jainism have assimilated into Indian culture. Through truth, non-violence, celibacy and rigorous achievement, Lord Mahaveer has been a trend-setter. The contributions by Janna, Pampa and Ponna to Kannada literature will remain forever. Mahatma Gandhi has proven that we can win with non-violence," Yeddyurappa said.

TRAIN TO BE RENAMED

Union minister of state for railways K H Muniyappa promised to rename either the Mysore-Jaipur train or Bangalore-Jodhpur train as Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Express. The Jain community members requested the CM to name the Metro railway station near Mysore Bank Circle after Lord Mahaveer.

MARCH FOR WORLD PEACE

Also known as the World Peace Day, the celebrations began with a peace march organized by Jain Yuva Sanghatan. The procession which was flagged off at Town Hall made its way through the narrow lanes of Nagarthpet, Chickpet via BVK Iyengar road to Freedom Park where thousands had gathered to spread the words of Mahaveer __ non-violence and peace.

There were multiple tableaus enacting various scenes from the Jain Mythology, life of Mahaveer. Mahaveer Janam Kalyanak was celebrated by the abhishek of the idol of Lord Mahaveer.

Sree Mahaveer Sangha organized a programme at Vimanapura, Old Airport Road. A procession of Lord Mahaveer Jain with 108 mangala kalasa was taken out on the morning followed by a religious function and later culminated with a cultural programme depicting the life story of Lord Mahaveer.

A book titled `Karnataka Digambar Jain Mandirs' was released on at a programme organized by the Karnataka Jain Association. It was followed by discourse of Jain teachings.

The Khandelwal Digamber Jain Samaj, Wilson Garden, held its festivities at the Digambar Jain Temple. A massive rally with all grandeur and royal decoration marked the celebrations.