Paryushan Mahaparva 2024 View Photos In an assembly of piety at the Dome, National Sports Club of India (N.S.C.I.), Mumbai, seekers from around the globe convened to celebrate the revered Paryushan Mahaparva – the monarch of Jain festivals. With the blessings of Param Krupalu Dev and under the guidance of Pujya Gurudevshri, this sacred event from August 31 to September 7 heralded an exceptional journey for new seekers and presented seasoned practitioners with another opportunity to further enrich and accelerate their spiritual progress. Sanctifying Snatra Puja Each day dawned with the spirited enthusiasm of devotees performing Snatra Puja, commemorating the Chyavan and the Janma Kalyanak of Tirthankar Bhagwan. Aspirants brimming with reverence for the Lord performed pakshal, puja, nrutyabhakti and offered creative ghaulis every day. Aspirants danced with joy as their devotion reached its pinnacle during the chants highlighting the virtues of Param Krupalu Dev. Pious Pravachans Pujya Gurudevshri delivered insightful discourses during the morning session of the first seven days of Paryushan on the chapter of Inanimate Matter of Shri Natak Samaysaar composed by Atmarasi Pandit Shri Banarasidasji. These insightful pravachans imparted seekers with a detailed understanding of how to focus on the true Self and disassociate from inanimate matter through the practice of ‘bhedjnan’ – the art of differentiating the pure consciousness from the body, mind and modes. Aspirants realised the importance of going beyond mere intellectual conviction of this philosophy and of aligning one’s beliefs with these eternal truths. In the evening discourses, Pujya Gurudevshri illuminated ‘The True Practice of Dharma’, based on Patrank – 903 of Shrimad Rajchandra Vachanamrut. Each day covered a different aspect of religion with the following topics: Day 1 – Dharma – A Science Day 2 – Dharma – An Art Day 3 – Dharma – An Awakening Day 4 – Dharma – A Transformation Day 5 – Dharma – An Ecstasy Day 6 – Dharma – A Choice Day 7 – Dharma – An Attainment Pujya Gurudevshri masterfully elucidated the fundamentals of practising religion, its effect on the aspirants’ lives and laid out a blueprint for progressing spiritually by following the eternal principles of Dharma. These discourses provided new seekers with an invaluable springboard to dive onto the path, while it deepened the understanding of existing seekers. Euphoric Evening Celebrations Apart from the discourses on Patrank – 903, each evening carried a special programme that nourished seekers. On the inaugural evening, the audience was captivated by the musical Hindi play, ‘Jain Dharma ka Yashogaan’, directed by Shri Atul Satya Koushik. This theatrical masterpiece celebrated the heroes of Jainism and highlighted the contributions of Jain saints, scholars and leaders in various fields. The second evening featured the launch of SRMD Courses by Pujya Gurudevshri and esteemed guests. The courses include a gamut of topics; from spiritual texts to holistic wellness. The soothing and rejuvenating candlelight sound bath and chanting meditation by the SRMD Yoga team helped seekers delve within on the third evening. The trustees of the N.S.C.I. committee paid their respects to Pujya Gurudevshri, lovingly felicitating the Master. The fourth evening celebrated the power of compassion as Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care unveiled the Mission Africa initiative to uplift communities across 16 African nations through a multi-fold programme. This initiative was launched by Pujya Gurudevshri in the presence of esteemed dignitaries representing the African continent. Celebrations revering the birth of Bhagwan Mahavir filled the atmosphere with joy and ecstasy on the fifth evening. Pujya Gurudevshri tenderly rocked the cradle of the Lord, imbuing the moment with profound sanctity. Devotees gathered in deep reverence, each participating in this sacred ritual as the cradle’s rope was passed through the vast assembly, weaving a bond of shared devotion that united every soul in the Dome. The evening of the sixth day saw the youth gather to witness a Live Talk Show, ‘Ritual to Spiritual’ – Tales of Transformation by the Global Youth which featured Naman Ambavi, Nidhi Sanghrajka, Meera Mehta, Varun Mehta and Shiv Jasani. The evening also witnessed the flag-off of the Global Youth Festival (GYF) 2024, which will take place at the Dharampur Ashram from 21st to 23rd December this year. Mr. Anupam Mittal, renowned entrepreneur and Founder and Chief Executive Officer, People Group and Mr. Prashant Pitti, Managing Director and Co-founder, EaseMyTrip, unveiled the theme for this year’s festival – Game of Life, and shared words of appreciation and inspiration. Over 180 children from Shrimad Rajchandra Divinetouch performed a dance drama, ‘Legacy of Greatness,’ highlighting the rich heritage of the country on the seventh evening. The drama was choreographed by Sweta Doshi, Twins Dance Art Studios and the music was composed by Kaizad Gherda. Defeating Delusion, a book authored by Pujya Gurudevshri, and the Sound Bath Meditation tracks were launched during the Paryushan Mahaparva. A special interactive workshop for children and teenagers, ‘I Love Paryushan,’ was also organised on the first two days. Exhibition stalls on the Jinmandir, SRMD Yoga, SRMD Courses, Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care and the Global Youth enabled seekers to gain a deeper understanding of the Mission’s varied activities. Compassion was celebrated as plans for an Animal Hospital in Mumbai were announced. Sacrosanct Samvatsari At the auspicious culmination of Paryushan Mahaparva, on September 7, N.S.C.I. was awash in a sea of devotees. The morning session included the Snatra Puja and Pujya Gurudevshri’s profound discourse on Patrank – 654, where He employed the elegant analogy of a circle to elucidate the path of liberation. He urged seekers to turn inward, towards the serenity of the true Self. This sage counsel was intended to ready the devotees for the Samvatsarik Alochana later in the day. The chief guest for the day was Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra. Amongst the other guests present were Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, the Honourable Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Government of Maharashtra; Shri Motilal Oswal, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. and Shri Subhash Runwal, Founder and Chairman of Runwal Group. In the pious presence of Pujya Gurudevshri, the Hon’ble Governor launched the distribution drive of The Power of One Campaign, which is a global movement inspiring generosity by encouraging people to declutter their homes and open their hearts. Over eight lakh items, including clothes, food and toys, have been collected in just five weeks through 100 centres across five continents. These donations will be distributed to those in need, from slums to orphanages. Joy Avenue, a Community Care initiative by Shrimad Rajchandra Youthwing, too was flagged off by the Hon’ble Governor. Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan also addressed the crowd and shared his heartfelt experiences. An extraordinary wave of compassion transformed into action as 501 animals were rescued from slaughterhouses and lovingly relocated to animal shelters. During the heartfelt Alochana in the afternoon, each seeker turned inward, deeply introspecting on their faults committed knowingly or unknowingly. Post Alochana, as the compassionate Master gracefully moved through the vast assembly, His benevolent gaze caressed each soul with indescribable love. In the sanctity of that moment, eyes welled up with tears of penitence, the devotees sought His forgiveness, baring their hearts in sincere remorse. United in a collective vow, they resolved to realign their lives with the sacred teachings of the Enlightened Ones. As the Paryushan Mahaparva concludes, we endeavour to carry Pujya Gurudevshri’s wisdom in our lives, with a resolve to apply it and reap rich benefits of true peace and bliss.
