News on Jainism around the World
Summary
The article "News on Jainism around the World" presents a collection of news briefs concerning the preservation, legal disputes, and cultural practices of the Jain community. The primary subject of the first segment is the urgent need to protect the 17 rock-cut beds of Jain ascetics at Sittannavasal, located 20 km from Pudukottai. Dating back to the 2nd century B.C., these beds are threatened by the blasting of nearby quarries at the foot of the hill and at Kazhugumalai village. According to Mr. P. Rajendran, a Conservation Officer of the Archaeological Survey of India, the continuous high-pressure wind from these blasts risks collapsing the cavern. However, there is hope following assurances from the newly appointed District Collector, Mr. Chandrakant Kamble, who plans to stop new quarrying licenses near the site. The lease of the quarry at the foot of the hill will expire and not be renewed, and a decision has been made to halt quarrying near Kudumiyanmalai, Sittannavasal, and Ammachatram. The text notes that the Pudukottai region was an important centre for Jain ascetics from early days, with Sittannavasal, Vellanur, Thenimalai, Ammachatram, Kudumiyanmalai, and Chettipatti serving as their secluded residences. The second and third segments discuss a landmark ruling by the Mumbai High Court, delivered by Justice Rajan Kochar, regarding a dispute over Jain worship rituals. The court held that observing the 'Be Tithi' calendar and performing 'Navangi' Guru worship is not illegal or contrary to the tenets of Jain religion. This ruling resolves a controversy between two factions: one believing in 'Ekang' and 'Ek Tithi', and the other following 'Navang' and 'Be Tithi'. The case originated when the Matunga Jain Shwetamber Murli Pujak Tapagachha Sangh trust attempted to ban 'Navangi' worship at its Upashraya temple. The court ruled in favor of the devotees, stating that a trust cannot restrict the mode of worship, which depends on the devotee's and Guru's 'Bhakti'. The fourth segment covers the centenary of the 'Lampless Jain temple' in Mattancherry, Kerala, which is celebrated by the Sthanakvasi Jains during 'Paryushan Parva'. This Sthanak is unique as it lacks idols, pujas, incense, flowers, and lamps, with worshippers covering their nose and mouth to avoid inhaling living organisms. The article notes the presence of prosperous Jain communities in Kochi, including 1200 Swethambara Jains and 400 Sthanakvasi Jains, and mentions other historical temples in Kerala like the one in Wyanad, the Kallil Bhagavati temple in Perumbavoor, and the temple in Nagercoil. Finally, the fifth segment reports on a function in Chennai on September 16, organized by the Shri Chandraprabhu Jain Naya Mandir Trust as part of the 2600th birth anniversary celebrations of Lord Mahaveer. Speakers, including Jain Acharyas Nityodaya Sagar Suriji Maharaj and Chandranan Sagar Suriji Maharaj, recalled the teachings of Lord Mahaveer to promote universal peace, environmental preservation, and harmony between humans and animals. The event featured the rendering of 'Mahamangalik'.
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Conclusion
This article highlights the multifaceted global presence and contemporary challenges of Jainism, underscoring its historical depth and modern-day relevance. A key finding is the urgent need to protect the ancient, rock-cut Jain beds at Sittannavasal from environmental degradation caused by nearby quarrying, a threat mitigated by administrative interventions. Furthermore, the text details a landmark High Court ruling in Mumbai that legally validates diverse, traditional devotional practices, such as 'Navangi' worship and the 'Be Tithi' calendar, resolving internal sectarian disputes. The enduring legacy of unique architectural sites, like Kerala’s century-old lampless Sthanakvasi temple, demonstrates Jainism’s distinct spiritual practices and historical resilience. Finally, the global revival of Jain principles—emphasizing universal peace, environmental preservation, and non-violence—illustrates the religion's profound contemporary significance, attracting new adherents worldwide.