Jains in Mumbai protest the sanctuaries' ecotourism designation and degradation

On Sunday, several Jains demonstrated against the degradation of sacred sites in Shratyunjay Giriraj in Palitana, Gujarat, and the proposed eco-tourism label for Shri Sammed Shikhar in Jharkhand. The community's sadhus also urged that the hills be given to them and that alcohol and non-vegetarian food be prohibited within 500 metres of the hills. Because the first Tirthankar obtained Moksha there, Shatrunjay Giriraj is revered as a holy site, while at Sammed, 20 of 24 Tirthankars attained Moksha.

 

"At Shatrunjay Giriraj Hills near Palitana, the footprints of Adinath Bhagwan were destroyed a month ago. We consider it to be one of the holiest places because our first Tirthankar visited there "said Arvind Jain, a Byculla resident who took part in a march that began at the V. P. Road police station and ended at August Kranti Maidan while carrying a banner depicting the sacrilege. A second Marine Lines protester, Saurabh Jain, stated, "Our Sadhu Maharaj was also hit there."

 

After the demonstration, remarks were given in the August Kranti Maidan by Sadhus assembled there, a minister and local BJP MLA named Mangal Prabhat Lodha, as well as Lodha's wife. The minister was congratulated by the rally's organisers "for everything" he had done. "We desire that the Jains receive the Shatrunjay Giriraj and Shri Sammed Shikhar. Our second requirement is that alcohol not be served near places of worship as it is prohibited by law. Alcohol and non-vegetarian food shouldn't be permitted near these locations" stated Jain Monk Naypadmasagar Maharajsaheb.

 

The rumour spreading around the community was that a member of a right-wing organisation was reportedly responsible for hooliganism. In the community, videos were shared alleging the construction of an unauthorised Shiva temple, encroachment in Palitana, and inappropriate behaviour toward Jain Sadhus in Shatrunjay Giriraj.

 

"Hamari Vishwahindu Bhawna ko Kamjori na mani jae" (Our pan-Hindu belief should not be considered as our weakness), said the Sadhu, who was outspoken about his love for Prime Minister Modi. He also requested that the community members set aside about 9% of their budgeted amounts for religious affairs for the protection of the religious sites. "I've been battling against mining in Shatryanjay Giriraj for eight years. Even our blood has been sacrificed for it. Despite claims to the contrary, we are Kshatriya ke bacche "Virat Sagar Maharajsaheb, a different speaker, remarked.

 

 

Image Courtesy: Twitter @TOIMumbai