Jain Society Office bearers (from left) Atul Shah (President), Tejas Shah (Secretary), Arvind Shah (Trustee), Vipul Shah (Membership Secretary),
CHICAGO: The eight-day festival, known as “Paryushan Maha Parva” is a festival of Dharma Aradhana. It was celebrated with religious fervor and enthusiasm by hundreds of followers of Jainism across Chicagoland at Jain Temple in Bartlett.
During these eight days Jains follow total non-violence, love, compassion, and fasting. The festival ordains the Jains to observe the ten universal supreme virtues in daily practical life. The non-Jains also express high reverence for this Jain festival.
At the temple the celebrations started two days before the actual start of Paryushan, that is on September 4. On this occasion, well known scholar Swami Shri Srutpragyaiji of Peace of Mind institution of Rajkot delivered a series of lectures throughout the eight days, both morning and evening.
Chosen topics were very appropriate for day-to-day life, and kept about 800-1000 people on daily basis seated in a main auditorium with pin-drop silence, glued to their seats.
Each evening prior to lecture, a melodious musical (Bhavana) was performed by well-known singers and musician Karnik Shah & Rinku Shah of Vadodara. Ending was with Aarti and Mangal Divo sung by musical group each day.
During the grand celebration of the Janma Vaanchan, JSMC Chairman Prabodh Vaidya welcomed the community and announced the goal for the fundraising – “Million to go. Million to be free.”
JSMC President Atul Shah also touched upon the fundraising goal and explained the importance of Tapasya (fasting), while Secretary Tejas Shah provided detailed outline of the Paryushan program including Idol Puja, Snatrapuja, Bhaki-sangeet, Ekasana and Swamivatsalya.
JSMC raised $ 2 million interest free loan and about half a million dollars in donation/pledges from the members. With collected loan amount and donations, JSMC was able to pay off the entire outstanding bank mortgage amount-the biggest milestone in JSMC history.
Samatsavari, the last day of this festival is also one of the most significant when every member forgives one another by saying Michchhami Dukkadam. Following Samvatsari was the Tapasvi Parana Celebration where all the Tapasvis break their fast.
This time there were 60 Atthai and above (8 Upavas or more). One of the Board of Trustees Sunil Jain inaugurated Tapasvi Parana Celebration which was uniquely done.
Asian Media USA
