Udaipur. The City of Lakes witnessed a profoundly spiritual moment on Wednesday as Jain Acharya Mahashraman began his Vihar (holy foot journey) from Udaipur. The moment the Acharya and his monks prepared to depart from Mahapragya Vihar in Bhuwana, thousands of devotees gathered to bid him farewell. As the white-robed monastic procession moved forward, chants of “Mahashraman ki Jai” filled the air, creating an atmosphere of devotion and divine fervor. Many devotees became emotional as they watched the revered Acharya begin his journey.

Earlier in the morning, Acharya Mahashraman addressed a gathering on the significance of charity, calling Abhay Daan—the gift of fearlessness—the highest form of giving.

A Sacred Meeting of Two Jain Saints

According to Alok Pagaria, senior vice president of the Terapanth Sabha, the Acharya reached Devendra Dham around 3:15 pm during his Vihar. Here, a deeply symbolic and spiritual meeting took place between Acharya Mahashraman and the nationally revered Jain saint, Pujya Pulak Sagar Maharaj.

The two Jain Acharyas emphasized unity within Jainism, noting that true harmony must begin with the saints themselves. “If the top button of a shirt is wrongly fastened, all others automatically misalign,” they remarked—underscoring that harmony must start at the top.

This sacred meeting occurred near the memorial of the third Jain Acharya Devendramuni, making it a rare Manikanchan Yog. Devotees from all three Jain sects were present in large numbers. After a 15-minute interaction, the two saints walked out together hand-in-hand, leaving the gathered devotees deeply moved. Industrialists Ashok Patni and Vimal Patni of the RK Group were among those present.

Journey Toward Nathdwara Highway

Many devotees joined the Acharya on foot, chanting reverently as they walked alongside him for part of the journey. From Devendra Dham, Acharya Mahashraman covered nearly 6 km to reach the establishment of Terapanth Sabha President Kamal Nahata near Sukher-Amberi on the Nathdwara Highway. All along the route, devotees welcomed him with chants and respectful greetings.

After halting for the night, the Acharya will continue his Vihar on Thursday morning toward Dhabaloji.

“Abhay Daan Is the Greatest Gift,” Says Acharya Mahashraman

During the morning discourse at Mahapragya Vihar, Acharya Mahashraman spoke on the importance of different types of charity—knowledge, clothing, wealth, and even organ donation—but asserted that Abhay Daan stands above all because it protects life.

To illustrate this, he narrated the story of a king who loved hunting. One day, after killing a deer in the forest, he encountered a meditating sage. Fearful of being cursed, the king confessed his deed and begged forgiveness. The sage granted him Abhay Daan (protection) on the condition that the king would abandon violence and pledge to protect all living beings. The king accepted, relieved and transformed.

The Value of Right Practice and Meditation

Acharya Mahashraman said that all forms of spiritual practice must ultimately nurture non-violence. Among these, Samyak Sadhana and Samayik hold immense importance. Practicing Samayik daily is ideal, he said, and the early morning hours are the most auspicious for meditation. Through disciplined spiritual practice, one can gradually overcome anger, attachment, delusion, and greed.

The Power of a Saint’s Presence

“A saint is a walking and living pilgrimage,” the Acharya said. Saints embody restraint, penance, and purity; even divine beings bow to them. Upon passing away, they attain either celestial realms or liberation itself. Merely seeing a saint can wash away countless karmic impurities.

For householders, wealth is necessary, he added, but it must be earned with purity and honesty. “Complete honesty in one’s work is possible if there is willpower and commitment,” he emphasized. For monks, however, austerity, meditation, and renunciation are their true wealth.

Thousands Gather in a Colorful Pavilion

By 4:30 am, long queues of devotees had formed at Mahapragya Vihar to catch a glimpse of the Acharya. The massive five-colored pavilion was packed to capacity, with an equally large crowd standing in disciplined lines outside. After 14 years, the Acharya’s arrival in Udaipur had become a festival of devotion. Thousands of men, women, and youth offered their respects throughout the day.

Entire Community United in Service

The event was graced by Tribal Minister Babulal Kharadi, Pulak Chetna Manch National President Vinod Fandot, Oswal Sabha President Prakash Kothari, MLA Phool Singh Meena, and BJP leader Pramod Samar.

Leading members of the Terapanth Sabha—including President Kamal Nahata, Senior Vice President Alok Pagaria, Vice President Vinod Kachhara, Minister Abhishek Pokharna, Treasurer Bhagwati Surana, and others—were present. The entire event was organized jointly by Terapanth Sabha, Terapanth Yuvak Parishad, Terapanth Mahila Mandal, Terapanth Professionals Forum, Anuvrat Committee, Terapanth Kishore Mandal, and Terapanth Kanya Mandal.

Minister Kharadi Receives Blessings

Tribal Minister Babulal Kharadi received blessings from Acharya Mahashraman and said, “It is because of saints like you that moral values survive in society. Your arrival has filled Udaipur with spiritual energy.”

Book Launch: Laxman Singh Karnawat’s Autobiography

Acharya Mahashraman also released the autobiography of Laxman Singh Karnawat. Praising his contributions to serving monks and saints across Mewar, the Acharya recalled previously honoring him with the title Shraddhanishtha Shasansevi.

 

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