Raipur, 9 September 2024//

Chief Minister  Vishnu Deo Sai attended the Siddhishikar Vijay Utsav, organised by the Jain community at the Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium on September 9. During the event,  Sai highlighted the Jain community’s deep-rooted tradition of ‘tapasya’ (penance), emphasising that such acts of devotion would bring prosperity and well-being to Chhattisgarh. A remarkable 114 ascetics, ranging from an 11-year-old boy to an 80-year-old woman, observed ‘Tap Sadhana’ for 44 days following Jain tradition. The Chief Minister honoured these dedicated ascetics for their commitment.

Sai spoke about the immense discipline of Jain saints and monks, who undertake long barefoot journeys and practice restraint in their consumption of food and drink, all while praying for the welfare of humanity. He praised the Jain religion’s noble tradition of accepting mistakes and seeking forgiveness. He also paid tribute to the saints who had arrived in the sacred land of Lord Ram’s maternal home and Mata Kaushalya, expressing his hope that their blessings would bring prosperity and happiness to every household in the state.

Presiding over the event, Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh emphasised the blessings Chhattisgarh has always received from saints and spiritual leaders. He noted that the ascetics’ profound penance was inspired by their gurus, whose guidance and blessings have consistently provided strength and motivation. Dr. Singh expressed his wish for Chhattisgarh, the land of Lord  Ram’s maternal home, to remain an oasis of peace, happiness, and prosperity.

Raipur MP  Brijmohan Agrawal congratulated the Jain ascetics, stating that their penance would bring prosperity and bliss to Chhattisgarh, a land of dharma and karma. He encouraged everyone to incorporate the teachings of the esteemed saints into their lives. Chief Minister  Vishnu Deo Sai, Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, and other dignitaries honoured the ascetics for their spiritual dedication.

Revered Jayapal Vijayi Maharaj also addressed the gathering, emphasising the core values of the Jain religion, which upholds non-violence and compassion. He remarked that the Jain philosophy views consumerism as a form of violence and that the penance of the saints and monks is conducted for the welfare of both the world and the nation. He compared the principles of Jainism to the depth of the Atlantic Ocean and the height of Mount Everest, praising the 114 ascetics for achieving spiritual victory through their ‘Tap siddhi’.

Revered Priyadarshi Vijay Ji Maharaj and Revered Teerth Prem Vijay Ji Maharaj were also present at the event. The program, organised by  Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Samaj and Chaturmas Samiti, was attended by MLAs  Rajesh Munat,  Gajraj Pagaria, and  Swarup Chand Jain, along with officebearers and members of the entire Jain community.