Hyderabad, Nov 15: Nearly 3,000 devotees participated in a grand procession marking the Jain Bhagwati Diksha Mahotsav of 25-year-old Sanjana Lunawat from Maharashtra, who is set to embrace Jain Sadhvihood tomorrow (November 15).
The procession commenced from Lalitha Kala Thoranam and proceeded through the Public Gardens, Nampally Metro Station, Gandhi Bhavan and Ajanta Gate before culminating at the Exhibition Grounds. Featuring vintage cars, horses and traditional bands, the procession witnessed enthusiastic participation by Jain devotees and members of the community.
Following the procession, Sanjana performed the traditional Varshi Dan ritual at the Exhibition Grounds, donating all her personal valuables, possessions and money as a symbolic act of renunciation and detachment from worldly life.
An MBA graduate, fashion designer and boutique entrepreneur, Sanjana had built a promising career and business for herself. However, drawn towards Jain philosophy and spiritual pursuits since the age of 12, she has chosen to give up her professional ambitions and material comforts to dedicate her life to Jain Dharma.
“I do not find the kind of happiness and peace I am seeking in this materialistic world. I believe I will find that happiness and peace through a life dedicated to Jain Dharma,” she says.
The Jain Bhagwati Diksha ceremony will be held tomorrow, November 15, at the Exhibition Grounds, Nampally, Hyderabad, under the guidance of Pujya Acharya 1008 Shri Gyanandchandraji Maharaj Saheb. Over 10,000 devotees are expected to attend the ceremony.