Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar accompanied by his wife Sudesh offering puja to Jain Tirthankara at the ongoing Mahamastakabhisheka at Navagraha Tirtha of Varur near Hubballi on Thursday. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi is seen.
| Photo Credit: KIRAN BAKALE
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has said that temples and mutts are not just centres of religion but also centres that initiate social change.
He was speaking at the ongoing 12-day Mahamastakabhisheka of nine Tirthankaras at the Navagraha Tirtha of Varur near Hubballi on Thursday.
The Vice-President said that because of various conflicts, there is global a crisis and the tragedy is that the importance of dialogue is not being understood.
“There is a need for understanding the significance of dialogue and chanting the ‘antra of peace. India too is facing challenges at the global level,” he said.
Mr. Dhankhar said that if there is real Vikas (development), then India will be Vishwa Guru.
“Our rich culture is facing several problems and it is our duty to protect our culture. We have a 5,000 years old civilisation with a great spiritual history,” he said.
Emphasising the significance of India’s cultural history and spirituality, the Vice-President said that spiritual power is greater than nuclear power.
Elaborating on the basic tenets of Jainism, he said that Jainism reflects faith, knowledge and spirituality and the Sumeru Parvata in Jainism is the mountain of religiosity.
He also underscored the need for adopting the basic principles of a humanitarian Jainism in one’s life.
Lauding the contribution of the seer of Navagratha Tirtha, Sri Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj, the Vice-President said that places like Navagraha Tirtha are platforms for equality and co-existence.
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi too lauded the efforts of Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj and said that the Jain monk has not only converted Varur into a religious centre but also an academic centre by establishing 13 educational institutions in the last two decades.
Recalling the contributions of Jain Tirthankaras to the cultural treasure of the country, Sri Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj emphasised the need for protecting the interest of all nations through world peace.
Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade, wife of Vice-President Sudesh Jagdeep Dhankhar, a host of Jain monks from across the country took part in the prgramme.
Published – January 16, 2025 08:14 pm IST
