Hubballi: ‘Math and Mandir Are Living Institutions of Social Change,’ VP Highlights at Sumeru Parvata Inauguration

Hubballi:  Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankhar today said that Bharat has preserved its spiritual power over thousands of years in spite of assaults and our temples form a network of spiritual power.

Speaking at the inauguration of the ‘Sumeru Parvata’ at Sri Navagraha Teertha Kshetra in Dharwad today,  Dhankhar said that, “ Our temples form a network of Adhyatmik shakti, it is much beyond nuclear shakti. Adhyatmik Shakti has a transformative power to bring about positive change of dimensions that have unthinkable proportions. We have preserved our Adhyatmik Shakti. We have nurtured it. In spite of assaults, it is blossoming, it is transmitted through India's Sanatan Mulya across thousands of year. Where eternal wisdom illuminates the path, humanity finds peace. This is one place where eternal wisdom is illuminated. ‘Bharat’ is a land where eternal wisdom is illuminated and it is here that humanity finds peace”.

Reflecting on the ancient wisdom of Bharat, he stated, “ Truth like diamond has many facets. Anekantavada, our ancient doctrine of multiple viewpoints, provides a framework for global diplomacy in today's complex world. Anekantavada encapsulates a sense of expression and dialogue. Much of the problem of humanity emanates because expression is compromised and dialogue is negative. You can have meaning in your right of expression only when you believe in dialogue. Dialogue gives you the other perspective, the other point of view. We should not be arrogant to subscribe to a viewpoint we alone are right, this can never happen. We must lend our ears to the wiser counsel around by engaging in dialogue and that is what is indicated by Anekantavada”.

“The three jewels, ‘Ahinsa’, ‘Aparigraha’ and ‘Anekantvad’ , are not just words. They define our life pattern. They defined sublimity of civilization. These are the planks and premise for existence on the planet. These three taken together offer profound solutions to global challenges, to violence, over consumption, and ideological polarization. Our civilization, and it has depth of 5,000 years, our ethos, our wealth of knowledge and wisdom, carries wisdom of ages. From ancient temples to modern technological hubs, we have balanced “Bhautik Unnati” with ‘Adhyatmik Vikas’. Both are essential to lead a life of satisfaction, peace, solace”, he added.

Highlighting the need to balance material and spiritual development, the VP said, ‘ True ‘Vikas’ must balance material progress with spiritual growth, a message India carries as ‘Vishwa Guru’.

“Time is not measured by clocks, but by moments of transformation. The MahaMastakabhisheka performed every 12 years is our bridge between ‘Prachin Gyan’ (ancient knowledge) and ‘Aadhunik Chunautiyan’ (modern challenges). In an era of environmental crisis, a crisis that has become an existential challenge for the entire humanity, Jain principles of “Ahinsa” towards all living things and mindful resource utilization offers solutions for sustainable development towards “Viksit Bharat” at 2047. We are taught by this Dharma to be optimal, frugal in utilization of natural resources. We cannot be reckless or over-conceptive about them only because we can afford”, he added.

Emphasising on the need for maintaining ethical conduct,  Dhankhar said that, “Ethics is non-compromising. Ethical standards are embedded in our culture. Any dilution, any deviation will rouse your soul, will deprive you of peace. We must scrupulously, meticulously maintain highest ethical standards, no temptation. No allurement, irrespective of the size, can be a premise, a justifiable ground to deviate from the ethical path. It is such centers that teach us how to practice ethics. It is such centers that imbibe us with this spirit. Each one of us beholden to make aware our young minds, our children, about the importance of ethics in society.”

Highlighting the significance of our religious and sacred places,  Dhankhar underlined, “ Our math and our mandir are not just places of worship, they are much beyond. They are living institutions of social change, adapting ancient wisdom to address contemporary challenges……Our sacred spaces are dynamic centres beyond religiosity, these are vibrant centres of shiksha (education), chikitsa (health) and seva (service). In the process of continuing India's tradition of holistic development through service to all, with equality, without discrimination.

Governor Thawarchand Gehlot emphasized the teertha’s religious and educational contributions across its 40-acre campus. He called for collective efforts towards global peace and encouraged seeking blessings from saints to lead a virtuous life.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi praised Acharya Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj’s efforts in developing the holy place which now includes 13 colleges. He noted the significant progress since the first Mahamastakabhisheka and envisioned the site becoming a prominent religious tourism destination.

Acharya Gunadhar Nandi Maharaj, presiding over the event, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for fulfilling the dream of inaugurating Sumeru Parvat, a symbol of his and his devotees’ aspirations. He conveyed his joy that the Vice President inaugurated the monument as per their wish.

Vice President Dhankhar’s wife Sudesh Dhankhar, Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, and senior Jain Acharya Shri Kunthusagar Maharaj graced the occasion with their presence.

Special Moment:
After his speech, Vice President Dhankhar, accompanied by his wife, visited the adjoining platform to seek blessings from the Acharyas and saints. Dharmadhikari Dr. Veerendra Heggade captured the moment on his mobile. The Vice President’s humility and respect for the saints earned admiration and applause from the attendees.