Six Members of the Same Family Advance on the Path of Liberation
Shivpuri: Renunciation can arise at any moment in life. Even while living in this world, a being can renounce worldly attachments. These lines from a devotional song remind us that in an age dominated by materialism, there are still those who choose the path of detachment and move towards liberation. Such is the case of two sisters from Kolaras in Shivpuri district, Brahmacharini Riya Didi and Gunjan Didi. After witnessing their grandfather, parents, and brother embrace the monastic life, the sisters have now decided to follow the path of liberation. On November 15, they will take Aryika Diksha from Acharya Vimarsh Sagar Maharaj in Delhi, beginning their journey on the path of self-restraint. Remarkably, all six members of this family have now advanced on the path of liberation, a rare occurrence previously seen in the life of the late Acharya Vidyasagar Maharaj, whose entire family renounced worldly ties and embraced detachment.
In fact, the 13 aspirants, including 12 Aryikas and one Muni, who will be initiated by Acharya Vimarsh Sagar Maharaj, recently arrived in Shivpuri. A ceremonial event, including a traditional ‘Godh Bharai’ (filling the lap) ritual, was held at the Chhatri Jain Temple, followed by a grand procession through the town, which saw participation from numerous Jain community members and devotees from various places. The event commenced with a lamp-lighting ceremony, performed collectively by Shivpuri MLA Devendra Jain, General Secretary Prakash Jain, Ashok Jain, Premchand Jain, Pandit Rishabh Jain, N.K. Jain, District Panchayat Additional CEO M.K. Jain, Y.K. Jain, Anand Jain, and Suraj Jain. The event was successfully coordinated by Sanjeev Banjhal.
Voice: (Discover the life stories of these individuals, how one became an Aryika due to her daughter’s influence, while another received childhood values from her mother and will now take initiation.)
Riya Didi and Gunjan Didi: Following the Family’s Path of Renunciation
Riya Didi, aged 25, and Gunjan Didi, aged 29, are sisters who could not find satisfaction in a worldly life when their entire family chose the path of renunciation. Riya completed her higher secondary education and is skilled in embroidery, often sought after for Mehndi designs during weddings in the city. Gunjan, on the other hand, pursued a Bachelor’s degree. In 2016, when they saw their parents, Muni Vishwarth Sagar, Aryika Vinayanshri, brother Muni Vishubh Sagar, and grandfather Muni Vishwant Sagar Maharaj taking Diksha from Acharya Vimarsh Sagar Maharaj in Devendra Nagar, Panna, they were inspired to follow the path of renunciation as well. Having practiced detachment at home and taken vows of Brahmacharya, they are now advancing on the path of liberation.
Voice: (Brahmacharini Mitrawati, at 68, Inspired by Her Daughter Aryika Vikrant Shri, Now Follows the Same Path)
Brahmacharini Mitrawati, from a family of grocery traders in the city, took the vow of Brahmacharya under the guidance of Acharya Vimarsh Sagar Maharaj at Sonagir in 2023. At the age of 68, she is now preparing to take Aryika Diksha. Her inspiration comes from her daughter, Aryika Vikrant Shri. Whenever she visited her daughter with family members, she would advise them never to abandon their faith and to dedicate their lives to spiritual practice as long as they could. This constant engagement in religious activities has now led her to seek self-liberation by becoming an Aryika.
Voice: (Brahmacharini Deepa Didi: Childhood Values from Her Mother and Compassion from Her Guru Fostered Her Renunciation)
Deepa Didi received spiritual values from her mother Sharda during childhood, teaching her to avoid harming any living being, walk on the righteous path, and always strive for progress. Once, when she complained about the heat while sitting in the sun, her mother replied that if a little sunlight bothered her, she should consider the suffering a soul endures in hell. This encouraged her to become strong. Her mother’s fasting and penance instilled a sense of sacrifice in her. Later, under the guidance of Guru Vimarsh Sagar, the wisdom and compassion she received further strengthened her renunciation. She pursued education up to the Master’s level and took the vow of Brahmacharya in 2013, deepening her spiritual practice. After a long wait, her Guru has chosen her for Diksha.
Voice: (Sanjeev Banjhal, Spokesperson, Jain Community, Shivpuri)
Thirteen aspirants, including Vishu Didi, arrived in Shivpuri, and a grand procession was held, followed by a ‘Godh Bharai’ ceremony. On November 15, Acharya Vimarsh Sagar Maharaj, who is currently in Chaturmas in Delhi, will initiate all of them, bestowing them with spiritual vows. It is a moment of pride for Shivpuri, as for the first time, four Aryika initiations are taking place together. This is indeed a moment of honor for all of us.
