Himmatnagar, Gujarat: In a remarkable display of devotion and renunciation, a wealthy Jain couple from Gujarat, Bhavesh Bhandari and his wife, have donated nearly ₹200 crore and embraced monkhood, following the footsteps of their children who had done the same in 2022.
Bhavesh Bhandari, formerly a successful businessman in the construction industry, and his wife made this profound decision during a ceremony held in February. They plan to officially commit to a life of asceticism at an event scheduled for later this month.
The couple’s journey into monkhood has attracted significant attention, especially within their community, where they are regarded as inspirational figures for renouncing their material wealth to pursue spiritual enlightenment.
Upon taking the pledge on April 22, Bhavesh and his wife will sever all family ties and relinquish all material possessions. They will live with minimal belongings, restricted to only two white garments, a bowl for alms, and a “rajoharan,” a white broom used by Jain monks for non-violent practices.
Their decision echoes the path taken by a few others, including Bhavaralal Jain, a pioneer in micro-irrigation, who also chose a life of restraint over wealth.
The Bhandari family’s ceremonial procession, spanning four kilometers, showcased their dedication as they donated all their possessions, including mobile phones and air conditioners. Videos from the event depict the couple atop a chariot, adorned like royalty, symbolizing their transition into monkhood.
In Jainism, the ceremony of ‘diksha’ signifies a profound commitment to living without material comforts, relying solely on alms and traversing barefoot across the country in search of spiritual growth.
This act of sacrifice and devotion mirrors similar decisions made by other affluent individuals, such as a diamond merchant and his wife in Gujarat, who followed their son’s path into monkhood, and a couple from Madhya Pradesh who donated a substantial sum before embracing ascetic life, leaving behind their young daughter.
The Bhandari couple’s journey into monkhood serves as a poignant reminder of the spiritual quest for inner peace and detachment from materialistic pursuits, resonating deeply within the Jain community and beyond.
Sources By Agencies