Jain monks follow rigid lifestyle

​Hyderabad: Acharya Pushpadant Sagar Maharaj, who is in Hyderabad for the last one week, said “the Jain monks follow strict and rigid lifestyle.” “We do not wear any clothes as it is considered to be parigraha (possession), which ultimately leads to attachment. Female monks wear white robes single sari and they are accustomed to almost same lifestyle that we follow,” said Acharya Pushpadant Sagar Maharaj.

Usually, a Digambara monk follows 28 primary attributes (Mula Gunas). These include five ‘Mahavratas’ (Supreme Vows), five ‘Samitis’ (Regulations), ‘Panchendriya Nirodha’ (five-fold control of the senses), ‘Sadavasyakas’ (six essential duties) and seven ‘Niyamas’ (Rules) in their life.

The monks also carry ‘Picchi,’ a broom made up of fallen peacock feathers for clearing the place before walking or sitting, Kamandalam, a water container made of wood and Shastra, a scripture.

Speaking about the Mahavir Jayanti, the Acharya said, “Mahavir Jayanti is the most important religious festival for Jains. It celebrates the birth of Mahavira, the 24 and the last Tirthankara Bhagwan. Bhagwan Mahavir was born on the thirteenth day of the rising moon of Chaitra to King Siddartha and Queen Trishala in Vaishali (Bihar). Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated by all Jain devotees with lots of verve, spirit, and energy,”

On Mahavir Jayanti all the Jain followers visit the temples and offer ceremonial bath known as ‘Abhishek’ to Mahavira’s idol. The temples are also lavishly decorated with flags. Majestic chariot processions are also carried out across the city by thousands of devotees while chanting prayers.