Two inmates of Digambar Mutt initiated into monkhood

Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, Mar 10 (UNI) Amidst dharmic fervour, two inmates of the Digambar Mutt here, Brahmachari Mahendra Shah (27) and Brahmacharini Roopavathi Chougle (71), were today initiated into monkhood by Acharya Vardhamana Sagar Munimaharaj.

The two monks would henceforth assume the names Kshullak Hithendra Sagar Maharaj and Kshullika Heerakmathi Mataji.

They were initiated (deeksha) in the presence of Acharya Gunandi Munimaharaj, Jagadguru Karmayogi Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swamiji and other Jain monks and nuns.

Acharya Vardhamana Sagar Munimaharaj and other Acharyas and Arikas, performed 'Keshalonchana,' the manual plucking of hair from the head and beard of Mahendra Shah and head of Roopavathi Chougle, at Varani Bhavan inside the Mutt premises.

Later, the newly-initiated monks were ceremoniously brought to the Bandara Basadi where they worshipped Sahastra Koota Jina Bimba after a holy bath, 'mangala snana'. The family members of both the ascetics were present throughout the ceremony.

Kshullak Hithendra Sagar, who had done post graduation in Hindi, hailed from Bholi, Sawai Madhavpur near the Jain holy shrine Mahaveerji Kshtra in Rajasthan, while Kshullika Heerakmathi Mataji was from Bhose Village in Sangli, Maharasthra. She was initiated into Brahmachariam by Munishri Approvasagar 11 years ago.

Brahmacharini Roopavathi's mother, late Aarika Sri Parswamathi Mataji, was also a nun.

UNI VK RG GM1929