Nagpur: The 118th birth anniversary of Shiromani Acharyashri Aryanandiji Gurudev, the revered saint of Jainism, was celebrated with grandeur in Nagpur on Sunday. The event was jointly organised by Sri Parshva Prabhu Digambar Jain Saitwal Mandir Sanstha, Itwari, and Sri Saitwal Jain Sangathan Mandal Mahavirnagar at Bahubali Bhavan Hall, located at Sri Parshva Prabhu Digambar Jain Saitwal Mandir, Itwari.
The celebrations commenced with a grand Prabhatferi (morning procession) that started from Itwari Shaheed Chowk and passed through key locations, including Vandemataram Chowk, Ahimsa Bhavan, Nikalas Mandir Road, Darodkar Chowk, Central Avenue, Gandhi Putla, New Itwari Road, Tanga Stand Chowk, before culminating at the temple.
The highlight of the Prabhatferi was the vibrant traditional dance performance by the girls of Hamari Pathshala Higher Secondary School, choreographed under the guidance of Rajendra Nakhate, Director of Lezim Dance School. The procession featured a decorated buggy carrying an image of Acharyashri Aryanandiji Gurudev, while women devotees sang hymns.
Upon reaching the temple, a solemn Ashtak Pujan was performed under the guidance of Pt Ajit Kahate. A musical worship session followed under the direction of Rishabh Agarkar, with participation from various Jain organisations, including Sri Parshva Prabhu Digambar Jain Saitwal Mandir Sanstha, Sri Saitwal Jain Sangathan Mandal, youth and women’s branches, Akhil Digambar Jain Saitwal Sanstha, and multiple other religious and social bodies.
During the event, Nitin Nakhate, National General Secretary of Akhil Digambar Jain Saitwal Sanstha, highlighted Acharyashri Aryanandiji Gurudev’s immense contribution for the conservation of the Jain pilgrimage site.
“Gurudev walked 35,000 kilometres in his lifetime to protect Jain tirthas (pilgrimage sites). His dedication to this cause is unparalleled. If pilgrimage sites survive, Jainism will thrive,” he said.
He also emphasised Gurudev’s discipline, noting that he renounced sugar and ghee for the protection of Jain shrines.
The event also shed light on Gurudev’s association with Mahatma Gandhi’s literacy campaign. In 1990, he was honoured with the title of Fourth Pattacharya in a grand ceremony led by Sundarsaav Shivankar. Dr. Narendra Bhusari spoke about Gurudev’s inspiring life and contributions. The ceremony was conducted by the temple President, Dilip Rakhe, and attended by prominent Jain community leaders, devotees, and dignitaries. The celebration concluded with devotional rituals, reaffirming Gurudev’s teachings of selflessness and service to the community.
