Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the constant ringing of mobile phones and everyday stress, the 1,300-year-old Shri Hamirpura Parshwanath Jain Tirth in Rajasthan’s Sirohi district has emerged as a unique centre of spiritual practice. The ongoing ‘Nij Mein Nivas–Mirpur Chaturmas’ has brought together devotees who have taken a vow of silence and voluntarily given up the use of mobile phones. The 50-day spiritual retreat, which began on July 28, will continue until September 16.
More than 300 devotees, along with revered Jain monks and nuns, are participating in the daily spiritual practices. The second edition of ‘Nij Mein Nivas–Mirpur Chaturmas’ is being conducted under the guidance of the 38-year-old young Acharya Bhagwant P.P. Shrimad Vijay Labdhivallabhsurishwarji Maharaj Saheb.
Interestingly, no decorator was appointed for the project. Although the construction cost was around 25 per cent higher than the usual expenditure, the facility is expected to remain useful for nearly 50 years and will be handed over to the Shri Sangh after the Chaturmas.
Before the Chaturmas, accommodation at the site was available for only around 100 people. With the new construction, the capacity has increased to approximately 400 people.
The objective is to create a permanent facility that can benefit the Shri Sangh, the religious community and the institution in the years to come, so that similar arrangements do not have to be recreated every year at a cost running into crores of rupees.
No banners, no publicity display
The Chaturmas is being supported by Mumbai-based families devoted to the practice of silence and spiritual discipline. In keeping with the spirit of the event, not a single banner carrying the names of revered Gurus or donor families has been put up at the venue.
Food is also an important part of the spiritual discipline. Devotees are served wholesome, sattvik and organic meals every day. The cost of one meal is approximately ₹160. Food is prepared from organic grains with the objective of ensuring that the devotees can pursue their spiritual practices peacefully and without distraction. Many participants are also observing religious practices such as Ayambil and Ekasana.
The material used during last year’s first ‘Nij Mein Nivas–Siddhvad Chaturmas’, including chairs, mattresses and wooden beds, was donated to around 40 Jain Sanghs. Similarly, not a single item has been hired for the present camp.
A retreat where even tea requires a 10-km journey
Surrounded by natural beauty, Mirpur Tirth is nestled in the mountains. Peacocks, bears, monkeys and other wildlife can be seen moving freely around the pilgrimage site. The environment is virtually pollution-free.
The secluded location is such that one has to travel nearly 10 kilometres even to buy a box of matches or enjoy a cup of tea. Yet, this very isolation provides devotees with an opportunity to disconnect from the outside world and turn inward.
A disciplined routine from 4 am to 9.30 pm
The daily schedule of the Chaturmas is rigorous and disciplined. The spiritual practices begin at 4 am and continue until 9.30 pm, with short breaks provided for meals and rest.
Participants are required to wear white clothes and observe complete silence. The use of mobile phones is prohibited. Around 45 minutes of yoga and pranayama every morning is also mandatory.
The programme includes philosophical discourses and contemplative sessions designed to encourage participants to explore their inner selves and progress spiritually. Moksha-oriented spiritual discourses are also being conducted. Several religious festivals are being celebrated during the Chaturmas, while devotees also immerse themselves in devotional music.
‘What is life? Where does true happiness come from?’
P.P. Acharya Shrimad Vijay Labdhivallabhsurishwarji Maharaj said that Mirpur Tirth is located away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, in the lap of the Abu mountain ranges. It is also the birthplace of Shri P.P. Parshwachandrasurishwarji of the Parshwachandra Gachchha.
During the Chaturmas period, two spiritual camps and Navpadji Oli will also be organised. The first camp will be held from September 23 to 27, while the second camp will take place from October 7 to 11. Navpadji Oli will be organised from October 18 to 26.
He said devotees were experiencing inner peace and a stress-free way of life during the Chaturmas. Through silence, meditation and introspection, they were seeking answers to fundamental questions such as: What is life? Where does happiness come from? What is the real source of happiness? What is the cause of sorrow?