Mumbai witnessed a momentous and unforgettable chapter in the history of Jainism as 64 mumukshus renounced worldly life and embraced Jain diksha during the grand “Sanyamrang Utsav” held at Chikuwadi Ground in Borivali West. The spiritually charged ceremony, held in the presence of thousands of devotees and members of the Jain community, created an atmosphere filled with devotion and religious fervour.
From the early hours of the morning, a massive crowd gathered at the venue. Devotees, family members, and community leaders began arriving as early as 4 a.m. to witness and bless the diksharthis. Within a short time, the expansive ground was filled to capacity, with an estimated turnout of over 50,000 people who became witnesses to this historic occasion.
The mahotsav was conducted under the divine guidance and spiritual presence of several revered Jain acharyas, including Gachchhadhipati Acharya Som Sundar Suriji, Acharya Yogtilak Suriji, Acharya Kushalchandra Suriji, and Acharya Punyasundar Suriji, along with a large number of sadhus and sadhvis. With the blessings of the acharyas, the diksharthis accepted the rigorous vows and disciplines of a life of restraint and renunciation.
At around 9:30 a.m., during the sacred ritual of offering the rajoharan, the entire ground resonated with powerful chants of “Jainam Jayati Shasanam,” creating an emotionally uplifting and spiritually intense moment. The diksha ceremony proved deeply moving for many families, who experienced a blend of pride and separation as they saw their loved ones step onto the path of ascetic life. Despite the emotional intensity, faith and devotion to religion remained paramount.
A particularly inspiring moment was the decision of young social worker Rishabhbhai, associated with the Adhyatma Parivar, and his wife Sonalben. Choosing renunciation at a young age, the couple accepted lifelong celibacy, inspiring all those present with their spiritual resolve.
Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha attended the ceremony and paid homage to the sentiments of the diksharthis and their families. Prominent leaders of the Jain community, trustees, and representatives of various organisations were also present and expressed their appreciation and reverence.
Chikuwadi Ground itself holds historical significance, as 44 dikshas were conducted here nearly seven years ago. With the addition of the current 64 dikshas, a remarkable total of 108 dikshas have now taken place on the same sacred land.
The organisers also demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Plastic and disposable items were avoided during food arrangements for thousands of attendees, while volunteers worked tirelessly to maintain cleanliness throughout the event.
The ‘Vadi Diksha’ of these 64 ascetics will be held again in Borivali on March 7 under the Shri Shantichandra Shatabdi Mahotsav. A large gathering of devotees is once again expected to attend this significant spiritual event.
