Simulia: A woman of Titilagarh in Bolangir district, who renounced worldly pleasures as a teenager, is now on a countrywide tour to propagate the ideals of Bhagawan Mahavir, the founder of Jainism.
Sadhwi Punit Prabha embraced Jainism after leaving home when she was a student of Class-X and since then has been spreading the message of peace and non-violence.
She is now part of a five-member team of women monks propagating the philosophy of Mahavir.
The team along with eight followers arrived at Bhagia village under this block in Balasore district Sunday to a rousing reception by locals.
Villagers housed them at an ashram managed by Sri Aurobindo Mission Trust.
The monks were greeted by 40 minor inmates of the ashram as well as the villagers. They left the ashram Monday.
Only good deed and right path can pave the way towards the Almighty, Sadhwi Prabha said, adding they are on a countrywide tour spreading the ideas of non-violence, truth and practice of celibacy and vegetarianism.
She was attracted towards the teachings of Mahavir while studying in Class-X, the monk said.
Sadhwi Prabha said over 750 monks are walking for several kilometers on barefoot everyday and spreading the message among people on the direction of Acharya Mahashraman Jee. The others monks Swadhi Trishala Kumari, Swadhi Maniprabha, Swadhi Rashmi Prabha and Swadhi Kalpyasa spoke about the importance of leading lives of discipline and performing one’s duty with sincerity and devotion. The monks survive on simple food and are not in possession of anything that might act as a hindrance to their goal. A local couple, Shanti and Pushparaj Jain, said the devotees divided into four groups are accompanying the monks during their tours.
The devotees will accompany the monks from Balasore till Chandikhole and later another group will take over from them till their next destination, the Jain couple said. PNN
