The city of Mumbai witnesses an unprecedented religious procession with pomp and grandeur

MUMBAI, 28 SEPTEMBER 2022 (GPN): Maha Rath Yatra, a pompous Jain procession, took place on Sunday, September 25, 2022, receiving much applause for its opulence and organization. This procession, exalting the Jain regime, passed through the main roads of Greater Mumbai. Jain Sanghs from Bhiwandi in Byculla and Nalasopara in Walkeshwar participated in this huge congregation; the pleasant weather also helped the procession to end successfully.

People not only from Mumbai city and suburbs of Mumbai but also from several parts of India took to the streets to witness and pay their respects at the kilometer long Maha Rath Yatra. Thousands of children and young people danced zealously throughout this procession. The wide roads of Mumbai also seemed unable to contain within themselves this procession of congregation, which mainly comprised the adherents of Their Holinesses Acharya Shri Vijay Siddhi Suri MS, Acharya Shri Vijay Ramchandra Suri MS, Acharya Shri Vijay Shantichandra Suri MS and Acharya Shri Vijay Amrut Suri Mrs.

His Holiness Acharya Shri Vijay Punyapalsuriswarji Maharaja, who is the Gachchhadhipati or Supreme Head of Acharya Shri Vijay Ramchandrasuri Samuday – the greatest order of Jain monks and nuns – blessed the procession with his august presence despite his fragile health; the enthusiasm of the quadruple Sangh flew away on seeing His Holiness arrive. Such was the fervor that the Sangh decided to hold such a procession every year, and the date of the Maha Rath Yatra in 2023 and details of its major donors were also declared at this exact time.

Honorable Governor of Maharashtra Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Cabinet Minister Shri Mangalprabhat Lodha, MLA Smt. Geetaben Jain, Smt. Saina NC, along with other dignitaries graced the Rath Yatra with their presence. The Maha Rath Yatra ended at Motisha Lalbaug Jain Upashraya with a brief religious discourse delivered by leading Jain Acharyas, congratulations to aspirants seeking to become monks in the near future, as well as children who attend _Pathshala_ for spiritual learning. This was followed by lunch for all and an evening “Mahapuja” at the Chandanbala Jain Temple, a remarkable display of flowers, lights and soothing music.

This Maha Rath Yatra was conducted in strict adherence to the spiritual practices described in authoritative Jain scriptures and traditions.End