It'll be a mega event of sorts for the Jain community at the Bandra Kurla Complex here on November 1. The day will mark one among them completing Gunratna samvatsar tap, observing of fast for over 16 months. Community members say the feat has precedence in Jain history, but not in the last 2,500 years. Hansratna Vijayji Maharajsaheb, the Jain sadhu to accomplish this task, will be breaking the fast on the day at a grand function to be graced by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and some of his cabinet colleagues. Around 50,000 Jains of all sects are expected to attend the event.
The 'fasting' has a methodology. In the first month, the person is supposed to fast one day and eat (two serves) the following day. In the second month, fasting will be for two days followed by a day of modest eating. The number of fasting days will go up with every passing month, while the break for taking some light meals will be always one. On days of fasting only boiled water can be had, that too between sunrise and sunset. "People have tried earlier, but after 12 or 14 months they drop it. After five months, the body does not accept food as such. Five sadhus have done this, but all 2,500 years ago," said Dharmadhyan Vijayji Maharajsaheb, nephew of Hansratna.
The monk had last year completed 180 days of fasting. Then a family bid Rs 21 crore for the rights to serve him the fast-breaking liquid food. This year, there will be no bidding but the community is raising money for charity activities including drought assistance, which will be announced on the occasion. "No money will be raised on the day as such," said Karan Sanghvi, whose Nashik-based family is organising the event. "It was Hansratna's desire that our 93-year-old grandmother break his fast. Since this is something we may not see again in our lifetime, we readily agreed," said Karan adding that the family doesn't want to go public with expenditure details.
Hansratna, 49, who took to this 'devotion' at the age of 35, has spent 1,300 days fasting in the last 12 years. "He observed fast even while travelling 1,071 kms in 16 months across Mumbai, including one to Nashik," said Naypremvijayji Maharajsaheb, who is busy making arrangements for the event. "I did this with the blessings of my gurus, Bhuvanbhanusuri Maharajsaheb and Rupatit Maharajsaheb. My fast is for cleansing of karma, my soul. For me that is enough. I have asked those who want to do charity to donate towards the cause of education, making of sanatoriums, civic amenities and to save lives from slaughter houses," said Hansratna.
With the parna (breaking of the fast) nearing, numerous programmes are being held with community members coming forward, offering charity or joining the fast. A devotee family on Sunday donated Rs 58 crore for renovation of Matunga Jain Sangh next to Arora Talkies, and adding another six floors to the single-storeyed building. "The family does not want to be named," said Naypremvijayji.
Over 200 people are fasting for the last 16 days to join the monk while he breaks his fast. "I am observing fast and today is my 10th day. This is in appreciation of what he has done," said Payal Saurabh Dalal, resident of Juhu Galli.
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