Wealthy Jain Couple From Gujarat Donates Rs 200 Crore To Embrace Monkhood

In a display of spiritual commitment, a Gujarat-based businessman along with his wife donated their lifetime’s fortune worth Rs 200 Crore to embrace monkhood. The Jain couple, Bhavesh Bhandari and his wife, who live in Himmatnagar, donated their wealth in February and will commit to a life of Renunciation later this month, as stated in a report by India Today Website. The couple’s step was inspired by their 16-year-old son and 19-year-old daughter who adopted monkhood in 2022. 

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Jain Monasticism

The Gujarati couple has taken a vow of renunciation (diksha) to commit to “Saiyam Jeevan” or the way of Jain ascetics. The word "Saiyam" translates to "restraint," whereas "jeevan" signifies "life" – thus, Saiyam Jeevan embodies a lifestyle centred around self-discipline and spirituality rather than materialistic endeavours.

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The Bhandari Couple Donated Rs 200 Crore 

VIDEO | Gujarat-based businessman Bhavesh Bhandari and his wife donated their lifetime earnings of over Rs 200 crore to adopt monkhood. The couple led a procession in Sabarkantha, Gujarat, yesterday as they donated all their belongings.

(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/eWu9IQEZo3

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 16, 2024

In February, accompanied by 35 individuals, the couple participated in a four-kilometre procession as a symbolic gesture of renouncing their wealth and embracing a life of monkhood. Reportedly, the couple officially committed a life of asceticism on April 22, followed by which, they will sever their familial ties and give up materialistic possessions. The lifestyle entails walking barefoot across the country and surviving on alms. According to an India Today report, the couple will be allowed to own two white garments, an alms bowl, and a "rajoharan," a white broom used by Jain monks to clear insects from an area before sitting — a symbol of the non-violent path they adhere to.

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