The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, attended the Commemoration of Parampujya Acharya Shri 108 Shantisagar Maharaj Ji at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka, today, marking the centenary of Acharya Ji’s visit to the sacred site in 1925 for the Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony.
The Vice-President also unveiled the idol of Acharya Shri Shantisagar Maharaj Ji at Shravanabelagola. Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President praised Acharya Shri Shantisagar Maharaj Ji’s pivotal role in revitalizing the Digambara tradition and lauded his life as an embodiment of the Jain principles of Ahimsa, Aparigraha, and Anekantavada, which continue to hold great relevance in fostering inner peace and social harmony.
In an age marked by materialism and restlessness, the Vice-President said, Acharya Shri Shantisagar Maharaj Ji’s life reminds us that true freedom lies not in possession, but in self-restraint not in indulgence, but in inner peace.
The Vice-President observed that through this centenary celebration, the Digambara Jain Mutt at Shravanabelagola has not only honoured the memory of a great saint but also rekindled a vital spiritual flame for generations to come.
He said the newly unveiled statue will stand as a symbol reminding every visitor of the power of simplicity, purity, and compassion. He expressed hope that the message of Acharya Shri Shantisagar Maharaj Ji will continue to inspire all Indians to walk the path of righteousness, tolerance, and peace.
Recalling Shravanabelagola’s illustrious history as a centre of Jain faith for over two thousand years, the Vice-President highlighted the towering 57-foot monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, commissioned by Ganga dynasty minister Chavundaraya, as a timeless testament to spiritual devotion and artistic excellence.
Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan also reflected on Emperor Chandragupta Maurya’s renunciation at Shravanabelagola under the guidance of Jain saint Acharya Bhadrabahu. He noted that this act of the great emperor symbolized that even after attaining all worldly achievements, one must ultimately seek spiritual enlightenment.
The Vice-President praised the Government of India’s conferment of Classical Language status to Prakrit and the launch of the Gyan Bharatham Mission for digitizing Jain manuscripts, appreciating these efforts to preserve India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
He underscored the strong historical link between Tamil Nadu and Jainism, noting the faith’s profound contributions to Tamil literature and culture during the Sangam and post-Sangam periods, as reflected in classical works such as Silappadikaram.
The Vice-President also commended Shri Abhinav Charukeerthi Bhattarak Swamiji, the current head of the Jain Mutt, for carrying forward the legacy of Acharya Shri Shantisagar Maharaj Ji by promoting healthcare, education, and research through institutions such as the Prakrit Research Institute.
Expressing confidence that Shravanabelagola will remain a shining jewel of India’s spiritual heritage, the Vice-President said it will continue to inspire generations to embrace the principles of righteousness, tolerance, and peace.
The event was attended by Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot; Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Steel, Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy; Karnataka Minister for Revenue, Shri Krishna Byre Gowda; Karnataka Minister for Planning and Statistics, Shri D. Sudhakar; Member of Parliament from Hassan, Shri Shreyas M. Patel; revered monks of Shri Kshetra Shravanabelagola Digambar Jain Mahasamsthana Math; and other dignitaries.