Shri Shanti Vijay Guru Mandir Consecration in Ooty (Nilgiris)

Ooty - a famous southern hill station celebrated Shri Shanthi Vijay Guru Dev’s temple consecration (prathista) on Thursday, 20-Jan-2011. This historic moment would not have been possible without the major support and dedication of the Kataria. For the Kataria family, the inspiration for Guru Dev’s temple has transformed the vision of temple creation into a reality now. The consecration celebrations was grand with processions through the main streets of Ooty, creating a feeling and atmosphere that the whole of Nilgiris was welcoming Guru Dev. This temple consecration was performed by the Vidhikarak along with the blessing of Jain Sadhus and Sadhvis.


This Guru Mandir has a very graceful idol of Shri Shanti Vijay Guru Dev। Similar to Guru Dev’s temple in Mt Abu in Gujarat(near Sun Set point and one in Achalgarh), it gives a feeling that now Guru Dev has marked his presence now in Abu of the South – Ooty. Additionally, it has two special idols of Guru Dev in Gold and Silver.




I have always been curious to discover Guru Dev’s preachings and principles. I learn that one of his key tenets was education. He believed in “सा विद्या या विमुक्तये” – the one that eradicates ignorance is true education. Through education, he wanted to spread the message of “वासुदेव कुटुम्बम” and “विश्व प्रेम”. Sri Shanti Vijay Schools in Ooty (oldest one opened in 1928) managed by SSV Educational Trust in the vicinity of Guru Mandir, is one such example whose mission is to deliver education and spirituality to thousands of students today. The opening of the Guru Mandir in Ooty and existence of Guru Dev’s schools makes it a true Gurukul environment.

Celebrating the Guru Mandir Prathista, Shri Shanti Mandal Vellore performed such a devotional bhakthi and Ashta Prakar Ki Pooja, taking the devotees through the life history of Gurudev created a feeling of Guru Dev’s presence and energy all around.

ॐ अर्हम नमः

References: Jains Educational Institutions

Guru Bhakthi - 2011 New Year Eve in Chennai

Thousands of Guru bhakths celebrate new year eve 2011 with Guru Dev Shri Shantisuriswarji

For centuries New year eve celebrations is symbolic for optimism, prosperity, wellness and growth and happiness in all our lives. Different people celebrate the same in multitude of ways. Some celebrate with family at home, some travel for holidays to exotic destinations, some celebrate by visiting temples or churches and some spend it in various types of parties. The way Guru bhakths celebrate entry into the new year in Chennai is unprecedented, unique and remarkable. For the last twenty years, Shri Shanti Mandal – Vellore has been kind to perform Guru Bhakthi at SVSS Jain Guru Mandir – Chennai (Chintadaripet), with such passion, enthusiasm and zeal that each Guru Bhakth involved in the Bhakthi believes and feels the liveliness of the Guru Dev’s aura.

The turnout of Guru Bhakths this year was unparalleled. Families, friends and children turned out in great numbers. Both the old and new hall of the temples were packed with ardent Guru Bhakths, immersed in Guru Bhakthi in order to connect with Guru Dev, share prayers and start the new year with his darshan and blessings.

About few minutes before the clock turns into the new year, the most popular Bhakthi “स्वमिये गुरु देवा, गुरु देवा स्वमिये” interestingly in the local language “Tamil” enthuses not just the Guru Bhakths but also folks around the temple area with tons of positive energy and devotion. Describing the entire atmosphere around is just beyond words. Every Guru Bhakth is eager to get the glimpse of Guru Dev when the calendar clocks into the new year - 2011! What a gracious way of beginning the new year!

ॐ अर्हम नमः