Upcoming Guru Mandir: Chaitanya Puri, Hyderabad (India)

Jai Guru Dev!

A new Shri Shanti Surishwarji Guru Mandir is under construction in Chaitanyapuri, Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh, India). Consecration (प्रतिष्टा) is planned in 2014 - closer to Vasanth Panchami. Date is yet to be finalized.

The Temple address is:

Shri Shanti Surishwarji Guru Mandir Trust

1-5-872, New Maruthi Nagar, Guru Mandir Marg,

Landmark: Near to Jain Temple,

Chaitanyapuri,

Hyderabad - 500060, Andhra Pradesh (India).

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/shantigurudev?fref=ts

Below are a few key highlights and facts of this Guru Mandir:

• Construction under progress on a total area of 16,430 square feet
• Gambara height is 63 ft and Rang mandap height is 45 ft
• Shanti Guru Jain Bhavan is also under construction in the vicinity (Ground plus 3 floors), total 9,000 square feet
• About 21,000 cubic feet white makrana (1.5) and about 8,000 cubic feet white kumari makrana to be used

The left picture provides an overview of the temple progress as of 21-Oct-2012.

There are many donation opportunities (e.g. रंग मंडप , मुख्य प्रवेश दरवाजा etc.) available towards the successful construction and completion of this temple. For any inquiry, below are the contact details.

Trust Board Member details:

Chairman - Shri. Dhanji Lakmashi Sawla

Advisor - Shri. Surendramal Lunia

Project Chairman & Vice-Chairman - Shri. Gautam Chand Gugulia

Vice Chairman - Shri. Shanti Lal Mamaniya

Managing Chairman - Shri. Shalibhadra Kataria

Treasurer - Shri. Padam Kothari

Land Line: +91-040-2404-2300

Mobile: +91-92463-61008, +91-98480-37059, +91-98491-56948

Mandoli Guru Mandir Bhakti - 31st Dec 2012

This was my first time in Mandoli (Rajasthan, India) when crossing two calendar years, 2012 into 2013. The Christmas vacations and school holidays in most parts of India generated quite a large number of travellers visiting Rajasthan and many families and Sanghs visiting Guru Mandir in Mandoli for Guru Dev's darshan and blessings.

Guru Bhakti was organized for two days - 30th and 31st with many artists across India offering their songs & prayers to Guru Dev. The turn out seen was unprecedented not just from India but also from across the world (Singapore, London etc.). The ardent Guru Bhakti kept everyone at warmth through the cold winter nights, lasting until 6 AM in the morning. The singers included many members of Shanthi Mandal such as Bhavesh ji Baid (Rajnand Gaon), Manoj ji Surana (Mumbai), Subash ji Porwal (Mumbai), Mahendar ji Kochar (Bikaner), Praveen Chopra ji / Nitesh ji (Bangalore) and others.

The Angi for Guru Dev on 31st was very creative and contextual. It was over seen by Guru Bhakth - Shri Vinay Kumar ji Kochar from Ahmedabad (Bikaner). The Angi was so rich and beautiful, I wonder that it must have made Guru Dev consider - "...एक बार के लिये में थोड़ी देर इन मूर्तियों में समा जाऊं..."

The 31st Dec 2012 Bhakti also hosted the release of a new Guru Dev ki Bhakti - Album (CD) titled "तेरे चलाये से चले नैया गरीब की ... " (<=click here to download), sung by Bhavesh ji Baid [Rajnandgoan].

For sure, this trip made me discover "तेरा बिना में कुछ भी नहीं , पहचान मेरी है तुझ  से गुरु... " 

Jai Guru Dev

Below are the pictures of the Guru Dev Angi in Mandoli (31-Dec-2012).

मालिक मेरे महाजन मेरे 

देखूं तूजे मुस्कुराता रहूँ 

बोलती है मूर्ती बुलाके देखिये

गुरुवर की छाँव में

तेरे चलाए से चले नैया गरीब की 

सारे तीर्थ धाम आपके चरणों में 

गुरु श्री - गुरु कृपा

Guru bhakths like us are all gifted, that we have found our Guru in Shri Shanti Guru Dev. It is very unique that we have our Guru and continuing to have his Guru Krupa on thousands of devotees, even after his attainment of dev log in the year 1943. This is very exceptional for a Jain Saadhu, especially who had no formal disciples. His mahima is so great, that two or more generations now find their Guru in him.

As far as my farthest memory goes, I had heard about Shri Shanti Vijay Surishwarji from my Grand Father. I used to see his picture at my Grandfather’s shop, whenever I used to visit them during our summer vacations. Never did I ever realize then, that I will find my Guru in him! However, as I grew up with various religions, gods and Jain munis, I used to feel that “one single source” in which ever form or shape it may be, is needed for my inspirations. That missing link “Guru Krupa” got connected, because of my wife. If not for her, I don’t think I would have been fortunate to find his blessings.

In the last few weeks, I have been wondering, as to what brings in such high level of inspirations, energy and devotions in his Guru bhakths, especially the current generations who are driven by logic and science! It includes my own self reflections. We all must have heard different things about Guru Dev’s greatness, his principles, ideologies etc. and must have got inspired through them.

I urge that each of us share thoughts and ideas about Guru Dev’s principles, ideologies etc., which will be of great value to the Guru Bhakth fraternity. Through this, I am sure, that we all will continue to learn more about him and his preachings to make our life lighter, brighter and continue being blessed by Guru Krupa.

Please do share your thoughts using the "Comments" section/link below.

ॐ अर्हम नमः

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