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 

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