AHMEDABAD: In a remarkable display of devotion and selflessness, Bhaveshbhai Bhandari and his wife Jinal Bhandari, residents of Himmatnagar in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district, have generously donated nearly ₹200 crore and embraced monkhood.
Their decision to embark on a journey for salvation comes after they humbly offered all their wealth during a ceremony held in February. They were following the noble example set by their 19-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son, who embraced monkhood in 2022.
Bhaveshbhai, formerly engaged in the construction business, and his wife have been inspired by their children's commitment to the ascetic path. Their actions serve as a poignant reminder of the power of selflessness and the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment over material possessions.
In a statement to the media, Dilip Gandhi, an acquaintance, emphasized the significance of monkhood in Jain society. He highlighted that monks are required to lead a life of austerity, which includes begging for sustenance and renouncing modern comforts such as air conditioning, fans, and mobile phones. Additionally, they are expected to traverse the country barefoot as part of their spiritual journey.
Bhavesh and Jinal are set to embark on the path of monkhood on April 22nd. They will be among 36 individuals who will undergo initiation during a ceremony scheduled at the riverfront in Ahmedabad.
The choice made by the Bhandari family, renowned for their substantial wealth, has captured widespread attention throughout the state.
Before this event, in another similar incident in Jamnagar, a wealthy family spanning three generations initiated the process of monkhood at Girnar Darshan Jain Dharmashala in Junagadh last month.
The woman of the family had taken initiation in Surat a month-and-a-half earlier, inspiring the father-son duo and grandson to follow suit. Notably, the grandson has completed his CA final exams. This marked the first instance in the state where three generations simultaneously embraced monkhood.
Ajitbhai Shantilal Shah, originally from Sinhor and now residing in Jamnagar, along with his son Kaushikbhai Ajitbhai Shah and grandson Viralbhai Kaushikbhai Shah, expressed their desire to embark on the path of asceticism.