Jain head teacher anoints three city women to monkhood

The Acharya only travels on foot and has embarked on a journey of over 1,500 km from Kolkata to Chennai via Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Acharya Mahashraman’s visit to the city is significant as it had been 50 years since the prior Acahrya of the sect came to Chennai and was received by the then-Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu CN Annadurai.

The women, Kushboo Acha, Hethal Surana and Ankitha Sethia, hail from deeply religious Jain families. It was learnt that their ancestors and parents are steadfast followers of Terapanth sect, and that the three women have been thoroughly tested and observed to check if they meet all the requirements.

The monkshood aspirants had completed their post graduate degrees from the Paramarthik Educational Institute in Rajasthan. “They have come out successful in the rigorous tests and qualifying examinations held there for becoming Jain mendicants. Thus, they have shaped themselves to take to this way of life,” revealed a member of Acharya’s team.

“The path to monkhood is not simple. Those that desire to take up monkhood must inform express it to the Acharya along with proof that there are no objections to it from the immediate and extended family. The process is entirely voluntary and can be terminated at any time,” he added.

Learning the scriptures, control over senses, restraint, detachment towards worldly pleasures and soul-purification are some of the attributes to become eligible for consideration.

The three women, who were anointed as monks, underwent a rigorous process and were schooled for six years on Jain monks’ way of life. They will now report to a female monk who will serve as their head and will travel with other monks and the Acharya as part of the entourage.

Speaking before their journey, the women said, “We have seen all there is to see in the world. There is only violence and strife in everyday life. Our aim is moksha. For us, real happiness lies in assuming monkhood. We would like to also help the society.”