GRAYSLAKE, Ill.
More than 150 devotees from the surrounding Jain community celebrated Mahavir Jayanti, birth anniversary of their principal fifth-century BCE saint with fervor at Hindu Mandir of Lake County April 11. Lord Mahavir was the 24th ‘liberated soul’ (teerthaankara) in the spiritual lineage of Adinath.
Mahavir Mahila Mandal (MMM), Bartlett, Illinois, led by Rashmi Shah and Sudha Shah consecrated the Mahavir image with sponsor families, as MMM women devotees sang and danced with full devotion in front, recalling Mahavir’s enlightened teachings of truth, nonviolence and compassion.
Waving of auspicious lamp (aarati) was followed by cultural programs. Consecrated food (prasaadam) was sponsored by Vidya and Sanjay Nahar. Mandir’s volunteers led by popular singer Choksi sang hymns of praise.
The event was organized by Umesh and Vasu Choksi, and Nitish Shah. Priests Ganesh and Yogesh Pandya gave vote of thanks.