Thousands of years ago, Lord Mahavira gave the entire world the message of peace, friendship, and humanity. He delivered the eternal teaching of “Ahimsa ParmoDharma” which remains relevant even today. — Binod Kumar Singh, Independent Journalist
Blessed indeed is the land where countless saints, sages, and divine incarnations like Lord Ram, Krishna, Kabir, Tulsidas, Nanak, Buddha, and Mahavira descended to impart invaluable teachings for the welfare of humanity and creation. This is why India is seen as a symbol of unity in diversity. Here, Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and people of all other faiths have been living together in harmony for centuries.Among these saintly traditions,thousands of years ago, Lord Mahavira gave the world his timeless message of peace, fraternity,and humanity. His eternal teaching of “Ahimsa Parmo Dharma” continues to guide mankind even today.Recently, I had the golden opportunity to join a three-day visit to IT City, Bengaluru, as a member of the National Media Team under the able leadership of Shri Dilip Kumar from the Railway Board (E.I.D.P.).
Coincidentally, the journey began on the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan, during the full moon of the month of Sawan. Amid rainfall, we reached Delhi airport, and by the time our flight landed in Bengaluru, it was evening. The local PR team of Railways warmly welcomed us and escorted us to our destination in a convoy of cars. Along the way, we relished authentic South Indian cuisine and special filter coffee. With the next day’s schedule in mind, we retired early.The following morning, we covered the inauguration of three Vande Bharat Express trains and metro projects by the Prime Minister. Despite the day’s hectic schedule, our dynamic leader Dilip Sir smiled and said, “Are you tired already? We still have to explore the sights!” With renewed enthusiasm, our group set off toward a scenic destination.On the way, we admired beautiful temples, ancient carvings, and vibrant artworks etched in stone. Soon, we were heading toward the Mandaragiri Hills. Curious, I asked Dilip Sir, “Why did our sages, saints, and deities always choose remote mountains and caves for their meditation?” He smiled and replied, “So that people like us would not disturb their penance. Only when we endure hardship to reach such places can we truly experience their blessings and divine energy.”Upon reaching Mandaragiri Hills, we witnessed the magnificent 81-foot tall Guru Mandir, shaped like a peacock feather fan (Pinchi). This temple is dedicated to the Digambar Jain ascetic, Shri Shantisagar Ji Maharaj. Nearby stands the grand statue of Chandranath Tirthankara, resembling Bahubali.There, we witnessed a rare and mesmerizing scene—a cow and a lioness drinking water together at a pond. Even more astonishing, a lion cub was suckling milk from the cow, while the cow’s calf was drinking the lioness’s milk. This living image seemed to embody Lord Mahavira’s message of non-violence and coexistence.To reach the hilltop, one must climb around 460 steps. At the summit, there are four ancient Jain temples, two dedicated to Chandranath and two to Parshvanath. The cleanliness, serenity, and beauty of the place captivate the heart. Behind the temple complex lies a picturesque lake, further deepening the site’s spiritual aura. Gentle drizzles, lush greenery, the charm of the hills, and the tranquil atmosphere all combined to make us feel as if Lord Mahavira’s blessings were upon us.
We concluded the journey with a delicious meal at a local restaurant before returning to Bengaluru. For us, this was not just a spiritual excursion but also a profound lesson in life’s values—peace, coexistence, and the importance of perseverance.
