Kumar Bahukhandi
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai address the Acharya Ascension and Sahastravdhan Penance Festival held today on Thursday June 18, 2026-Photo Credit CG/PR
The entire world needs the message of non-violence, compassion, truth, and self-restraint today: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker seek blessings from Jain monks at the Acharya Ascension and Sahastravdhan Penance Festival
Raipur: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the Acharya Ascension and Sahastravdhan Penance Festival held today on Thursday June 18, 2026 at the Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in the capital, Raipur. Both dignitaries sought blessings from the Jain monks and paid obeisance to the revered Vinaykushal Muni Ji Maharaj, who is being elevated to the position of Acharya.
The event’s chief guest, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, stated that the position of Acharya is not merely a title but the supreme symbol of penance, renunciation, knowledge, and spiritual practice that guides society. He remarked that the principles of Lord Mahavir and Jain philosophy continue to show humanity the path of peace, self-restraint, compassion, and non-violence. In the current times, as the world grapples with tension and conflict, the teachings of Jain philosophy have become even more relevant.
Om Birla noted that the elevation of the revered Vinaykushal Muni Ji Maharaj to the position of Acharya is a moment of pride for the entire Jain community. Meanwhile, Shatavdhani Hansbhadra Muni Ji Maharaj has carved a distinct identity across the country through his extraordinary memory, knowledge, and spiritual practice. His penance and spiritual endeavors are providing a new direction to society.
He observed that while material resources can provide comforts, true happiness in life is derived from self-control, self-purification, and spiritual practice. The ascetic lives of Jain saints inspire society and pave the way for the welfare of humanity. Paying obeisance to all Jain saints, nuns, and devotees, he extended his best wishes for the successful organization of the festival.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated that this Acharya Ascension Festival, being organized for the first time on the sacred soil of Chhattisgarh, is a matter of pride and good fortune for the state. He stated that this grand event, celebrating faith, spiritual practice, and culture, has become a historic and spiritual occasion for the entire state. Welcoming the saints, devotees, and guests who had arrived from various states across the country, the Chief Minister remarked that Chhattisgarh feels blessed today, as the event infuses the entire state with spiritual energy.
The Chief Minister noted that the elevation of revered Vinaykushal Muni Ji Maharaj to the position of Acharya is a tribute to his wisdom, penance, self-restraint, spiritual dedication, and life devoted to the service of society. Paying obeisance to the 14-year-old Bal Muni (young monk) Shatavdhani Hansbhadra Muni Ji Maharaj, he remarked that the young monk’s extraordinary memory, concentration, and pursuit of knowledge at such a tender age serve as an inspiration to all. He described the ability to recall a thousand questions simultaneously and answer them sequentially as an extraordinary achievement.
The Chief Minister observed that the indoor stadium in Raipur today resembles a pilgrimage site dedicated to knowledge, spiritual practice, and spirituality. Jain saints have consistently propagated the message of non-violence, compassion, truth, and self-restraint—values that the entire world needs today. Lord Mahavir Swami’s message of “Live and Let Live” has become even more relevant in contemporary times. He added that Chhattisgarh is a land of peace, harmony, and spiritual traditions, and the state government remains committed to the welfare of all sections of society and the holistic development of the state, guided by the spirit of equal respect for all faiths.
Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh stated that Jain monks inspire society through rigorous penance, fasting, and self-restraint. He welcomed and felicitated the saints and monks who had arrived in Raipur after undertaking long journeys on foot and performing severe penance.
Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu remarked that it is a matter of great fortune for the state that saints and devotees from across the country have gathered for such a significant spiritual event. He noted that the spirit of renunciation, penance, and the disciplined lives of Jain saints always inspire society. He added that the event marking the elevation of Vinaykushal Muni Ji to the rank of Acharya would serve to connect people with spirituality and moral values.
Office-bearers of the Sakal Jain Shri Sangh, along with a large number of devotees and prominent citizens, were present at the event. Several public representatives, including MP Brijmohan Agrawal, Vijay Baghel, Kamlesh Jangde, Mahesh Kashyap, and MLA Rajesh Munat, were present on this occasion.
