Hyderabad, Nov 11: At 25, when most young people are busy building careers, pursuing business ambitions and enjoying the comforts of modern life, Sanjana Lunawat from Bhadgaon town in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra has chosen a completely different path. An MBA graduate, fashion designer and boutique owner, Sanjana is all set to renounce worldly life and embrace Jain monkhood (Sadhvi Diksha) in Hyderabad on November 15.
The historic spiritual occasion, titled Jain Bhagwati Diksha Mahotsav, will be organised at the Exhibition Grounds, Nampally, in the presence of an expected gathering of over 10,000 Jain devotees. The Mahotsav will take place under the guidance of Jain monk Pujya Acharya 1008 Shri Gyanchandraji Mara sab.
The two-day celebrations will commence on November 14 with a grand procession from Lalit Kala Thoranam, featuring vintage cars, horses and traditional bands. The celebrations will culminate in the Diksha ceremony on November 15. Several dignitaries, including Mr. C.V. Anand, DGP; Mr. Mahesh Bhagwat, DGP (L&O); and Mr. V.C. Sajjanar, Hyderabad Police Commissioner, are expected to grace the occasion, along with other distinguished guests.
Jain Dharma has an estimated 19,000 to 20,000 Sadhus and Sadhvis. With her initiation into Sadhvi life, 25-year-old Sanjana will become part of this spiritual community said Swarupchand Kothari, Chairman and Chief Convenor
Renouncing worldly life at such a young age, giving up one's career, ambitions, family life and material comforts is undoubtedly an extraordinary and deeply personal decision. It calls for immense conviction, courage, discipline and spiritual commitment. We must truly appreciate Sanjana for her determination and her parents for finding the strength to support her spiritual calling, he added.
It is also important to recognise that Jain monkhood is not confined to people born into the Jain community. People from different religions and faiths have embraced Jain ascetic life. It is estimated that over 1,000 of the approximately 20,000 Jain monks and nuns come from non-Jain backgrounds, including a significant number from Brahmin families, Swarupchand Kothari shared.
Sanjana's decision is therefore not merely a religious milestone; it is a remarkable expression of personal conviction, spiritual pursuit and the courage to choose a path less travelled.
Manoj Kothari, Diksha Mahotsav Planning Convenor, said becoming a Jain Sadhvi is not an ordinary decision. It calls for extraordinary conviction, courage, self-discipline and spiritual commitment. A Jain monk or nun renounces worldly possessions, career, material comforts and conventional family life to dedicate themselves to the pursuit of spiritual liberation. Their life is governed by five great vows – non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy and non-possession.
Walking barefoot, observing strict food disciplines, giving up personal comforts and practising detachment are integral to this demanding way of life. It is a journey that requires immense mental strength and years of preparation.
At just 25, Sanjana has chosen this path after carefully preparing herself for three years. We deeply admire her determination and spiritual conviction. Equally, her parents deserve our appreciation for overcoming their emotional attachment and supporting their daughter's noble spiritual aspiration. Her decision is an inspiration that transcends religious boundaries."
Addressing a press conference along with her mother, Mamata, and office-bearers of Shri Vardhaman Sthanakvasi Jain Shravak Sangh, Greater Hyderabad, which is organising the Mahotsav, Sanjana spoke about her spiritual journey and the reasons behind her life-changing decision.
The office-bearers present at the press conference included Swaroopchand Kothari, Chairman and Chief Convenor; Annraj Bafna, President; Manoj Kothari, Diksha Mahotsav Planning Convenor; Pawan Katariya, General Secretary; Dharmender Nahar, Convenor; Sajjan Gandhi, Convenor for Diksha.
Sanjana said she had been drawn towards Jain philosophy and its teachings from the age of 12. Her faith and interest in Jainism gradually deepened over the years, eventually leading her to make the decision to embrace Sadhvi life.
Explaining what prompted her to renounce worldly life, she said: "Even if I get married and settle down, I will still be away from my family and would only be able to visit my parents occasionally. But as a Jain Sadhvi, I can meet them at Jain religious gatherings. They may initially miss me and find it difficult to accept my decision, but they can still see me in such gatherings."
She also said that observing how people gradually come to terms with the loss of their loved ones made her reflect deeply on the transient nature of worldly relationships and life itself. These thoughts, along with her spiritual inclination, strengthened her resolve to become a Sadhvi.
"Though it was a difficult decision, I prepared myself over a period of three years for the much tougher life ahead," she said.
Asked what she expected to gain from renouncing worldly life, Sanjana said, "I do not find the kind of happiness and peace I am seeking in this materialistic world. I believe I will find that happiness and peace through a life dedicated to Jain Dharma."
Speaking about the challenges of ascetic life, Sanjana said becoming a Jain Sadhvi was not an easy path. She will have to walk barefoot, wear only simple white clothing, give up material comforts such as fans and electricity, and undergo the traditional ritual of plucking her hair. "I am fully prepared for all these challenges," she said.
Sanjana's father, Kavarlal, is in the automobile business, while her elder brother, Shubham, is also engaged in business.
Her mother, Mamata, admitted that it was emotionally difficult for the family to give its consent. However, Sanjana was determined to pursue her spiritual calling. She even stopped eating sweets and fruits until her parents agreed to her decision, Mamata shared.
Jain Bhagwati Diksha is a profound spiritual milestone that marks the renunciation of worldly life and the adoption of an ascetic way of life rooted in non-violence, self-discipline, sacrifice, simplicity and the pursuit of spiritual liberation.
