CHENNAI: Six city-based youngsters from the Jain community on Sunday renounced worldly pleasures and became Jain Bhagawathi Deekshas at a mahotsav held in the city on Sunday by Shri Sadhumarki Jain Sangam. All six youngsters— three boys and three girls— are disciples of Acharya Ramlalji - guru of the Sangam. Harshid Chipat (19), Subahu Dhukat (18), Gagan Dhukat (17), Jayashree Parakh (28), Poorvi Chipat (23) and Payal Khadhiya (22) took up deeksha, following in the footsteps of their guru. A few thousands of Jains based in the city came out to the streets to participate in a procession held in recognition of their impending sacrifice and to celebrate their dedication to their community and its ideals. The procession went from Sowcarpet to Prince Galada Gardens on EVK Sampath Salai causing minor hiccups to the traffic owing to the weekend. The youngsters were dressed at their best and adorned jewelry which they will sacrifice once the dheeksha is over. They will give up all worldly pleasures and will not own any possessions. They will own no more than two sets of clothes and will not use electricity. Besides, they will walk everywhere but without slippers.People carrying rupee notes in hands thronged the chariots to get them kissed and blessed by these youngsters. “Blessings from a youngster who is sacrificing worldly pleasure will bring prosperity to others in the world,” said an old woman who passed a `10 note to be kissed by one of the Dheekshas. While the air was filled with blaring music and festivity, the weight of the sacrifice hung heavy on the face of the parents. Later at Prince Galada Gardens, the six were felicitated by P Jothimani, Judge, Madras High Court, and P Raja, ADGP of EOW, Chennai. Those wishing to take dheeksha will be observed and trained for three to five years before being accepted. So far, 206 people have taken the same vows.
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