Rajasthan businessman to take ‘Muni Diksha’ in Indore today:Anil Mehta to renounce worldly life, says luxury and attachments are temporary

Indore will see several initiates enter monastic life today during the Jaineshwari Diksha Festival organised by the Shri Digambar Jain community. The event will take place at the IDA Ground in Vijaynagar, with Acharya Shri 108 Vinamra Sagarji Maharaj and other monks and acharyas present. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav will attend as the chief guest Banswara businessman to renounce 58 years of worldly life Anil Mehta, a businessman from Banswara, will take monastic initiation from Acharya Shri 108 Vinamra Sagarji Maharaj, renouncing 58 years of worldly life. Mehta studied at Daly College, Indore, and completed higher education at Christian College. He comes from an educated family, and his entire family, including his wife, has supported his decision. ‘Real life is in self-control, meditation and penance’ People from across Madhya Pradesh, including Indore, and from other states such as Rajasthan will participate in the Jaineshwari Diksha Festival in Indore. Speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, Anil Mehta, who will take monastic initiation at the festival, said, “Luxury and worldly attachments are temporary; there is no real joy in them. Life’s true meaning lies in self-control, meditation, and penance. Certain experiences in my life made me realise this.” Early life and career Mehta, originally from Khanpura, Banswara, spent his childhood in Indore. He completed his schooling at Daly College, Indore, and earned a B.Com from Christian College, Indore. After graduating at 20, he returned to Banswara and started a marble business. Decision to renounce at 58 “My parents gave me good values, but I could not follow Jain traditions during childhood as I stayed away from home for education,” Mehta said. “I married Meenal at 25, who encouraged me to visit temples and follow Jain values.” Family background Mehta has four brothers and two sisters. His parents are alive. He has a son, Kritagya, an advocate and businessman, and a daughter-in-law, Poonam, a CA. His daughter, Jalaj, is a Company Secretary and his son-in-law, Pallav, is a CA. He has a grandson, Ritish, and a granddaughter, Jaini. Despite leaving them all, Mehta has chosen the path of renunciation. On age and renunciation “There is no fixed age to adopt renunciation. It can happen in childhood or old age. In 2024, I met my Guru in Khanpura. His simplicity and guidance inspired me. I realised that spiritual knowledge cannot be attained without a Guru,” he said. Spiritual calling “When I was in his presence, I felt peace and purpose. I wanted to dedicate my life to spiritual welfare. This human life is rare, and I felt I should do something meaningful,” Mehta added. Family support Mehta said his family fully supported his decision. “My wife, children, and parents did not stop me. They encouraged me to go to my Guru and focus on spiritual life. Regarding business, they said my decision is supreme for them. I feel very fortunate to have their consent,” he said. Life after renunciation: ‘Family ties remain, but worldly attachments end’ On his decision to take renunciation, Anil Mehta said, “The path of renunciation is separate from worldly attachments. There is no place for material ties here. I have devoted my life to my family so far, but now I need to live my true life. Leaving the family is part of this sacrifice. From now on, I will follow my Guru’s guidance and work towards spiritual welfare.” He added, “All material pleasures are temporary. I never lacked anything. I hope my family continues to follow the path of dharma, respecting their values and parents.” Binauli Yatra held at night before renunciation Before Anil Mehta’s renunciation, a Binauli Yatra was taken out from Jain Temple Scheme 54 on Saturday night. In Jain tradition, Binauli Yatra is a procession held to honour a person who is about to take monastic vows and leave worldly life. During the procession, the initiate is seated in a carriage while community members, dressed in traditional attire, proceed through the city streets with music and celebrations. The ritual marks the beginning of the initiate’s spiritual journey. The procession included four carriages, vintage cars, and other vehicles with music. Mehta, along with his wife Meenal, family, and close associates, participated in the journey. Many community members also joined. The procession reached the venue in Vijaynagar, after which the program began. Early Sunday morning, the renunciation ceremony started with the hair-plucking ritual for Mehta. The main event is scheduled for 1 PM. Seven female initiates to take vows Organizers Rahul Jain Kesari, Suresh Bhaiya, and Jinesh Bhaiyaji said that alongside Anil Mehta, Ailak Shri Vinamit Sagar Ji, Br. Nitin Jain (Neerajji Maharaj), and several other seekers will take initiation and embrace a life free from worldly attachments. Seven female initiates—Sadhvi Astha Jain, Manisha Jain, Meera Jain, Sonam Jain, Neha Jain, Jyoti Jain, and Anshu Jain—will also take vows of renunciation. The initiation is not only a tradition but also a process of soul purification. Initiates take strict resolutions, including the kesha-loncha (hair-plucking) ritual, as they progress on the path of self-realisation. A rare sight at the Divine Initiation Festival in Indore The Divine Initiation Festival began at 4 AM with the hair-plucking ritual, in which the initiates joyfully offered their hair. This act symbolises the removal of attachment, aversion, and delusion. The ceremony was followed by guru devotion, recitation of sacred verses, and traditional bathing rituals. From 9 AM, a kalash and ceremonial procession will move from the Vijaynagar area to the temple. The main initiation program will start at 10 AM, including the vows of a restrained life and the announcement of names of the newly initiated monks and nuns. In the afternoon, group ceremonies and blessings are scheduled. Over 100 saints and large public turnout expected Revered Acharya Shri Vishad Sagarji, Acharya Shri Vibhav Sagarji, Acharya Shri Prasanna Rishiji, Acharya Shri Vipranat Sagar Ji, and more than 100 saints are expected to attend. Thousands of devotees from across India are likely to reach Indore, creating a rare confluence of faith and devotion in the Vijaynagar area. The event will include a procession, religious assembly, sermons, guru devotion, and conclude with a community feast.