𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 by 𝗥𝗶𝘇𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶 𝗟𝗶𝗺

The soothing, warm hands of Bhaghavati Devion on my skin while she was stroking my tight, tired shoulders instantly softened my tense muscles. She said it is her way of paying back the free healing treatments I rendered to her and to some other Jain devotees in their community. Resisting falling asleep, I asked this endearing woman how it feels to have two beautiful sons, who both turned into saints.

She proudly narrated that during her pregnancy with her first child Manish Kumar, she and her mother in-law became so prayerful. Early in the morning, she would head to the temple every day to pray and continued their prayers at night in their puja room (altar) at home. She said she was never prayerful and was too lazy to visit temples. Everyone in the family thought that the child inside her was making her do so and that what she was carrying in her womb was someone special.

On September 14, 1985, in Ajmer, Rajasthan Manish was born. Bhagvati and their clan couldn’t believe their eyes at the sight of the newborn baby. He was too beautiful for a human being. His golden hair, golden eyes and golden shining skin were an incredible sight. The family was so proud to show him off to visitors and neighbors.

After only nine months, Bhagvati got pregnant again. This time, nothing changed in her behavior. A normal good-looking child was born on the 27TH of July 1987. He was named Arun.

As her sons were growing up, Bhagvati noticed Manish was different. He displayed extraordinary intelligence that he always tops his class, exemplary kindness and solitude. He loves going to temples at an early age. He preferred meditating over playing with other children.

On the other hand, Arun did not like school. He would often be found in the woods wandering and just in quiet. He enjoyed the company of nature, magnetized with the soothing frequency it emits.

Though different in personality, they both exemplified calm nature and are best of friends.

Bhagavati prayed so hard to God, she said – asking HIM not to take Manish from her. She knew in her soul that her beloved son’s calling is to serve God. She feared that someday, he will leave them for good.

True enough, Manish received his diksha (initiation) on January 24th 2004 in Siyana, Rajasthan, given a new name Sanyam Daneshvari in memory of Acharya Jayantsen Suriji.

After the ceremony, he left all his belongings and his family forever. After a few years, unexpectedly, Arun followed the steps of his older brother. He received his diksha, given the name Bhuvan Daneshvari at the same place where his brother Sayam was initiated.

One of the rules to enter Sainthood in Jainism is to renounce your worldly attachment – material possessions, family, friends, desires. You walk your vocation almost bare. Equipped only with a white cloth to cover your body, a wooden stick to use when walking (they are not allowed to use any form of vehicle) and a book of Jain holy scriptures.

Sorrowful but happy for her sons following their calling, she praises God for choosing her to carry these two sacred beings in her womb. Stating that the time her two saints spent with her was pure bliss. God gave her a glimpse of paradise through the presence of her dear two chosen sons. It was like a dream, but it is real.

With thousands of people from different places seeing them every day, I haven’t seen my sons get tired and complain at all. They have exceptional patience with a natural compassion. My wish is that they live long enough to carry on their mission.

I am not worried about them anymore unlike before, she said with beaming eyes, for I know that with God in them, they have everything that they need.