Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwar

Why is in news? PM addresses on occasion of 151^st Birth Anniversary of Shri Vijay Vallabh Surishwar Ji via video message

PM unveils ‘Statue of Peace’ to mark 151^st Birth Anniversary celebrations of Jainacharya Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj.

Acharya Shree Vijay Vallabh Surishwer Ji Maharaj is a jain saint, who lived during 1870-1954.

He led an austere life, working selflessly and dedicatedly to spread the message of Lord Mahavira.

He was a disciple of Vijayanand Suri. He was the founder of Shri Parshwanath Jain Vidyalaya in Pali district of Rajasthan.

He also worked relentlessly for the welfare of the masses, spread of education and eradication of social evils.

He had wrote inspiring literature such as poetry, essays, devotional hymns and stavans.

He also gave active support to the freedom movement and the cause of the swadeshi.

The Jains are one of the six centrally notified minorities in India. The other five are Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Parsis.

The Jain acharya established many institutions for girl children, and brought women to the mainstream.

With his inspiration, more than 50 educational institutions of eminence, including colleges, schools and study centres, are operational across several states.

Recently to commemorate his 151st birth anniversary celebrations union government has unveiled the “Statue of Peace” in Rajasthan.

The 151 inch tall statue has been made from Ashtadhatu(octo-alloy) i.e. 8 metals, with Copper being the major constituent.

The alloy is made of metals such as gold, copper, silver, tin, zinc, iron, tin and antimony (or mercury). The metals are mixed in equal proportions to create the idol.

Places in news:

(i) Shah Cheragh mausoleum – Shiraz, Iran

At least 13 persons were killed by armed “terrorists” who attacked a Shia Muslim shrine in the southern Iranian city of Shiraz.

Shāh Chérāgh is a funerary monument and mosque in Shiraz, Iran, housing the tomb of the brothers Ahmad and Muhammad, sons of Mūsā al-Kādhim and brothers of ‘Alī ar-Ridhā.

The tombs became celebrated pilgrimage centres in the 14th century when Queen Tashi Khatun erected a mosque and theological school in the vicinity.