Vikram Samvat 2015
The first visit of Pujya Gurudevshri to the samadhi site of Kundprabhu at Kundadri (Kundanagiri).
On Maha Vad 2, early in the morning, Gurudev began his journey to Kundkund Parvat to touch the sacred feet of Acharya Kundkund. Walking on that holy land where Kundkund Prabhu once walked, Gurudev experienced deep devotion and bliss.
While walking with Gurudev on the sacred land of Kundkund Prabhu, Pujya Ben Shri Ben too felt immense devotion and joy…
Pilgrims had also arrived at Kundanagiri from Humcha.
In Kundapur, there is a beautiful and enchanting mountain, upon which lies the samadhi shrine of Acharya Kundkundadev. Because of Kundkund Prabhu, it is named “Kundadri” (Kundagiri). The mountain is covered with dense forest.
With remembrance and devotion for Kundkund Prabhu in their hearts, the devotees accompanied Gurudev as they climbed to the top…
On the mountain stands an old Jin temple where Bhagwan Parshvanath and other Tirthankaras are enshrined. In front of it stands a Manastambha, and beside it is a beautiful pond. On the bank of this pond, the ancient foot-impressions of Bhagwan Acharya Kundkundadev are carved into a stone platform.
The surrounding scenery is extremely beautiful and deeply moving.
Here, Pujya Gurudev was very pleased. He reverently performed anointment (abhishek) of the sacred feet of Kundkund Prabhu and, becoming emotional, also led everyone in heartfelt devotion. Pujya Ben Shri Ben too expressed her devotion here.
The devotees showed great joy and enthusiasm during this sacred pilgrimage to the holy abode of Kundkund Prabhu along with Gurudev. To commemorate this great and historic journey with Gurudev forever, a fund of about 12,000 rupees was collected to build some memorial at this pilgrimage site.
The Jain temples here are known by the names “Basadi” or “Vasati.” At the foothill, around the Jain Math, are located the famous Bhandara Basadi, Manastambha, Akkana Basadi, Manga Basadi, Siddhanta Basadi, Nagar Jinalaya, and Kalyani Temple.
Here, Shri Shankarrao Gode and others showed great love toward Gurudev and made excellent arrangements for the sangh. The Bhattarakji of Humcha had also come here. In the afternoon, at the special request of Shankarrao Gode and Bhattarakji, Gurudev delivered a 30-minute discourse, in which the supreme glory and devotion of Kundkund Prabhu were proclaimed.
After the discourse, a child sang a welcome song in the Kannada language. Along with this, on behalf of the local organizers, the Bhattarakji of Humcha delivered an extremely touching speech to welcome and honor Gurudev.
Thereafter, Gurudev and the sangh departed for Moodbidri. On the way, there were beautiful views of scenic mountain passes and dense thickets. The peaceful, picturesque surroundings of high and low hills, waterfalls, valleys, and bushes reminded one of the serene lifestyle of forest-dwelling monks.
Vikram Samvat 2020
The second visit of Pujya Gurudevshri to the samadhi shrine of Kundprabhu at Kundadri (Kundanagiri).
From Humcha, chanting the devotion of Kundkund Prabhu, they arrived at Kundadri, and in their enthusiasm for the pilgrimage, the motorbuses climbed almost halfway up the mountain. The Kundadri hill is covered with dense vegetation, and now there are roads that allow vehicles to go almost to the top. Ten years ago, even climbing this mountain on foot was difficult.
Some people went by vehicle, while others walked to reach the sacred abode of Kundkund Prabhu. At the top, in the serene and scenic atmosphere, on the banks of the sin-destroying Talwadi, stands an ancient temple and a Manastambha. Right beside it are the ancient footprints of Kundkund Prabhu, carved in stone. Near these sacred footprints, a small platform has been constructed.
With great devotion, Gurudev held the feet of Kundprabhu. With deep emotion, he performed charansparsh, did abhishek, and then the pujan took place. Chanting the Namokar Mantra and “Kundkundadevaya Namah,” Gurudev began the pujan. After the pujan, bhakti was performed with great enthusiasm. From the Stavanmanjari, Gurudev sang one bhajan.
Today an auspicious, blessed sunrise has arisen…
The hearts of the spiritually inclined overflow with joy and bliss…
Lord Kundkund Prabhu has become the crown jewel of the Jain tradition…
Sanctified by the vision of the Jineshwaras…
What can be said of the strength of His inner soul?
Before His lotus feet, my head bows down in reverence…
Gurudev sang that bhajan with great devotion. After the devotional singing, while signing the note of happy remembrance for this journey, Gurudev wrote:
“Salutations to Kundkundadev, who sanctified Kundanagiri.”
Then he took darshan in the ancient temple on the hill-the very temple where Kundkund Swami once had darshan. After that, in the courtyard in front of the temple, muni-bhakti was performed. In this, Pujya Ben Shri Ben sang a deeply moving stavan praising the steadfastness of Kundkund Prabhu, offering extraordinary devotion.
In this way, happily completing the pilgrimage to Kundadri Dham with Gurudev, everyone descended the hill joyfully, singing devotional songs filled with bliss…
In the afternoon, Gurudev delivered a 20-minute discourse, and a ceremony honoring Gurudev was held.
Later, they departed from there, travelling through dense forests, singing joyful bhajans like “Rang Lagyo Re Mane Rang Lagyo…” remembering the Tirthankaras, the saints, and the holy pilgrimage places-eventually reaching Moodbidri.