In a remarkable display of devotion, a wealthy couple from Gujarat, India has traded their riches for a life of spiritual seeking. Bhavesh Bhandari, a successful businessman and his wife donated their entire fortune – a staggering ₹200 crore – to charity and are set to become Jain monks later this month.
Rich couple gives away fortune!
This dramatic decision follows in the footsteps of their own children. A 19-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son – who embraced monkhood in 2022. Inspired by their offspring’s dedication to the ascetic path, Bhavesh and his wife are now ready to renounce their material attachments and embark on a journey of spiritual enlightenment.
After taking their vows on April 22nd, they will sever all family ties and live a life devoid of possessions. Barefoot journeys across India, surviving solely on alms, will become their new reality. Their only permitted belongings – two white garments, a bowl for receiving alms and a special broom symbolizing their commitment to non-violence – stand as stark reminders of their chosen path.
The Bhandaris’ decision has resonated throughout Gujarat. Their story echoes others like Bhavaralal Jain, a billionaire who famously turned away from vast wealth to pursue a life of restraint and even pioneered India’s micro-irrigation system.
In a symbolic gesture, the couple recently participated in a four-kilometer procession. Donating all their belongings, from mobile phones to air conditioners, to those in need. Videos depict them atop a chariot adorned like royalty, a final farewell to their former life.
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Within Jainism, taking ‘diksha’ – the act of becoming a monk – signifies a profound commitment. Devotees dedicate themselves to a life devoid of material comforts, relying solely on the kindness of strangers and the teachings of their faith.
This isn’t the first instance of such a dramatic life shift in recent years. Last year, a diamond merchant couple in Gujarat followed a similar path. They got inspired by their young son who became a monk at the tender age of 12. However, such decisions, particularly when involving young children, have sparked debate.
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