During the Chaturmas period (four months of rainy season), around 15,000 Jain devotees gathered at an event for meditation in Vadodara and the concluding ceremony was witnessed by around 17,000 people. Esteemed Acharya Rajratna Surishvarji Maharaj and Rashmiratna Maharajshri undertook intense meditation and spiritual practices.
In the historical event, 450 monks undertook a 30 day fasting. During the fast, they consumed only lukewarm water, at sunrise and sunset. This event signifies a unique historical boundary of devotion.
Prominent dignitaries, renowned leaders of various organisations, cancer patients, blood pressure patients and even school children joined this massive event. Himmatlalbhai, President of Alkapuri Sangh, trustee Prashantbhai Shah, Divyeshbhai Desai, trustee of Lalbaug Jain Sangh- along with his wife, Gautambhai, Ketan Shah, Deepak Shah and many others set an example by observing the 30-day fast.
On 10th August a grand procession with musical bands, elephants, horses, and camels, started from the Navlakhi ground, resonating a vibrant festive atmosphere and ended at Dharma Suryoday Vatika. This procession was flagged off by state home minister Harsh Sanghavi. Vadodara mayor, deputy mayor, BJP leaders, MLAs, political figures, and a large number of others participanted in the procession.
Speaking to Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar, the leader of Lalbag Sangh, Prakashbhai Shah, said, "in the history of Vadodara, there never have an instance of 450 monks participating in the penance in the past."
Acharyashri Rajratna Surishvarji Maharaj dedicated his reverence by reciting 1,008 Atthai Tap, during which 250 names were registered on the spot for the upcoming Paryushan Parva. Gachhadhipati Kalaprabhsagar Suriji conveyed blessings to the devotees and presented Acharya Rajratnasurishvarji Maharaj with the title of 'Makshṣaman Samrat' and honored him with a certificate. He said that this accomplishment was attainable due to the grace of the Lord and Guru Dev. After the discourse by Jain acharya Rajratna Maharaj Saheb, each monk was offered gram water by Maharaj Saheb with a spoon, and by doing so attained Supatra daan to the revered Guru.