Guru Mandir
Picture shows Guruji’s pratima at the Guru Mandir. A life-like pratima, it shows Guruji blessing his followers. The Guru Mandir is the favorite place for Siddhachalam trustees, officers and others seeking to engage in discussions on matters relating to the management of the ashram because of its here that they often sat by Guruji to discuss Siddhachalam matters.
The building called Ahimsa Bhawan, which also houses the dining area, was opened to the public in 2003. Nine years before that (which was soon after Guruji left for devlok), there existed on that spot a large wooden building that housed a dining hall. In 1994, it was reduced to ashes in a mysterious fire. Within that wooden building, there was a spot where Guruji often had his meal and interacted with ashram residents. When the building was reconstructed, a room with a life-size pratimaji of Guruji was installed at the same spot. Over the years, it has come to be called Guru Mandir. It is a favorite spot for Guruji’s devotee to meet and confer on matters of importance. No shoes or food is permitted in the Guru Mandir. The Guru Mandir also has a hand-painted picture of Guruji and a wall hanging of Ganadhar Shri Gautam Swami.
Keshi said to Gautam: “Whom do you call foes?” Hearing these words of Keshi, Gautam replied: “O sage! The first foe is one’s unconquered soul. Add to this the four passions of anger, conceit, deceit and greed, and the five senses of touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing. Vanquishing all these ten, I move about righteously.” Kumar-shraman Keshi said: “Gautam, you are endowed with excellent wisdom. You have removed my doubt…” Uttaradhyayana Sutra, 23:3- 39. The conversation between Sharman Keshi, follower of Bhagwaan Parsvanath, and Gautam Swami, the ganadhara of Bhagwaan Mahavira.