Gujarati Couple Gives Away ₹200 Crore Fortune In Grand Ceremony

An affluent Gujarati couple, inspired by their children, renounces wealth to embrace monkhood. Bhavesh Bhandari, a former construction businessman from Himmatnagar, and his wife have donated ₹200 crore of their fortune. Following their children's footsteps, who became monks in 2022, the couple will officially become monks in a ceremony on April 22.

They will sever all family ties and live a minimalist life, keeping only essential items like two white garments, a bowl for alms, and a “rajoharan," a white broom used by Jain monks. They will walk barefoot across India, relying solely on alms for sustenance.

In a symbolic gesture, the couple, along with 35 others, donated their phones, jewellery, and home appliances during a procession. The procession depicted the couple atop a chariot dressed in regal attire.

Bhavesh and his wife have joined a small group of Jains, like Bhavaralal Jain, who have renounced worldly possessions. Bhavarlal Jain is known for pioneering the micro-irrigation system in India.

This decision mirrors the path taken by Surat-based diamond merchant Dipesh Shah, his wife, Pika Shah, and their children, who embraced monkhood. Their daughter had become a monk around 2009, and their son followed suit at the age of 12.

In Jainism, the ritual of renunciation, known as "deeksha," is significant. According to reports, the number of deekshas has risen sharply in recent years, attributed to growing disenchantment with modern life and religious retreats allowing young people to explore monasticism.

The story of Bhavesh and his wife reflects a growing trend among Jains to prioritise spiritual pursuits over material wealth. It is contributing to a broader cultural shift within the community.