The Dharma for Life (DFL) team, led by Dr Medhavi Jain, Founder, recently undertook a spiritually enriching and purpose-driven visit to the sacred city of Ayodhya. The three-day visit was marked by profound spiritual experiences, deep engagement with revered Jain ascetics, and meaningful discussions centred on DFL’s future projects. This visit reaffirmed the team’s commitment to blending dharmic values with research initiatives.
Day One: A Divine Beginning
The first day began with an atmosphere of devotion and anticipation as the DFL team proceeded to have darshan of the esteemed Aryika Gyanmati Mataji and her sangh. Meeting Aryika Mataji, a revered spiritual leader and scholar in the Jain community, was a moment of deep spiritual significance for all team members. Her serene presence and the aura of calm surrounding the sangh offered a glimpse into the depth of spiritual discipline and the wisdom of Jainism.
The darshan was not just a ritual, but a moment of silent learning. Observing the sangh’s disciplined routine and austere lifestyle brought to life the principles of ahimsa (non-violence), aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and samyama (self-restraint) that form the foundation of Jain philosophy. The team spent time in quiet reflection, seeking blessings and internalising the spiritual energy that the presence of such revered saints evokes.
Day Two: Dialogues and Darshan
The second day was centred on two intense and fruitful meetings with three venerable Aryikas—Aryika Gyanmati Mataji, Aryika Chandanamati Mataji, and Aryika Swarnamati Mataji. These discussions went far beyond ritual engagement; they were rich with insight, foresight, and spiritual strategy. The primary focus was to explore future collaborations and projects that Dharma for Life could undertake in alignment with its mission of integrating dharma into daily life and fostering spiritual well-being among youth and society at large.
The Aryikas, known for their profound scriptural knowledge and visionary thinking, offered their blessings and thoughtful guidance on various upcoming initiatives. Discussions included content creation for educational programs, strengthening dharma-based outreach among younger generations, and exploring potential research and publication efforts rooted in Jain philosophy and broader Indic wisdom.
The Aryikas’ emphasis on practical spirituality, which harmonises inner transformation with outer service, resonated deeply with the DFL team’s vision. Aryika Chandanamati Mataji, in particular, appreciated DFL’s intent to serve as a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern needs, and Aryika Swarnamati Mataji encouraged the team to pursue projects that promote the Agamic Digambar Jain tradition.
Later in the day, the DFL team visited the newly consecrated Ram Mandir, an emblem of India’s dharmic resurgence and civilizational heritage. The visit to this sacred site was deeply symbolic for the team—it represented the essence of faith, devotion, and the enduring strength of Indian spiritual culture. The divine atmosphere of the temple, the chants, and the grandeur of the architecture left the team both awed and humbled. It was a moment of cultural and spiritual confluence, reminding everyone of the shared roots of all dharmic traditions.
Day Three: Tracing the Footsteps of the Tirthankaras
On the third and final day, the DFL team set out on a pilgrimage across seven sacred Jain temples in Ayodhya, a city often revered not just for its connection to Lord Ram, but also for its deep legacy of the Jains. The highlight of the day was the darshan of five janmabhoomis, the holy birthplaces of five Tirthankaras—Rishabhdev (Adinath), Ajitnath, Abhinandannath, Sumatinath, and Anantnath.
Each janmabhoomi carried its own aura, resonating with the vibrations of asceticism, truth, and enlightenment. Visiting these ancient and spiritually potent sites filled the team with awe and reverence. The intricate carvings, the stories etched in temple walls, and the quiet sanctity of the surroundings served as a vivid reminder of the profound Jain contribution to Ayodhya’s spiritual tapestry.
These visits were spiritually uplifting and intellectually inspiring, strengthening the DFL team’s resolve to preserve and promote the rich legacy of Jain dharma as part of their broader vision for dharmic education and engagement.
Conclusion: Strengthening the Dharmic Resolve
The Ayodhya visit was not just a journey across geography, but a pilgrimage through values, vision, and purpose. The blessings and wisdom received from the revered Aryikas, combined with the sacred energy of Ram Mandir, infused the Dharma for Life team with renewed zeal and clarity. The team returned with strengthened conviction to serve dharma through education, dialogue, and community initiatives.
As DFL looks ahead, the Ayodhya visit will remain a milestone—a reminder that true progress is rooted in inner awakening, service, and alignment with one’s purpose.
One can visit the glimpses of the pilgrimage posted as reels by founder Dr Medhavi Jain by clicking on the following links – Ayodhya Ji Jain Temples, India’s Soul Scientists, The DFL team with Mata Jis.
Dr Palakh Jain
Associate Professor of Economics, Bennett University