Rons Bantwal
Moodbidri, Jun 21: International Yoga Day was observed with spiritual fervour and enthusiastic participation at Jain Kashi Moodbidri as the Dhavalatraya Jain Kashi Trust and Shri Jain Math, Moodbidri, organised a special yoga programme led by Jagadguru Swastishri Dr Bhattaraka Charukeerthi Panditacharyavarya Mahaswamiji.
The event was held at the Swastishri Bhattaraka Bhavan of the Jain Math under the leadership of Dr Bhattaraka Charukeerthi Swamiji, the Peethadhipati of the Jain Mahasamsthana at the revered Jain Kashi Moodbidri Mahakshetra and head of the Shri Digambar Jain Math.
Pilgrims who had arrived from cities including Delhi and Bengaluru joined the Swamiji in the yoga session. During the programme, he explained the significance and benefits of various yogasanas while guiding participants through practices such as Padmasana, Parvatasana and Anulom Vilom.
Drawing keen attention from the gathering, the Swamiji also demonstrated several advanced postures, including Mayurasana, Goraksha Asana, Garudasana, Brahmacharya Asana, Raja Shirshasana and Sarvangasana, offering insights into their techniques and health benefits.
Addressing the participants, Dr Bhattaraka Charukeerthi Swamiji highlighted yoga’s role in fostering harmony between the body and mind.
“Yoga brings about a perfect co-ordination between the body and the mind, enabling individuals to attain peace and good health. The spirit of universal welfare is inherent in yoga. Everyone should devote at least ten minutes every day to practising yoga and physical exercise,” he said.
The celebrations also marked the culmination of a two-day yoga camp conducted at the institution. Students of Swastishri Jain Residential Pre-University College actively participated in a one-hour morning yoga session, while the college principal and members of the teaching faculty joined the exercises alongside other participants.
The programme underscored the growing importance of yoga as a holistic discipline promoting physical well-being, mental balance and collective welfare, in keeping with the spirit of International Yoga Day.