JAINA YATRA 2006 in January and February of this year was a once in a life time opportunity for the 86 Yatris from North America to the pilgrimage of the Temples of South India.  The High point of the Yatra was undoubtedly our participation on the First day of MAHAMASTAKABHISHEKA of Bhagwan Shri Bahubaliji at Sravan Belgola held once every 12 Years. Bhattarak Shri Charukeertiji and the Mahamastak Abhishek reception committee graciously provided passes for every JAINA Yatri and also allowed all Yatris to do "Phool Varsha" from a platform above Shri Bahubali's head. The Mahamastaka Abhishek Mahtsav was held for 28 days from January 22 through February 19 2006, attended by over two million devotees and covered live by national and International media. JAINA Yatris were indeed fortunate to be among the few thousand to witness the first Abhishek in person.

This years JAINA Yatra was planned to coincide with the first day of MAHAMASTAKABHISHEKA. (Feb 8, 2006) In addition to the participation in the Abhishek, JAINA Yatris visited many other Teerths in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. Two Scholars from India, Drs. Shekharchand Jain and Tarlaben Doshi Joined our yatra  as scholars and made our pilgrimage more spiritual.

The Yatra began in Bombay on January 26th. Our Yatra got a tremendous boost when Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji  came to the first meeting place ( Shree Adeshwar Temple at Marine Lines) to bless the pilgrims and spoke of importance and piety of a  Yara.

15 day Yatra took us from Bombay to Hydrabad (Shri Kulpakji Teerth), Mysore, Sravan Belgola (Twice) Halebid, Belur, Manglore, Moodbidri, Calicut, Allepy, Kottayam, Cochin, Banglore, Devanalli and Tirupati. In Hydrabad, we attended 25th Anniversary celebration of Jain Social group Federation where one of our own, Shri Vijay Chheda received JAIN BHOOSHAN award by the hands of the Governor Shinde in recognization of his humanitarian work. In Moodbidri, our Yatris got special viewing of the Precious gem collection of ancient idols and manuscripts and at Kottayam, we enjoyed ride through backwaters and stayed at a wonderful resort.

Sunday, February 12 was designated as NRI day at Sravan Berlgola. Non Resident Indians were given preference for allotment of Kalash. Many North American Jains took part in the celebration along with Jains from around the world that had come especially for the occasion.