Meet Bhavesh Bhai Bhandari, Businessman Who Donated Rs 200 Crore Wealth To Become Monk

The Bhandari couple was joined by 35 others, as they took out a 4-kilometre-long procession during which they donated all their possessions. After this lavish donation affair, the couple will officially enter monkhood on April 22. After April 22, the couple will have to renounce all family ties and give up most material benefits. They will have to adopt celibacy, walk barefoot and survive on alms.

Reportedly, the couple will be joining monkhood in the footsteps of their kids. Their 19-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son adopted monkhood in 2022. The couple was inspired by their children to give up their material attachments and join the ascetic way of life.

After adopting monkhood, the monks only get to have two pairs of white garments, a bowl for begging alms, and a white broom called “rajoharan” which they use to brush away insects from their way and clean the surface before lying down or sitting. The broom gently sweeps away the insects instead of harming them and helps monks maintain the oath of “non-violence”. Most Jain monks also go bald to prevent getting lice. However, instead of shaving the hair, monks pluck their hair one by one.

The Bhandari family is not the only affluent Jain family that gave away their wealth to pursue the spiritual path. Back in 2015, millionaire businessman Bhawarlal Doshi, also known as the “plastic king of India” adopted monkhood in a massive Diksha ceremony in Ahmedabad. Doshi donated silver coins to thousands as he was initiated into monkhood. He became a monk under the guidance of Jain Acharya, Shri Gunratna Surishwarji Maharaj. Doshi was the 108th disciple of Surishwarji Maharaj and 354th person to become a monk under him.