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ATMA VALLABH SANSKRITI MANDIR
be constructed. A new building will come up with three wings to house Library, Museum and the Indological Research Institute. These are but a few of the present plans for future activities. For the purpose, additional pieces of adjoining land were purhcased gradually and the Complex now extends to 20 acres. The Complex as a whole, is intended to meet with the needs and the aspirations of the younger and future generations and in due course of time, it may thus become the pride of the Nation as a whole and the Jains in particular.
Grand Pratishtha Ceremony (Consecration)
The Pratishtha Ceremony of Vijay Vallabh Smarak and the Temple as also Dhwajarohan (Flag Hoisting) were performed on the auspicious Vasant Panchmi dated 10th Feb. 1989 in the presence of a large distinguished international gathering, including devotees, socio-religious leaders, political elite, philanthropists and scholars, numbering well over 25,000, under the patronage of Jain Acharyashree Vijayindradinnsuriji Maharaj. As many as 80 Jain Sadhus and Sadhvis also graced this auspicious occasion. Smarak Complex was converted into a well decorated township and was named Champa Nagari. Religious rites and rituals were spread over 11 days w.e.f Ist February, 1989. Shri Bhikamchand Poonamchand Kataria of Barsi, conducted the religious ceremonies very candidly. Flower petals were sprinkled on the Shrine from an aeroplane at the muhurta time. Television, radio and other media greatly helped in giving publicity to the grand function. Elaborate arrangements had been made for the lodging, boarding, conveyance and other facilities for the participants.
Memorial at a Glance
To manage the multifarious activities of the Smarak, separate Trusts and Institutions have been established, members whereof have been drawn from different walks of life and zones. In more than one way, its outstanding and elegant structure, particularly the basement roof and the 2 tier dome over it, is the only one of its type, built in stone anywhere in the world. Modern architects and engineers are amazed to see the design and the technique used in the construction thereof; thanks to the architectural skill of the Sompura Shilpis and the teamwork under the leadership of Shri Vinodlal N. Dalal. The layout of the Memorial Complex is so designed that the visitor gets the full glimpse of the splendid structure, the statue of Vijayvallabhsuriji and the Idol of Bhagwan Parshvanath at a glance, right at the entrance to the
ex. The grandeur of the Memorial is superb in many respects. To the visitors, it provides a feast for the eye, to the devotees, a place of worship; to the seekers of knowledge, a centre of learning, to the lovers of peace,
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