Jains Today in World

SR No.: 001794
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Pirre Paul AMIEL
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 360
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, History, Religion, E000, & E005
File Size: 24 MB

Page 164

Their Temples and Sacred Places : 123 Dubai, Egypt, who practice their cult at home, like in Bangladesh and other countries..
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In Europe
Numerous Indians have immigrated to the United Kingdom. It is not surprising that we find the most numerous groups of Jains of Europe in that country. In London, Jains of each obedience live with their own places of worship. For instance, we find here an important Jain community of Oshwals in the 'Oshwal Association' that publishes its own periodical, has its own new splendid temple and outbuildings inaugurated in 2006 at Potters Bar in the north of London. They have also a Mahajan Wadi in South London. There is a 'Navnat Vanik Association' and a Digambara temple in Harrow. In London, there exists an 'Institute of Jainology' that has, in particular, published the English translation of the Tattvārtha Sūtra and a “Mahāvīra Foundation" with a temple at Kenton.
We must especially mention the Jain community in Leicester, named 'Jain Samaj Europe'. It publishes a periodical called 'The Jain' and in 1988 it realised in this town a splendid religious complex (bhavan), which includes a temple with original outside decoration and spacious rooms. Inside the temple, there is a “mandapa" with splendid carved pillars and, in the choir, a statue of śānti (the 16h Tīrthankara). We can see also the statues of Rşabha, Nemi, Pārsva, and of some other deities. There is an auditorium with stained glasses recalling the events of Mahāvīra's life, rooms for meditation and fasting, a library with numerous religious books, etc. The first floor is especially dedicated to the Digambara community with photos of holy ascetics among them Śrīmad Rājacandra, and a human size statue of Bāhubali.