Jain Exhibition Part 02 348 Photos by code A to Z NewYork Temple

SR No.: 007707
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown
Total Pages: 350
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 85 MB

Page 105

Story of our Temple
The Jain Center of America. New York is the first Jain organization established and registered in North America. The president of the ICA, in 1973, announced the intention to build a temple during the Diwali celebration. This news was published in the New York Times.
Soon the wheels started rolling, An arrangement was made to bring Pratimaji (Idol) of Shri Mahavir Swami. The Pratimaji was shipped from Mumbai by the ship called 'Hoegh Dyke in 1974 and was installed in the Jain Meditation Center, New York,
The Jain Center of New York was re-named as the Jain Center af America - New York (CA, NY) and it was registered as a religious non-profit membership corporation in New York in April 1976. The principal goal of the organization is to fulfill religious needs of the Jain community of New York and the Tri-state area. The moto is:
"Live and Let Live." Finally the community leaders and officers of the Jain Center of America (CA) decided to purchase a building at 43-11 Ithaca Street, Elmhurst, New York on February 10, 1981. The Pratimaj of Shri Mahavir Swami Mulnayak was installed in the temple building in the spring of 1982 alter necessary renovation
The center started regularly observing Bhakti Bhavna every Friday evening, Paryushana Parva, Das Lakshana Parva, Samvatsari Pratikraman (Kshamapana), Janma Kalyanak of Mahavir Swami, Mahavir Nirvan Divas (Diwali), Akhand Jaap. Samayik, monthly recitation of Bhaktamar Stotra with five Smarans etc, at the temple.
The members of JCA will visit many temples in USA as pilgrimageChaitya Paripati after Paryushana Parva. Classes were organized to teach Jain religion to young children through Pathshala. During the Paryushana there were many Tapascharyas like Atthal, Mas-khaman, Ayambil al Varsi Tap and Parna where whole Sangh was invited
The center set a trend by inviting spiritual leaders and scholars for Paryushana Parva and for summer lectures. To accommodate the ever growing crowd, center started using auditoriums of schools.
The center also hosted an International JAINA Conference on April 20. 1975 and the 2nd JAINA Convention from May 28-30, 1983, during which JAINA adopted its constitution.
The Jain Center of America - New York revised its original constitution and approved it at the general body meeting, an November 22, 1992 which was amended and adopted on September 30, 2001, to accommodate the needs and desires of the members and to have a bet ter understanding and management
In the year 1999, it was decided to build a new temple at Ithaca Street. The existing Pratimas from the temple were moved to a devotee's residence and then to 45-22 74th Street, Elmhurst, NY - the new property purchased by JCA. The building at Ithaca Street was demolished in 2001. Bhoomi Poojan and Shilaropan ceremonies for the new temple building were performed on March 30, 2002 and July 12, 2002 respectively. After Shilaropan, construction of the building started which was completed by 2004
The building was handed over by members of the Diamond and Colorstone Community to JCA on November 28, 2004 in a formal "Key Handover Ceremony" in presence of the Jain Community
The Pratishtha ceremonies were performed in June 2005. During the next five years remaining construction work, finishing, furnishing and art work were completed.
Ashtapad mountain carved from crystal was installed in June 2009 and Pratishtha ceremony of 24 Tirthankar carved from gemstones was performed in June 2010.
Particular themes-linked closely to the philosophy of Jainismare poignantly viewed, through painting, sculpture or narrative remarks, on the empty walls throughout the building Since temples/ upashraya are meant to stir the inner soul of each devotee, this idea of decorating the walls with lain themes evokes a greater spirituality consciousness and awareness for all this Jain Center aims to absorb the mind, soul and body of every worshipper that comes to its doorstep. We have abided by civic regulations and spiritual guidance in constructing this center for Jains.
The temple complex will nurture the needs of this generation as well as future generations. It will serve as a center of religious ac tives, rituals and a place for learning Jain religion and philosophy for our youngsters-for centuries to come.
Jal Jinendra
"Only that science is a great and the best of all sciences, the study of which frees man from all kinds of miseries."
-Yoga Shastra-Hemchandracharya Center for Religious Activities for Jains
Greetings Ja Smondra
Four Story building with a Cellar Three Temples, Sthanak & Shrimad Hall
Five Halls for various functions Lobbies & Stair walls decorated with Jain Themes
Two Set of Stairs & an Elevator Total Height with Kalash:
66-5 Main Shikhar
25.9" Total Construction Area
16,623 sq. ft. Parking in Rear (1st Floor)
5000 sq. ft. Occupancy
500 people WE BELIEVE IN TRUTH & NON-VIOLENCE
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