Jain Digest 1997 11

SR No.: 527069
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Publication Year: 1997
Total Pages: 36
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Jain Digest, & USA
File Size: 8 MB

Page 6

HEADQUARTERS NEWS
MILESTONES FOR THE
Millennium
Bhumi Pujan for Jain Bhawan Jain Center of Northen California
The Jain Centre of Northern California celebrated the Bhumi Pujan ceremony on a rainy morning of November 15th, 1997, with great devotion, splendor and gaiety. The event marked an auspicious beginning of the construction of the first Jain Bhawan in the San Francisco Bay area. The ceremony was graced by spiritual leaders Shri Jinchandraji and Shri Amrendramuni. The puja rituals were performed by Dr. Pankaj and Hansa Vyas, in the presence of city dignitaries-Mayor Mr. Henry Mannayan, Santa Clara Country Supervisor, Mr. Pete McHugh, City Manager Mr. Greg Larsen and 500 plus devotees.
Dr. Pravin Jain, the temple committee President and Chairman of the Jain Center of Northern California, described the day's ceremonies as "once in a life time" occasion. "I pray that we build a temple where we can all feel love and brotherhood, and hope that everyone's appetite for inner peace will be fulfilled". Although the Bhawan site was flooded with ankle deep water from early morning rain, the high spirits of attendees and guests enabled timely conclusion of scheduled events as planned.
Henry Mannayan, Mayor of Milpitas, complemented the Jain community on their high spirits despite the weather, and described rain itself as a blessing sent from Heaven to purify the land. He added that the temple would embody the values of family community and freedom of religion-qualities abundant in Milpitas, a city of diversity. The sun broke through at a very successful conclusion of a Bhumi Pujan. After the puja the chanting congregation lead a procession to a nearby Swami Narayan temple followed by a series of lectures, reading of messages including one from the President of JAINA, Dr. Dhiraj Shah, congratulating the Sangh and wishing them all the best on this most auspicious day. After some fund raising activities the congregation was treated to discourses by Shri Jinchandraji Maharaj, Shri Amrendramuni, Samani Sanmatiprajnaji and Samani Prasannaprajnaji. The two storey Jain Bhawan will house a temple and a bhakti room on the second level and a meeting hall, classroom, library, kitchen and dining hall on the first level. The JCNC intend to build a unique landmark for Jains across the United States, Canada and the rest of the world. For information on the temple and for donations please contact JCNC at www.jcnc.org or Pravin Jain at 408/559-6987.
4/JAIN DIGEST WINTER 1997
Bricklaying Ceremony in Detroit, MI
The Jain Society of Greater Detroit celebrated brick laying ceremony at their temple site on Saturday, September 27, 1997. The Detroit temple is under construction and the society wanted all of their members' participation in giving a symbolic hand in building the "Jinalaya". The event was a spectacular success with wholehearted support from the society members as well as excellent weather. During the ceremony, over 160 families (more than 400 individuals) had an opportunity to place a brick on the northwest corner side wall of the temple in construction. A picture was taken of every family as a remembrance of this unique celebration. Next door, the temple house was kept open for puja, darshan, and bhaktibhav. Everyone was treated to refreshments after the pro
gram.
The Pratishtha Mahotsav program will start on Saturday, June 27, 1998, and end on Monday, July 6, with a 'Dwar Opening' ceremony. The Pratishtha will take place on Sunday, July 5, 1998. The Jain Society of Greater Detroit requests the Jain community at large to plan their 1998 July 4 weekend for attending our Pratishtha Mahotsav. We will be providing detailed information on the Pratishtha Mahotsav to all Jain Centers as they are finalized. We will publish it also in the March and June 1998 JAIN DIGEST.
Cleveland Jain Sangh Celebrates Mahavir Nirvana Day
Dr. Dhiraj Shah, President of JAINA, attended the "Mahavir Nirvana Celebration" on November 2. More than 300 people attended the gathering. Dr. Shah gave a very inspiring talk and encouraged the Cleveland Jain Sangh to build their Non-Sectarian temple, pathshala and Sthanak as soon as possible. Dr. Jagat Jain, past President of JAINA also addressed the gathering and urged the same. Both of them met the leaders of Cleveland Jain Sangh and visited prospective sites for a temple. Dr. Shah promised the sangh all the help from JAINA. After Dr. Shah's inspiring talk, one wellknown Jain leader of Sangh came forward and offered $100,000 for the temple, but wanted to remain anonymous. Cleveland is fortunate to have such donors and this action should encourage all others to come forward and not wait for everyone else.