Jain Spirit 2005 12 No24

SR No.: 529004
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains
Publication Year: 2005
Total Pages: 102
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, UK_Jain Spirit, & UK
File Size: 21 MB

Page 10

www.JAINSPIRIT.COM
SPECIAL REPORT
A TEMPLE FIT FOR QUEENS
of worship observed by the numerous traditions within Jainism, promoting a sense of unity: the Adinath shrine is in the Digambara tradition, the Dhyan Mandir (meditation hall) is in the Shrimad Rajchandra tradition and the Mahavirswami
$6 million new sanctuary
New Yorkers celebrate the opening of a temple is in the Shvetambara tradition. Similarly on the 4th floor the Dadawadi is in the Shvetambara khatargarh tradition. There is also a sthanak where samaik and swadhyay is conducted. This temple is the first temple outside of India that has a Dadawadi of Dadagurudev, Shri Jin Kushal Suriji. There are also plans underway to house a replica of Asthapad, the oldest known Jain Temple believed to be in the Mansarover area, which today is invisible to the eye. This is the only replica that is being carved of precious and semi precious stones and the mountain is also being carved out of real crystal.
T
here are 65 known Jain Centers in America, but on 18 June, 2005 an extra special one opened on Ithaca Street in Elmhurst, Queens, N.Y. Dr. Mamta Shaha, a spokesperson for the new project explained: "It is unique because it will be the only Jain temple in the world that will serve to unite all Jain traditions under one roof."
It was under the guidance of the spiritual leaders Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji and Gurudev Shri Sushilkumarji that the Jain community in New York began to unite and come out of their own homes and into the
community for peace and prayer. It was 1981, when this unity gave birth to a small place of worship on Ithaca Street for the New York Jain community. It was a two-family home, which was converted into a temple on the lower level, and the upper level was utilised for housing accommodation for the caretakers and the priests.
Since then, the number of worshippers has grown to over 800 families. With this, there was also a growth in the sense of loyalty and pride to Ithaca Street, so much that when plans were made to relocate the temple to accommodate the growing community, an anonymous donor came forward and contributed $2 million to build a larger temple at the same location. Additional support also came from his contacts with colour stone and diamond dealers' community. This gave a synergy and enthusiasm among the community which led to the project of building this 16,000 square feet complex at a total of $6 million. The official opening of the temple was done on 18 June, 2005 that commenced with a nine days of celebration that started on 10 June, 2005.
The excited devotees had already wowed the streets of Queens, in May 2005, with the initial temple procession to place the deities and idols inside the new venue. But the official opening in June included a grand parade with floats, music and participation from hundreds of Jain community members marking the beginning of a new era. The blessing of the installation of idols saw beautiful hymns and many religious ceremonies conducted over the nine days on all the four floors of the 66foot-high temple constructed in white marble.
The Ithaca Street temple aims to Ja Ed accommodate different practices
Apart from the temple, the complex has a Jain Art Gallery, children's religious school with a full computer lab, apartments for the temple caretaker and visiting scholars, and a state of the art kitchen with a dining hall that accommodates 125 people. There are expansion plans for the future.
Several religious leaders from various Jain traditions from across the world, including Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, and local political leaders attended the ceremonies, and many send their blessings, messages and proclamations. The senior members of the community hope that the grandeur of the ceremonies will set a momentum and an example for the younger generation to be aware and be involved in their religion, its activities and most importantly, keeping the Jain religion alive. Dr. Shaha noted, "The younger generation is more spiritual than the first generation!" She said, "With such an amazing head start, let's hope it stays that way!"
More photos are available on the Jain Spirit website.
Photo captions
1 Dr & Mrs Mahendra Pandya.
2 Naresh Shah.
3 Bhattarak.
4 Digambar Pooja.
5 Minaben.
6 Mr Nandu leading the fundraising.
EXEM