Jain Center Los Angeles CA 2003 05 Expansion Charity Gala

Author(s): Jain Center So CA Los Angeles
Publisher: USA Jain Center Southern California

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Mahavir Mandal at Jain Center
Savitaben Mehta
The Mahavir Mandal at Jain Center of Southern California was started in 1980 by a group of senior ladies at the Center as their continuing activities of "Mandal” they have been accustomed to in India. Initially it was named or called Mahila mandal. However, soon some of the senior men also joined the Mandal and the name was changed to Mahavir Mandal.
Vasantben Shah took the lead and with about 15 to 20 members we started promoting Mahavir Mandal activities. The primary activities included performing Pujas at the Center as well as at the homes of our members. As JCSC started to grow, Mandal's activities also increased from Puja ceremony to include Ekasana, Ayambil, etc. As our current Jain Bhavan was built, the Center activities and the activities of the Mahavir Mandal increased. Every month 4 to 6 Pujas were conducted at the temple. Also Mandal expanded to perform many more Puja ceremonies at individual homes.
Mahavir Mandal members not only recite these Pujas, they also practice the ceremonies and help the new members in practicing the rituals. These practices help the members achieve rhythm and coordination in singing during the Puja.
This religious activities help keep the younger generation understand Jain Philosophy and rituals during Puja ceremonies. Young children are encouraged to participate in different rituals during puja so they will learn to perform the puja. This promotes the Jain practices to the continuing generations.
Presently Mahavir Mandal has 58 members. With the growth in membership and activities, a formal committee was formed in 2001 to help coordinate the activities. The current officers are:
President: Vasantben Shah, Vice Pres: Savitaben Mehta Secretary: Rasilaben Shah Treasurer: Gitaben Khona
Members at Large:
Padmaben Shah Divyaben Gangar Naukaben Shah
With Mahavir Bhagwan's blessings our Jain Center Expansion Project will be done with great success.
Jai Jinendra, Savitaben Mehta
Jain Education Intemational
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