Jain Center Los Angeles CA 2008 09 Pratishta Souvenior

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

Page 46

future displays will include: Slokas/Mantras (Manglik Mantra, Bhaktamar Stotra, Ratnakar Pachisi Agam, Atmasidhi Sutra); Art/Picture (Hemchandracharya, Kundkundacharya, Yashovijayji, Shrimad Rajchandra); and Grantha (KalpaSutra, Samaysar, Acharang, Atmasiddhi Grantha).
Graceful features of traditional Jain temples - especially Delawara, Palitana and Ranukpur temples - are reflected in the building architecture of the new Jain Bhavan complex. The exterior of the building is constructed of carved Jesalmer yellow limestone and coordinated with the Phase I design. The distinctive main entrance as well as the interior of the Derasar is made of white marble. The unique designs of the rangmandap, dome and ceiling were inspired by famous Jain temples in India. The rangmandap and ceiling designs were custom designed and fabricated specifically for JCSC by Nipul Shah of San Diego, Ca.
A grand Pratishtha Mahotsav to commemorate the inauguration of the new Derasar and the Aradhana Hall has been planned for 26 September - 6 October 2008. These celebrations will conclude a joyous accomplishment to build a fine Jain Tirth of international repute for pilgrimage, tourism, and scholarly pursuits.
PHASE III: ATMA SADHANA KENDRA
Following the inauguration of the new Derasar and the Aradhana Hall, emphasis will shift to the completion of an Aatma Sadhana Kendra as Phase III of the master plan. The 1st floor of this facility is currently leased to the United States Postal Service, and the 2nd floor is used for Pathshala classes. It will be re-modeled to accommodate study rooms and the JAINA/JCSC Library - one of the largest collections of Jain literature outside of India. Accessible via Internet, the library is a valuable resource for researchers and students throughout the world. When completed, the Jain Bhavan will become a prominent international Tirth for pilgrimage and scholarly pursuits.
JCSC ACTIVITIES
Over the past thirty years, the Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) has become a vibrant community whose major activities include:
(a) Celebration of Jain religious and festive events.
(b) Performing spiritual rituals, including Pujas, bhakti bhavana, and shibirs.
(c) Educational opportunities. Pathshala currently accommodates close to 400 students. Other opportunities include adult swadhyay; language classes (Gujarati, Hindi, and English); religious retreats,