Jain Center Los Angeles CA 2008 09 Pratishta Souvenior

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

Page 70

Hasendra Shah
INTERIOR DECORATIONS OF THE CULTURAL COMPLEX
Once the plans for the Cultural Complex were finalized, the task to adorn the interiors of the Cultural Complex and Jinalaya was assigned to an Interior Decorations Subcommittee under the Building Committee. A special consideration was given in designing the interior of the Cultural Complex to minimize any form of ashatana while carrying out social-religious activities.
The goal was to adorn the interior of the complex with artwork that would reflect a distinct Jain heritage and make this a unique Jain tirth. To begin with, a large 104-year old wooden temple, a replica of the Palitana Temple, is installed in the entrance foyer of the cultural complex.
Next, with the help of Vipool Shah of Vee Design from Ahmedabad, India as well as various Acharyas, the Interior Sub-committee developed a plan to install specific works of art in the complex. The committee decided to adorn the walls surrounding the wooden temple with art work that would complement the carved temple and would represent a distinct Jain flavor upon entering the cultural center. The glass panels of the two staircases surrounding the wooden temple are etched with a wavy floral design of an ocean (Samsar Samudra). This concept represents a rising temple that reflects an individual?s spiritual evolution.
The two stairwells and interior walls are decorated with elaborate artworks. One wall has eight beautiful symbols of Ashtamangal. These symbols are found in almost all Jain households and reflect the presence of an Arihant Bhagwan. The other wall is decorated with artwork reflecting Beej Mantras such as ?Om, Rhim, Arham? that are associated with meditation, poojas, and many Jain rituals.
The main wall above the entrance door is decorated with Ten Principles (Dharma) in the form of rays originating from the center. The two pillars in the entry area are decorated with carved designs from traditional Jain temples to complement the wooden temple installed in the center.
The wooden temple and the dining area are separated by an wooden partition wall with elaborate designs. The partition is a replica of the walls of Hasti Shala which is located in front of the famed Vimal Vashi temple of Delwara, Rajasthan.
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