Jain Center of America NY 2005 06 Pratishtha

Author(s): Jain Center of America NY
Publisher: USA Jain Center America NY

Page 114

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The members of JCA visited several temples of USA and Canada such as Toronto, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Boston, Allentown, and Siddhachalam New Jersey as pilgrimage or as Chaityaparipati after Paryushana Parva and performed Snatra Puja / Panch Kalyanak Puja at various towns from1981 to present.
Jain Center organized classes to teach Jain religion to young kids through pathshalas. We had able guidance from Shri Chandrakant Shah, Smt. Susmitaben Mehta, Smt. Jayanaben Mehta, Smt. Bhartiben Shah, Dr. Meeraben Kothari, Dr. Jyotiben Gandhi, Urmilaben Sanghvi and others.
During the above period there were number of Tapscharyas like Atthais, Mas-kshamans, Ayambil Olis and Varsitaps. Parna with entire Jain Sangh followed most of the above tapscharyas. Our Sangh is fortunate to have number of Tapsvis performing Varsi-Tap, Vardhman-Tap, Ayambil Oli, Mas Kshaman & Atthais.
The center also hosted International Jain Conference on April 20, 1975 and 2nd JAINA Convention in May 28-30, 1983, when JAINA adopted their constitution. JCA revised its original constitution and approved it at the general body meeting, on November 22, 1992. As JCA kept on growing with the time the constitution of JCA was again revised and adopted on September 21, 2001, to accommodate the needs and desires of members and to have better organization.
The space of the temple and parking became a constraint for the growing community and hence a 4.5 acres of virgin land was purchased on North Service Road of Long Island Expressway, in the Village of Lake Success. The project to build temple and community hall in the year 1998 got delayed due to governmental procedures. In the mean time in year 2000 a Sadharmik family came forward with a proposal to construct a new building at Ithaca Street. Jain Center of America and Jain Community (Sangh) accepted their proposal to build the temple building.
The existing Pratimajis from the temple were moved to Shri Kishorbhai and Ranjanben Mehta's residence and then to 45-22 74th Street, Elmhurst, NY, the place purchased by JCA for temporary temple. The building at Ithaca Street was demolished in end of year 2001. Bhoomipoojan and Shilaropan ceremonies for new temple building were performed on March 30, 2002 and July 12, 2002 respectively. Construction of building was started soon after Shilaropan of nine shilas with the blessings of Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanu.
The temple building is now completed by enormous efforts of Dr. Rajnikant Shah, Smt. Mridulaben Shah and many others over last (5) five years. The Jain Community of Diamond and Color Stone Industry donated the construction cost for the building. Jain Center of America - New York contributed funds towards furnishing of the building. The building has Shri Mahavirswami Temple (Swetambar Tradition), Shri Adinathji Temple (Digambar Tradition), Dadawadi, Upashrya / Sthanak, Shrimad Hall (Dhyan Mandir), Library (Gyan Mandir), Art Gallery, Dinning Room (Bhojanshala) and Multi-purpose Hall for seniors and youth. The building will uniquely satisfy the needs of all Traditions. under one roof of JCA.
The building was handed over by members of Diamond and Color Stone Industry to Jain Center of America on November 28, 2004 in a formal “Key Handover Ceremony" in presence of Jain Community. The Building and Upashrya / Sthanak, Art Gallery, Library (Gyan Mandir), Bhojanahala were opened on May 1, 2005 with formal "Opening Ceremony". Nagar Pravesh of the Pratimajis was celebrated with a very colorful procession and multiple floats, with a gathering of over 1,500 sadharmics on May 15, 2005.
The temple has become a real example of courage, determination, strength and unity of our community. It has fulfilled the dreams of number of community members and leaders starting from Dr. Shethi – our First President to Dr. Dilip Mukhtyar - Present Chairman. The temple complex will nurture the needs of this generation as well as future generations. It will serve as a center of religious activities, rituals and place for learning Jain religion and philosophy for our youngsters – the next generation, for centuries to come.
Let us celebrate the upcoming evens of Pratishtha Mahotsav, during June 10 - 19 2005, with our heart and soul. Let us make this temple fulfill our motto “We believe in Truth and Non-Violence". Let the temple enhance our knowledge about the Jain religion and its principles like Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Satya (Truth) and Anenkantvad (Multi faith). Let this place guide us to the path of Salvation (Moksha). Live and Let Live.
D A DI PROPRIETARIATRICARDO PROPRIOPRIUPROROCARDEROOROCCORRUPTOPRIDORURUSALUROPORTORORORO
Compiled by Ramesh Lakhani.
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