Jain Center of America NY 2005 06 Pratishtha

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

Page 64

CONSTRUCTION HISTORY
43-11 Ithaca Street - Building Project
Jain Center of America (JCA) New York was founded in the year 1965. Registered as a non-profit corporation in 1970 in the State of New York, JCA was one of the first organizations established in North America not only to promote Jain principles and practice, but also to provide a place of worship for the Jain community. Before the building was acquired, New York-area Jains would meet at Columbia University and at the Indian Consulate in New York City or at individual residences.
On February 10, 1981, JCA purchased a residential building in Elmhurst, New York and was incorporated with the county on December 21, 1981. This residential building was converted into a Jain Center temple by installing an idol of Shri Mahavirswami. Since the modest beginning in 1982, this temple had become a focal point of Jain activities, such as hosting several Jain scholars, Jain Munis, Sadhvijis and celebrating Paryushan Maha Parva, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, and other important religious ceremonies every year.
As the Jain population in the tri-state area grew significantly, the need for a larger temple to accommodate larger groups was strongly felt. An idea to build a new temple was borne following numerous suggestions by the community members based on the following guidelines taken from the 1993 circular:
Objectives
The Jain Center's goal is to envelope the mind, body and soul of every worshipper that comes through its inviting doors. The following factors were considered:
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• Follow the Jain code of conduct in the design and construction process. • Obtain guidance from various monks, scholars, and religious leaders. • Incorporate Jain temple Vastushastra, Jain architecture and aesthetics. • Center to be Non-Sectarian with all Jain beliefs represented equally. • Reflect and recognize collective efforts instead of individual names. • Consider suggestions from the JCA members. • Adhere to local laws and regulations. • Have facilities for disabled people. • Create a design that combines the best of Eastern traditions with Western technology. • Keep the community informed of the construction progress through newsletters and open houses.
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