Jain Center of America NY 2005 06 Pratishtha

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

Page 72

PRATISHTHA MAHOTSAV JAIN CENTER OF AMERICA NEW YORK
Jain Center of America-New York celebrated Grand Gala Pratishtha Mahotsav during June 10 to June 19, 2005, at their newly built Temple at Ithaca Street, Elmhurst, NY 11373
The new unique temple building is built at the same location of old temple to accommodate five different traditions namely Swetambar, Digambar, Sthanakvasi, and sub traditions like Shrimad Rajchandra and Dadawadi. The temple has become a symbol of "UNITY IN DIVERSITY" in its building with five floors. The Jain Center of America was the first Jain organization established in North America in the year 1965. In year 1973 Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanu and Dr. Narendra Shethi president of JCA announced their dream to built not only a Jain Temple in New York area but also a place to provide a platform to co-ordinate multi-faith activities of different religions. This news were noted and published by renowned newspaper “New York Times".
The center, under the leadership of Dr. Mahendra Pandya and Mr. Kamal Surana acquired a building in Ithaca Street, Elmhurst in the end of year 1980. Since then the temple became a focal point of religious activities for all Jains residing in the vicinity of New York metro area irrespective of their belief as Swetambar, Digambar or Sthanakvasi. The spirit of unity continued till date, which is reflected in construction of new temple building and also in the Celebration of Pratishtha Mahotsav,
The construction of new five-storey building was started in year 2001 and completed in five years at the cost of multi-million dollars with enormous efforts of construction coordinator and devotee Dr. Rajnikant Shah. His wife Dr. Niranjanaben Shah, brother Shri Kumarpal Shah and sister-in-law Smt. Mridulaben Shah supported him in his all out efforts and minute details for construction of the temple building. Smt. Mridulaben being an architect was fully involved on daily basis in construction of the building. Jain Center of America celebrated following (5) five main events for this temple building:
Uthapan of Pratimajis from old building June 4, 2001 Bhoomipoojan for new building March 30, 2002 Shilaropan for new building July 12, 2002 Anjanashalaka of Swetambar Pratimjis & Panch Kalyanak Pratishtha of Digambar Pratimajis May 2, 2004 and Pratishtha of Swetambar Pratimajis and Sthapana of Digmbar Pratimajis, Chitrpat of Shrimad Rajchandra and Dadaguru's Pratimaji/Paduka June 10-18, 2005
Day One Friday, June 10, 2005
The celebration of Pratishtha Mahotsav commenced with Swamivatsalya followed by Melodious Bhakti-Bhavna at new temple by Shri Narendrabhai Nandu and Group on Friday, June 10, 2005 in presence of devotees of all traditions. Devotees overflowed the Mahavirswami Temple and Upashrya at 2nd floor.
Day Two & Three Saturday, Sunday, June 11& 12, 2005
The real celebration started on June 11, 2005 by lightening Deep for opening ceremony by Dr. Dilip Mukhtyar, JCA Chairman and Convener of Pratishtha Mahotsav, and blessings (Ashirvachan) of Gurudev Shri Chitrabhainu, Bhattarak Shri Devendrakirti, Acharyashri Chandnaji, Munishri Jinchandraji and Acharyashri Jinchandrasuri at auditorium of Hindu Temple in presence of full capacity crowed.
The Celebration continued on June 11 & 12 2005 at Hindu Temple, Flushing, NY with performance of "INDRA MAHOTSAV" by JCA members under the direction of Shri Narendrabhai Nandu and Smt. Bhartiben Shah. The celebration included Chyvan Kalyanak, Janma Kalyanak, Pathshala Gaman, Lagna Mahotsav, Rajyabhishek. Diksha Kalyanak, Keval Gyan Kalyanak and Nirvan Kalyanak. The performance of Tiluben Lakhani as Trishlamata and Sudhaben Mehta as Priyamvada Dasi was with full of feelings and exemplary. Everybody was so much involved as if they were really participating in Indra Mahotsav in Heaven/paradise.
Swamivatslaya Lunch and Dinner was at Hindu Temple on these both days.
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