Jain Digest 1988 08 Vol 13 No 07

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

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Chaityalaya in Europe 32 Oxford St, Leicester, England LED 5XU
The dream of Seth Manick Chand, father of Jain Directory of India and the father of Jain Hostels for Students in India, and who wanted to establish a Chaityalaya and a Hostel similarly in England sometime in 1914, if not for his premature death, has come true today through the successful efforts of Jain Samaj of Europe under the able and dedicated presidentship of Dr Natu Shah, a well known Physician in Leicester, England.
The Caityalaya built based on Agamic Scriptural consuetude is the first Chaityalaya in the whole continental Europe, and is located in the city of Leicester, 90 miles northwest of London.
The consecration and the inaguration of the Chaityalaya celebrations were full of festive events, from July 18-23, 1988. The auspicious Agamic pooja performances - Pancha Kalyan, Bakhtamara, Siddhachakra - were performed were carried out according to ancient scriptures. The main day was July 20 when consecrations of the idols of Tirthankaras - Rishab, Shanti, Nemi, Parshva and Mahavir were performed at 8.48 A.M. local time.
An estimated figure of attendance at the festivities was 5000; many coming from India, United States, Canada, Africa and the continental Europe. The Jain Social Group from Bombay led a large delegation. Sri Charukirti Bhattarak of Sravanabelgola Mutt and Sri Devendrakirti Bhattarak of Humcha Mutt also graced the occasion. Other Jain dignatories like Dr Sarayu Doshi, Dr L.M. Singhvi, Dharmadhkari Virendra Hegde, C.N. Sanghvi were also participants at the gathering.
JAIN SOCIETY OF NORTH TEXAS ESTABLISHES THE CHAITYALAYA
The efforts and the dedication of a few interested individuals assembled at one of the residences led to the creation of the Jain Society of North Texas in 1982. Those visionary individuals are none other than Anant Jain, Jay Shah and Janak Daulat. The Society was formed and Anant Jain was its Founding President.
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