Jain Digest 1992 07 Vol 19 No 03

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

Page 10

Jain Digest
Chicago did it with a bang
Summer has not yet started and already there is so much life and activity within the Jain world in North America. It was 99 years ago (number 9 has special significance in Jain system) that at the First World Parliament of Religions, Shree Virchand R. Gandhi publicly chanted Namokar Mantra on the American soil for the first time and that, too, was in Chicago. This was the beginning of Jainism in North America. Following in his footsteps, more than 2000 followers of Jainism and Ahimsa chanted Namokar Mantra, Mangalpaath and other mantras on Saturday, May 23, 1992 in the hall packed to capacity in Chicago. The occasion was the inauguration of the Jain Society of Metro
politan Chicago's newly constructed
Jain center and other facilities.
The festive ceremonies started with Rathyatra, ribNatubhai Sheth cutting ribbon bon cutting byNatubhai Sheth (founder president of Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago and pioneer of this center), Kumbh Sthapana by Pallavi and Ravindra Kobawala and blessings, discourses and good wishes by Acharya Sushil Kumarji, Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, Dr. Shantibhai Patel (a Jain scholar), Mr. John Stark, mayor of the city of Bartlett (this is where the Jain center is located), Mr. Balwant Singh Dhir (Consulate General of India, Chicago) and Shree Babubhai Kadiwala from India. Also present were members of JAINA Executive, chairpersons of JAINA's national committees, presidents, office bearers and members of several Jain centers in North America.
Kumbh Sthapana ceremony was conducted by Gurudev Chitrabhanoji who explained the meaning of various mantras and invited all present to recite the mantras with him. Brief showers (a sign of heavenly blessings) loomed ominously prior to the start of the ceremonies. President of the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago, Mr. Bhupendra Shah, members of the Executive Committee (Uttam Jain, Prabodh Vaidya, Kishor Shah) and Board of Trustees (Ravindra Kobawala, Bipin Parikh, Dilip Shah, Niranjan Shah and Vikram Shah) welcomed the dignitaries and guests.
The ceremony also included Indra Mahotsav performance (organized by Mahila Mandal), tour of the Jain center, press conference, snacks and dinner. On Sunday, May 24, Gurudev Chitrabhanuji gave a discourse on prin
ciples of Jainism and Shree Babubhai Kadiwala did the Siddhachakra Mahapoojan.
This marked the first phase of the opening of the Jain center complex. The second phase, though nearly complete, (temple and pooja complex installation and Pratishtha of Jain deities) is planned later in 1992 or early next year.
The Jain center facility is located in the village of Bartlett, a western suburb of Metropolitan Chicago in Illinois, on 15.6 acres of virgin and rolling land. It consists of a spacious prayer and assembly hall, dinning hall, stage, green rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, servery, youth center, library, priest room, lobby and administration rooms. The temple and pooja complex is separate (but connected to the main complex) and is on two floors. There is a temple housing idols of three main Tirthankaras Mahavir, Parasnath and Adinath, Gomti of 24 Tirthankaras, Gokhalas of Ghantakaran Mahavir and 8 Devis. It also has a shrine of Shrimad Rajchandra and Sathanakvasi Upashray.
The project is designed for future needs of the community. Development includes landscaping, parking facilities for 300 cars and 1.5 acres of detention basin (for tennis courts and play fields). Surrounded by natural green wooded areas, the center is unique. Further plans include a full scale world class library, information center, guest house, priest quarters, education center, Jain school and medical center, etc. The center is fully equipped with climate control, close circuit TV, PA systems, et c.
The Jain center complex is the biggest and most magnificent Jain center in the North American continent. In his opening remarks, Mr. Natubhai Sheth said that the center is truly non-sectarianand non-regional and is open to all Jains and non-Jains alike who wish to follow or learn the Jain philosophy.
The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago, established in 1970, has been doing significant work to promote and perpetuate Jainism. Since its inception, it has grown to include more than 500 member familiesactively participating in religious and social work. In 1987, Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago. hosted the fourth Federation of JAINA convention. Several of its members have served and are currently serving on JAINA committees.
Ms. Pallavi brings 'Kumbh'
This new Jain Center of Chicago is a milestone in the evolution of Jainism in North America. We all are proud of this facility.
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