Jain Digest 1992 10 Vol 19 No 04

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

Page 9

New North American temples taking shape
Chicago: A magnificent and spacious building of the Jain Center was inaugurated in May, 1992. Panchkalyanak and Pratishtha ceremonies of the deities and inauguration of the temple is planned for Summer 1993.
Detroit: Shila Ropan (foundation stone laying ceremony) took place on July 5, 1992. These celebrations were attended by monks, gurus, dignitaries and a large gathering of Jain Sangh. New York: During Paryushan, 1992, Jain Center of America, New York got pledges of nearly one million dollars. The Center is actively looking for land to construct a truly magnificent place of worship. Cincinnati: The Jain Center of Cincinnati/Dayton has been looking at several parcels of land. An appeal has already been sent for pledges and donations.
Pooja performed at
Siddhachalam
Combined Pooja of DevShastra-Gurv, Mahavir Swami & Snatra Pooja was performed on the occasion of JAINA's meeting and Samuhik Micchamidukadam at Siddhachalam on September 20, 1992. Mr. Vinod Doshi and Mahendra-Asha Jain led the big gathering in Pooja Aarti.
Chicago Jain Society
During this past summer, the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago sponsored many events.
June 16 was a fund-raiser day.
Let us proudly say our Temples in North. America
are non
sectarian.
-Dr. Mahendra Pandya, Staten Island, NY
Jain Digest
A health fair was held on June 21, which provided stress assessment, blood pressure checkups, cholesterol testing and other tests. Also on June 21, the Youth Forum of the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago hosted the 3rd Annual Fun Fair.
The Youth Forum also presented their first cultural program on August 2, which was highlighted by a fashion show.
The society was also able to raise about $80,000 from Gheeboli and secured loans in the amount of $150,000 to $200,000 from its member for the Temple Project.
Jain Center of Cinci/Dayton
The Jain Center of CincinnatiDayton plans to celebrate Ahimsa Day on October 4 under the spiritual guidance of Acharya Sushil Muni. Mr. Paul Schaeffer, a television commentator for channel 9, will also speak on vegetarianism. The Mayor of Dayton has issued a proclamation for Ahimsa Day. The members plan to provide food to homeless people on the October 4 celebration. (See also the article on new temples.) Boston hosts scholars
The Jain Center of Greater Boston hosted the following Jain scholars in 1992: Hukamchand Bharill, Muni Rupchandaji, Kiranbhai Shah, Pravinbhai Doshi and Dhirajlal Pandit.
Jain Society of Cleveland
On August 2, Shree Charukirtiji Bhattarakji Maharaj of Mulbidri, Karnataka, India delivered a very interesting discourse in ICC hall on Jainism that kept the audience glued to their seats for the entire event. Amongst the opinions expressed by some about Bhattarakji are: "Not to
5
attend such a function is a lot of spiritual loss," "...spell binding speech...," "A gem that needs to be brought to light."
Jain Society of Detroit
The Jain Society of Greater Detroit took another giant step towards achieving its goal of constructing a Jain Temple by celebrating Shila Ropan during the July 4th weekend. The three day celebration included discourses and explanation of the importance of Shila Ropan, various Gheebolis, Garba Raas
and Bhavana, Snatra Puja, Swami Vatslaya dinners, etc., culminating in the Shila Ropan on Sunday, July 5. Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji and Acharya Shree Sushil Kumarji blessed the occasion during the actual "vidhi" which was conducted by Shree Pankajbhai Vyas. More than 500 people, including local society members, JAINA executive committee members and out of town guests, participated in the celebration.
About 45 youths did an excellent job of managing the halls, serving the food, cleaning the facilities, taking pictures and numerous other tasks that were needed for successful completion of such an undertaking. Approximately $115,000 were raised through various Gheebolis, donations and the sale of commemorative silver coins.
The final site and construction plans have been submitted to the City of Farmington Hills for their approval and pending successful review by the planning commission it is expected that the construction will begin soon.