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HEADQUARTERS NEWS....
JAIN RATNA AWARD
PRATISHTHA IN MILWAUKEE
हावीर
2600 ST
Dr. Dhiraj Shab receiveing JAIN RATNA award
from Prime Minister Mr. Atal Bibari Bajpai
JAINA is pleased to inform you that at a 2600th Birth Anni- versary Celebration ceremony held in Bombay on April gh, the Prime Minister of India Mr. Atal Bihari Bajpai awarded JAIN RATNA award to Former President of JAINA Dr. Dhiraj H. Shah of Buffalo, N.Y.
Dr. Dhiraj Shah, acting chairman of JAINA Charitable Trust was among the 26 prominent Jains world wide to receive this honor at a function organized jointly by many Jain societies representing all four Jain sects. Among others receiving the honor were Dr. L. M. Singhvi, Sheth Shrenik Lalbhai, Shri Kumarpal Desai, Indu Jain of Times of India Group, C. N. Sanghavi. Dr. Natubhai Shah, Nemubhai Chandaria and Musician Ravindra Jain.
The Prime Minister released Vardhman, a book on Jainism and the constitution of the World Jain Confederation. The Prime Minister and the other speakers spoke of relevance of Mahavir's message of Ahimsa and Anekantwad in the world today.
A small community of less than 30 Jain families in Milwaukee now has a Jain temple of their own. Under the banner of Jain Religion Center of Wisconsin, they have come together and have completed a temple adjacent to the Hindu Temple. The temple now has three beautiful Pratimajis of Lord Mahavira (37"), Parswanth (33") and Adinath Bhagwan (33"), specially carved from top quality Makrana Marble.
For three days this past Memorial Day weekend, Jains from all over the United States and India celebrated “Pratishtha Mahotsav" in a traditional manner. Pandit Nirmal Doshi from Mumbai and Shri Devendrakeerty Bhattarakji conducted the Pratishtha ceremonies. Sadhavi Shri Shubhamji of Veerayatan and Saman Shrutpragyaji and Sthitpragyaji of Ladnun also graced the occasion and provided spiritual discourses. Three large video screens were set up in various halls on the campus to make sure that all present were able to participate in all of the Pujas and rituals. Saturday evening's performance of the musical drama Nem Rajul attracted a crowd of record size. The weather Sunday morning started out cold and rainy but at the time of 108 Kalash Rath Yatra the skies cleared and the sun came out, making the sight of the procession truly heart warming. The highlight of the day was the actual pratishtha at 11.31 A.M. The welcoming of the lords in the murtis' final positions sparked spontaneous dancing and singing. All present had tears of joy in their eyes. The atmosphere was filled with singing, dancing and the celebratory ringing of the bell. Faith and emotions had overwhelmed the entire crowd of about 1,000 devotees. The evening's Raja Kumarpal Aarti of 108 divas with a band and dancing procession was another emotional experience for the entire congregation. Many claimed that they
had a religious experience of a lifetime during this event. A program of Bhajans and Dandia Ras concluded this remarkable day in Wisconsin for Jains.
Everyone that attended the pratishtha walked away with renewed enthusiasm in his or her belief in Jainism. Many out of town guests said they are now encouraged to build temples in other cities in the United States. For local adults and children these experiences strengthened their faith in the Jain religion and brought it closer to their hearts.
Milwaukee Temple
Jain Education International 2010_02
For Private & Personal Use Only
JAIN DIGEST- SUMMER 2001/Sry.org
