Jain Digest 2003 07 Vol 22 No 3

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

Page 7

Sunday, May 18th 2003 was a memorable day in New Jersey for the members of the Jain Center of NJ. They had waited for more than five years for this day. On that auspicious day morning, Bhumi Poojan for the new Seven Million Dollar Shikharbandhi Temple complex in Franklin Township was performed. Shri Rajendrabhai Dalal, who has promised to have the entire interior marble work of the Temple built and donated from India, had flown in especially from India to perform the Bhoomi Poojan.
More than 1,500 people attended the newly cleared ground. 108 Kalash Verghodo, Das Dikpal Pooja, Nav Grah Pooja, Ashtamangal Pooja, Snatrapooja vidhis were conducted by brothers Virendrabhai Shah and Dr. Kirtibhai Shah. Gurudev Chitrabhanuji graced the occasion and blessed and congratulated the Sangh for undertaking such a magnificent project. He reminded every one for remaining united under one heading of JAIN and cautioned against sectarian divisions. "The greatest unifier for Jains is the message of Bhagwan Mahavir. We are living in the Shasan of Mahavir and that should forever remain our focus"
AFFILIATES NEWS:
BHOOMI POOJAN IN FRANKLIN, NJ
The grand sponsor of the entire day's celebration were Kiranbhai and Darshanaben Dalal. Actual Bhoomi Pojan was done by the family of Dr. Navin Mehta and his family. Other dignitaries in attendance were, NJ Assemblyman Hon. Upendra Chivukuila (former Mayor of Franklin Township), Mayor Hon. Willis "Rickey" Sumter, Deputy Mayor William "Bill" Grippo and other township officials. Also present were Dr. Rajni Shah, Dr. Chanrakant Mehta and countless members from Sanghs as far as Boston, Philadelphia, Washington and Connecticut.
INTERNATIONAL JAIN SANGH
Several hundred people gathered in South River, New Jersey on Sunday April 20, 2003 to celebrate Mahavir Jayanti organized by International Jain Sangh (IJS), an organization based in New Jersey. The program started with Mahavir Swami Puja and prayers led by Prem Jain, was followed by religious sermons and prayers by Samaniji Madhur Pragyaji and Sangh Pragyaji, disciples of Acharya Mahapragyaji, who blessed the celebrations and extolled the assembled gathering about virtues of Bhagwan Mahavir and his message of non violence, compassion and peace in this time of world disorder. Noted Community leader Mr. Vinay Vakhani administered a Pledge of Tolerance and Nonviolence to a standing room only packed hall to make this world a safer place.
Left to right: Samanijis, Subhash Jain, presenting IJS Award of Excellence to Mr. Arvind Vora. Mr. Dilip V. Shah of JAINA.
The project will facilitate the needs of all the established Jain sects. Plans for the 9.6 acre land are to have 4,900 sq ft Temple, Two and half story Building of 44,000 sq ft. and caretaker's house of 2,800 Sq ft. The Main building will have separate Assembly hall, Digamber Hall, Meditation/Swadhyay Hall, Shrimad Rajchandra Hall, 4 class rooms, Library, Audio visual room, Office, kitchen, Dining hall and utility rooms as needed. Temple and the Main hall will be connected by an enclosed passage.
Shilanyas Vidhi is being planned for June 22 and Site development will commence at the end of the summer. For more information call Virendra Shah: (732) 329-3236
Mr. Arvind Vora, Chairman of Long Island Interfaith Forum and a community leader was presented this year's IJS Award of Excellence recognizing his leadership for promoting the teachings of Jainism in the mainstream. In his acceptance speech, The United States House of Representatives Community Service awards by Congressman Frank Pallone were presented to Sanjay Jain, MD of Hackettstown, NJ and Subhash Jain, MD of Alpine, NJ and their spouses Dr. Seema Jain and Mrs Sarla Jain, for their dedication and service in the recovery of noted Jain Monk Shree Amrender Muniji, disciple of late Acharya Shree Sushil Kumarji Maharaj. Today Shree Amrender Muniji is fully recovered and is visiting India and shall be returning to USA in June.
After this, a grand cultural program was presented. More than 40 local youth and children participated in the cultural program, with dances and skits and every participant received a commemorative Five Rupee Jain Coin in appreciation of their hard work and dedication.
JAIN DIGEST⚫ Summer 2003/5 www.jainelibrary.org