Jain Digest 2004 04 Vol 23 No 2

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

Page 8

Tulsa Jain Sangh Pratistha Mahotsav:
A long-awaited dream comes true
of just 32 Jain families of Tulsa and surrounding suburbs. Inspiring discourses by Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji, Bhattrakaji and Pramodaben added to the blissful joy of the weekend. Vidhicar Nareshbhai Shah from New York and Narendrabhai Nandu and his group from India performed so well that everybody enjoyed the Devotional Ceremony which opened up the hearts of participants in Gheebolies donations.
The small Jain community of Tulsa Sangh is a shining example of what a dedicated group of people can achieve when they work together. They waited for seven years but persevered and have built a beautiful Jain Temple. They have 940 square feet of Derasar,
2500 sq. ft of Main Hall, 270 sq. ft Upashray, 160 sq.ft of Library and
Classroom. They U LLUTH1111111
also have kitchen and shower facilities, and a 1.8 acre lot (for 72 parking spaces), with vast open areas where young people can conduct their various activities.
TIT
May 30th, 2004 is a historical day for the Tulsa Jain Sangh. That was the day a longawaited dream - by a small Jain community in Tulsa - of having a Jain Temple came true, with inspiration of Pujyashri Chitrabhanuji
Seven years of hard work and the last five months of planning and preparation made possible to have Pratishtha Mahotsav and Murti Sthapana of Mulnayak Shree Mahavir Swami, Shree Parswanath Swami, Shree Rushbhdev
History:
Tulsa Jain Sangh was formed in 1990 with 30/35 families. In 1986/87, a Jain Pathshala (school) started, initiated by Mrs. Bharti Ajmera. Mrs. Niru Shah volunteers to teach our Jain religion to the youngsters. In the beginning there were only 3/4 student, but gradually the number increased and many youth from Tulsa families attended Pathshala and learned religious philosophy and cultural heritage.
In 1990, we invited Triputi Bandhu from India. During their short visit for three days, we discussed the future of religion in our area. With their advice and inspiration we formed a Sangh (an organization) and named "TULSA JAIN SANGH". With Triputi Bandhu's suggestion, we started 'BHAKTI & BHOJAN'. Once every month one Jain family volunteer to invite all other Jain families to their home. We do prayer, share the knowledge, discuss any religion related questions, and a presentation from the students of Jain Pathshala. We complete the Bhakti with Arti and Mangal Divo followed by Bhojan (brunch). Shree Triputi Bandhu said, "when you eat together, you will stay togather." We have not missed since.
Swami and Gokhla for Navkar Shila, Padmavati Devi and Ghantakaran Mahavir.
More than 500 people witnessed the glorious Pratishtha Mahotsav under guidance of Shree Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, Swami Devendrakirti Bhattraka and Shreemati Pramodaben. Participants came from Dallas, Houston, Lubbock, Austin, St. Louis, Wichita, Missouri, West Munroe, Detroit, Chicago, California, Phoenix, and many other small towns. They were hosted by the community
6/JAIN DIGEST. Summer 20004
Jain Education Interational 2010_03