Jain Digest 2008 07

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

Page 29

PHASE I: CULTURAL COMPLEX
The construction of the Cultural Complex began in 2002 and was completed in 2005. The 62,000 sq ft complex built at
a cost of $11 million was inaugurated on 27 March, 2005. The state-of-the-art facility includes an auditorium, Pathshala and swadhyay rooms, a museum, a commercial-grade kitchen, a dining hall, and subterranean parking for 53 vehicles. An offsite parking lot with 50 parking spaces was also completed in Phase I. The construction of Phase I was financed through a combination of a bank loan and donations and interest free loans from the members. The bank
loan was repaid from the funds - approximately $2.3 million - raised on the very first day of inauguration.
PHASE II: RELIGIOUS COMPLEX
Planning of the Phase II was initiated as the Phase I construction was nearing completion. The original Jain Bhavan was structurally inadequate to carry the weight of exterior limestone and interior marble structural elements. It had to be demolished to initiate Phase II of the master plan. The construction of the Religious Complex began in February 2007 and was completed in September 2008. The new 13,000 sq ft Religious Complex includes an Aradhana Hall on the 1st floor and a new Derasar (Jinalay) on the 2nd floor. Once again, the construction of Phase II was financed through a combination of a bank loan and donations and interest free loans from the members.
PHASE III: ATMA SADHANA KENDRA
Following the completion of Phase II, emphasis will shift to the construction of an Aatma Sadhana Kendra as Phase III of the master plan. An existing facility currently leased to the United States Postal Service will be re-modeled to accommodate study rooms and the JAINA/JCSC Library - one of the largest collections of Jain literature outside of India. Accessible via Internet, the library is a valuable resource for researchers and students throughout the world. When completed, the Jain Bhavan will become a prominent international Tirth for pilgrimage and scholarly pursuits.
JAIN CENTER ARCHITECTURE: EXTERIOR
The design of the Jain Center was inspired by the temples of Delwada, Ranakpur and Palitana Tirths. Temple Architect Virendrabhai Trivedi of TCPL, Ahmedabad, designed the exterior of Phase I and Phase II buildings and the interior of Phase II building based on the Jain traditions. In addition to all the exterior carved limestone and marble features, Virendrbhai also designed the Jinalay with Garbh Grah, bhamati, rangmandap, shikhar, dome, gokhalas, dwarpals, carved pillars, torans, floor medallions, mandovar, and the main entry.
The exterior of the two buildings is constructed of superbly carved Jesalmer yellow limestone which was designed, manufactured and supplied by TCPL, Ahmedabad, and installed by MS International. Windows and roof parapets, designed and finished to match the exterior carved stonework, were fabricated locally.
The distinctive main entrance of the Religious Complex is made out of carved marble with an ornate zarukha and ornamental columns. Two Dwarpals on elephants welcome Shravakas and Shravikas to enter the auspicious sacred place. A Shankheshwar Tirth pat is displayed in the entry foyer.
JAIN CENTER ARCHITECTURE: INTERIOR
Jain Education International JAIN DIGEST⚫ Fall 2008/27
The entrance foyer of the Cultural Complex was designed to accommodate a priceless 104-year old wooden temple which is intricately carved from teak wood.. Originally commissioned by the British Government, the 15 ft x 20 ft x 35 ft high wooden temple weighing nearly 10,000 lbs was first displayed in the United States at the 1904-1905 St. Louis World Fair. Subsequently it was displayed in a Las Vegas casino courtyard for several decades, and eventually donated to JCSC. The wooden temple has finally found an appropriate permanent home and is now proudly displayed at the Jain Center.
The interior displays of the Cultural Complex reflect the Jain Heritage and Jain Art that complement the wooden temple. Vipool Shah of Vee Design, Ahmedabad designed some of these artworks by consulting the Acharyas. The glass stair panels are etched with wavy floral design to reflect an ocean (Samsar Samudra) with a rising temple in its midst. This concept represents a spiritual evolution of one's self. Eight beautiful Ashta Mangal symbols identify an auspicious place where Arihant Bhagwan is present. Beej Mantras - Om,