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Rhim, Arham etc. - are associated with meditation, poojas and Jain rituals. Ten principles (Dharma) in the form of rays originating from the center are displayed above the main entry door. Ajali partition between the wooden temple and the dining area is a replica of the walls of Hasti Shala in front of famed Vimal Vashi Temple of Delwara.
Installation of the interior decorations for the Cultural Complex is an ongoing task. The story of Jhagdisha, a rich Shravak motivated by an Acharya Maharaj to spend his wealth for compassionate causes, and Paanch Dan will be displayed in the Jhagdusha Dining Hall. Stories of Vardhman's childhood will be depicted in the children's room. The classrooms are named after various Acharyas whose stories and contributions will be displayed in the respective classroom. A Veena and a Ghoongru displayed on two sides of the auditorium stage symbolize the famed story of King Rawan and Queenand Queen Mandodari, and their highest form of bhakti of Tirthankara in music and dance form. 2500year history of Jainism, stories of the Acharyas in a chronological order, and famous Jain temples from around the world will be displayed in the Exhibition Hall using various media - artworks, antiques, tapestries, paintings, and pictures.
The Aradhana Hall located on the 1st floor of the Religious Complex is reserved only for religious and spiritual activities. A Navkar Mantru pat carved from ambaji marble is placed on the stage. Images of Acharyas and Granths - Atma Siddhi, Samay Sar, Kalpa Sutra, Acharang Sutra and other Agams - will be displayed on the walls. A deri of Rushabhdev's Paglas and a model of Samvosaran Temple installed in the 2nd floor Exhibit Area will complement the paintings depicting Bhagwan Mahavir's life as described in the five popular Kalyanaks. The ornate ceilings in the entry foyer, the Exhibit Area, and the Derasar (Jinalay) were inspired by the famed carvings of the Delwara Temple. They were designed and fabricated exclusively for JCSC by Nipul Shah of Temple Arts, San Diego, California.
A sculptured marble Mandlovur on top of the main Jinalay entry door was inspired by a carved lintel arch at the Palitana Tirth. Four Yaksha (Dev) - Ghantakarna Vir, Manibhadra Vir, Nakoda Bhairavnath, and Bhomiayaji - and four Yakshini (Devis) - Padmavatidevi, Ambikadevi, Saraswatidevi and Chakreshwaridevi are installed in the entryway.
Ornately carved marble Torans provide a beautiful transition from the Dev/Devi area to an awe-inspiring rangmandap area. The rangmandap design was inspired by Vamal Vasahi Temple of Delwara and the Meghnaad Maha Mandap of Ranakpur. The dome is 22 feet in diameter. The first layer of dome displays 192 elephants. The second layer displays 108 Tirthankars. Additional layers depict exquisite designs. Sixteen Vidyadevi of different designs - in a dance posture and playing a musical instrument - are displayed around the rangmandap. Four pillars supporting the rangmandap-cach with a different design - were specially carved to reflect the flavor of Ranakpur Temple. The rangmandap was designed and fabricated exclusively for JCSC by Nipul Shah of Temple Arts, San Diego, California.
Five Tirthankar idols are installed in a beautiful Garbha Grah designed with carved pillars and ornate Torans made of white marble. The main altar has Mahavirswami in the center, Rushabhadev on the right and Parshvanath on the left. Two additional idols - Mabvirswami (Anjanshalakha) and Neminath (Digambara Tradition) are placed on two individual altars on the right and left of the main altar respectively. A bhamati with idols of 24 Tirthankars in individual Gokhlas surrounds the Garbha Grah. Marble pats of four tirths - Sammet Shikhar, Pava Piri, Girnar, and Shetrunjay - and four Gokhlas with Simandharswami, Padmanabhswami, Guatamswami, and Sudharmaswami are installed within the Jinalay.
The remarkable design of the Jinalay truly reflects the graceful fcatures of a traditional Jain temple. The sacred architecture inspires a splendid feeling of being in the midst of a famous Jain Tirth in India. A vision to build a fine Jain Tirth in Southern California has been accomplished.
JCSC AND JAINA The concept to unite all Jain organizations in the USA and Canada was proposed and initiated in mid-1980 by the Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC). JCSC is one of the founding members of JAINA which was established at the first national convention of Jains in the USA hosted by JCSC from May 22-25, 1981 in Los Angeles. JCSC adults and youths continue to serve in leadership roles in JAINA and Young Jains of America (YJA) respectively. Their contributions and achievements have been duly recognized by JAINA with numerous awards and citations,
After its inception in 1981 in Los Angeles, JAINA is coming back to its place of origin. The next JAINA Convention will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center 2-5 July 2009. Once again, Jain Center of Southern California will have an opportunity to be a proud host for JAINA.
Jain Education Intemational
For Private & Personal Use Only
28/JAIN DIGEST. Fall 2008
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