Jain Digest 2009 03 Vol 28 No 1

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

Page 14

The Panch Kalyanak Mahotsav started with Garbh Kalyanak; bhagwans' mata having dreams in the night and thereafter discussion in the Indra shabha and Raj Sabha. Janm kalyanak day was garnished by pushp varsha from helicopter on top of meru parvat during Bhagwan Mahavir's abhishek. A special stage was brought from India for Panch Kalyanak ceremony. During Diksha Kalyanak vidhi brahmcharya vrata was given to Bhagwan's Mata-Pita (This labh was taken by Shri Prafulbhai and Hiraben Daulat). Three other married couple also took brahmcharya vratas. This was a remarkable occasion to witness. Hundred of devotees who gave Aahardan to muniraj skipped breakfast, it was a special ceremony and live samosaran rachana, divya dhawni was magnificent to watch during Keval Gnan Kalayank. All of these events were energized by musicians and singers. There were also 28 beautifully choreographed dances performed during Mahotsav by community members and kids.
Akhand Deepak Sthapna, Jwara ropan, 10 Digpal Pujan, Asht Mangal pujan, Navgrah Patla Pujan, Bhagwai mandal pujan, Adhaar (18) Abhishek, Laghu Shanti Snatra Pujan were gracefully conducted by Narandrabhai Nandu and his team during the Pratishtha Mahotsav. Daily morning snatra pooja was conducted at temple. Evening program also included lectures from scholars, bhakti/bhavana, cultural programs and Kumarpal Raja Aarti drama conducted by Narendrabhai Nandu.
Jain Center of Greater Phoenix (JCGP) has been in the existence for more than 25 years. JCGP's main objective is to promote religious and educational activity related to Jain religion and to develop better understanding of the Jain Religion and provide and promote academic and Jain values for future generations. JCGP Community meets for Pathshala and Swadhyay every Sunday from 10:00am to 12:00pm.
During the Pratishtha Mahotsav every attendee got chance to be part of activities during the event. All of these events did not happen without great support from the Jain community around the world. We are asking for your generous financial support for the temple. Please visit Phoenix and get the feeling of doing the pilgrimage in USA. Please visit our website www.jcgp.org to see pictures of Pratishtha, donate and get more information about Jain Center of Greater Phoenix.
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Jain Center of Southern California
Pratishtha Mahotsav: 26 September - 6 October, 2008
The dream of building a new Jain Bhavan Complex, conceived nearly 14 years ago, has become a reality for the Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC). Pratishtha Mahotsav to commemorate the inauguration of the new Derasar (Jinalay) and Aradhana Hall was celebrated from 26 September to 6 October 2008. The 11-day holy event was a major historical milestone. It concluded a decades-long journey to build a fine Jain Tirth in Southern California.
The auspicious celebrations and ceremonies were graced with the presence of Pujya Gurudev Shree Rakeshbhai Jhaveri, Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, Pujya Charukirtiji, Pujya Bhadrabahuvijayji, Samani Madhu Pragnaji and Samani Charitra Pragnaji, Saman Ashwini Pragnaji, Sadhvi Subhamji, Pandit Dhirajlal Mehta and Shree Tarlaben Doshi. Vidhikar Narendrabhai Nandu, assisted by his wife Damyantiben, his son Kayval, his nephew Jay and his colleagues Krishnakant Somani, Devidas Naik and Gangaram Gajjar, directed all the Pratishtha ceremonies including daily prabhatia, usha bhakti, and various pujas (snatra, navgrah, das digpal/ astha mangal, nandavrat/bhagvati, adhar abhishek, shanti snatra, and satarbhedi).
In addition to the daily puja and bhakti sessions, the auspicious ceremonies and activities included - Khumbh Sthapan, Dipak Sthapan, Jawara Ropan, Maneksthambh Aropan, Toran Bhandhan, and lectures by various dignitaries and guests. The opening of
Pratimaji of Lord Mahavir is welcomed at the temple.
Jain Digest Winter 2009 www.jainelibrary.org