Jain Digest 2009 03 Vol 28 No 1

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

Page 15

LITTLE
Installed Pratimajis of Rushbhavde Parshnath (right).
(left), Mahavirswami (center), and
ornate ceilings, zarukhas, columns, and torans; and a 22 ft diameter rangmandap - inspired by Vamal Vasahi Temple of Delwara and the Meghnaad Maha Mandap of Ranakpur - are installed in the Religious Complex. A 104-year old wooden temple, intricately carved from teak wood, is installed in the main entry of the Cultural Complex, The remarkable design of the Jinalay truly reflects the graceful features 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 finally accomplished. Jain Center of Southern California (CSC) located in the City of Buena Park, a suburb of Los Angeles, California, was established on 15 September, 1979 with one important mandate - to practice, promote and teach Jainism with no sectarian bias. The first custom-designed Jain Bhavan - with a Derasar and an auditorium - was inaugurated in July 1988. Following a phenomenal growth in membership and Pathshala students, JCSC developed a master plan for a three-phase multipurpose Jain Bhavan complex as follows: Phase 1 - A Cultural Complex (Auditorium and Pathshala Rooms) - a 62,000 sq ft facility built at a cost of about $11 million and inaugurated in March 2005; Phase II - A Religious Complex (Derasar and Aradhana Hall) - a 13,000 sq ft facility built at a cost of about $7 million and inaugurated on September 26 to October 6, 2008, and Phase III - An Atma Sadhana Kendra (Library and Study Rooms) - to follow.
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the Aradhana Hall was performed by Pujya Gurudev Shree Rakeshbhai Jhaveri. Evening programs included raas garba, a cultural program consisting of folk dances representing almost every state n India, a drama by the Jain Study Group, a drama on Jambu Swami performed by the Swadhiyay Group led by Pujya Girishbhai Shah, and a colorful drama directed by Vidhikar Narendrabhai and acted by JCSC members. The drama depicted Bhagwan Mahavir's life represented by the kalyanaks - Garbh Kalyanak, Janm Kalyanak, Diksha Kalyanak, Kevel Gyan Kalyanak, and Moksha Kalyanak.
Jain Society of Tampa Bay Pratistha Mahotsava: November 27 - 30, 2008
The Pratishtha ceremonies were preceded by a procession (varghodo) through the city streets. The procession led by the visiting dignitaries included colorful floats carrying idols (pratimajis) of the Tirthankars, devs, and devis, and models of Samvosaran Temple, Gunsthanaks, and others. The Pratishtha ceremonies and installation of the Dhwa and Kalash were performed on Sunday, October 5 followed by the first dwar opening of the new Jinalay on Monday, October 6. The design of the Jain Center was inspired by the temples of Delwada, Ranakpur and Palitana Tirths. The building exterior is constructed of superbly carved Jesalmer yellow limestone. Natural stone, including marble and colorful granite, has been used extensively throughout the interior to finish the floors, staircases, and walls. Pratimajis of the Tirthankars, devs, and devis; Garbha Grah and bhamati; religious and historic symbols, pats of various tirths and Navkar Mantra; a deri of Rushabhdev's Paglas, a Samvosaran Temple, the paintings depicting Bhagwan Mahavir's life Kalyanaks;
Pratistha Mahotsava was celebrated in a grand way with great enthusiasm and joy in the presence of Muni Shri Jinchandraji Maharaj, Swami Shri Devendra Keertiji Maharaj, and Adarniya Samani Param Pragyaji. Our Jain Society was started during 1988 with about four Jain families in Tampa Bay Area. As of today we have more than 125 families. Our aim is to learn and promote principles of Jainism throughout the region. Now having Jain Temple of our dream we will be able to enhance our activities such as Pooja, Bhakti, Swadhyay, Scholar visitations, Pathshala for young and adults etc.
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Jain Digest Winter 2009 Jain Education International