Jain Digest 2009 03 Vol 28 No 1

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

Page 24

Jain scholars to Las Vegas. This was possible thanks to Mr. Sid Baskin who was a Jewish by religion, but a true Jain by example. At his invitation Samanji Sthitpragya and Shrutpragya agreed to visit Las Vegas in 1998 and delivered the very first lecture on Jainism at the residence of Atulbhai Gandhi. This was the beginning of a new era in the Jain community of Las Vegas before the Hindu-Jain Temple was constructed. The untimely death of Mr. Baskin at a young age was condoled by the Jain Community with a prayer led by Shrutpragya.
itpragya. During the Paryushan Parva, the Samvatsari Pratikraman was organized at Atulbhai's residence. Also the very first Mahaveer Janma Vanchan during the Paryushan Parva was organized at the residence of Shaileshbhai and Sudhaben Shah, who had moved from Chicago to Las Vegas in 1995. Until the temple was constructed, the Jain community would gather at their residence to celebrate the Mahaveer Jayanti and the Samvatsari. The construction of the Temple started in late 1998 and it was completed in the year 2001. During its construction, the Jain families in a meeting at the residence of Yatin Daulat decided that we should share this temple by installing the deities of Bhagwan Adinath, Bhagwan Mahaveer, and Bhagwan Parshwanath. Accordingly, all the Jain families agreed to contribute $2,500 each towards the cost of purchasing the idols. These idols were purchased from Jaipur and arrived in Las Vegas late in July 2001. In the meantime, Drs. Ranjit and Renu Jain were in Chicago to attend the JAINA convention. At the convention, they were looking for someone who would do the Pratishtha of the Jain idols. Luckily, they were referred to Shri Nareshbhai Shah of New York who knew the Pratishtha ceremony and related issues. Drs. Ranjit and Renu Jain invited him to Las Vegas to do the Pratishtha which he kindly agreed to. There were elaborate celebrations planned in April 2001 for the installation of the Hindu deities. The ceremony began on April 24, and ended on April 26. 2001. The Pratishtha of the Jain deities was scheduled for October 3, and 4, 2001. Shri Nareshbhai and Minaben arrived in Las Vegas a day before. On October 3rd, 2001, every member of the Jain families took part in the 18 Abhishek. On October 4th, 2001, the Dwar Opening ceremony was performed. Also on that day, the Gautam Swami Pooja was performed and the ceremony ended with Shanti Kalash. After the establishment of the Temple, it was decided to form a body that would represent the Jain families at the JAINA level. Accordingly, Jain Center of Las Vegas was formed with Dr. Renu Jain as its President. Kirti Shah was nominated as Secretary, and Nita Daulat was nominated as Treasurer. During her tenure
as President, Dr. Renu Jain invited renowned scholars such as Sushree Tarlaben Doshi, etc. to Las Vegas for a discourse on Jainism. She also was instrumental in organizing the Jain Pathshala in the initial years before the Center was established. In 2005, Dr. Renu Jain stepped down and Atulbhai Gandhi replaced her as President of the Center. During his tenure, Atulbhai invited renowned Jain Scholars such as Sushree Tarlaben Doshi Shree Hira Ratan Manek (Solar Healing & Sun Gazing), Acharya Manekmuniji, also known as Shatavdhani, Acharya Amrendraji, Shree Subhash Sheth, Pt. Dhirajlal and Ashwini Pragyaji, etc. to Las Vegas. As President of the Center, Atulbhai invited the Senior Jain citizens from Los Angeles area to Las Vegas. It is worth noting that under the auspices of Acharya Manekmuniji, Atulbhai, and his nephew Hemal Modi, observed fasting for 8 days, while Atulbhai's wife Bharatiben observed fasting for 16 days during the Paryushan Mahaparva in 2005. To date this is a record Tapascharya in Las Vegas. It is also worth mentioning that Atulbhai made all the arrangements for the invited scholars and Bharatiben Gandhi devoted her time while the scholars stayed at their residence. Due to their selfless efforts, the Jain community was fortunate enough to have such renowned scholars on a regular basis in their midst. Atulbhai's parents Rasiklal and Elaben Gandhi were instrumental in inspiring them to organize such events in Las Vegas. During the 2006 Paryushan Parva, with the blessings of Acharva Amrendraii Raiendra Bhandari observed fasting for 8 days. During the Paryushan Parva of 2007, Ashwinipragyaji was in Las Vegas and he blessed the Jain community with his presence. At the same time Kirtibhai Shah was selected as President of the Center replacing Atulbhai Gandhi. Religious discourse on the different aspects of human life was organized at the temple. At the end of the Paryushan Parva, the Samvatsari Pratikraman was organized at the temple and conducted by Ashwinipragyaji. The current members of the executive committee of the Center are - Dr. Himansu Shah, Treasurer, Bhavik Shah, Secretary, Nita Daulat, Cultural Secretary, Rajendra Bhandari and Vikas Jain. Kirtibhai Shah and Suhasini Shah are involved in organizing Snatra Pooja in the temple on third Sunday of each month. The Jain Center of Las Vegas is fortunate in having Panditji and his wife Vaniji who has taken care of the Jain deities every day since 2001 and performs Aarti and Mangal Divo religiously to the delight of attending people.
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Jain Digest Winter 2009