Jain Digest 2015 06

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

Page 33

Jainism In Malaysia
21
First Shikharbandhi Jain temple dedicated to the Shree Chintamani Parshvanath, in Malaysia is located in Ipoh city of Malaysia. Ipoh city is 200 kms north of Kuala Lumpur. It is possible, that some early Jains arrived way back in the 15th and 16th centuries in Malacca. Second wave of large scale migration took place during British Raj. Third wave of Indians arrived after 1990s mainly to work as foreign professionals (mainly in IT Sector and teaching). At present there are about 2,500 Jains in Malaysia. They are mostly Guajaratis.
The temple in First Garden, Ipoh, stands majestic with its ornate dome rising above the rooftops of the surrounding neighborhood. The temple was built in 2002, inspired by the family of businessman Shri Bharat Jasani. Pujya Jinchandraji Maharaj has been visiting Ipoh to conduct various religious activities for many years.
The design of the temple follows that of a famous one in Tithal, Gujarat, India. The temple houses the statue of twenty third Tirthankar Parshvanath. The temple carving has been done by sculptors of Jaipur. Great care has been taken while planning the temple to ensure that the Jain heritage was properly reflected in its design. The temple bell is brought from India. The temple today serves more than just the 1000 Jain families in Ipoh. It is managed under the auspices of the Shantiniketan Foundation, Malaysia (SFM), a charity trust formed to help support Jain culture in Malaysia. This unique temple in Ipoh stands not just as a centre for the local Jain community.
Shantiniketan Foundation, Malaysia (SFM)
In January 1999: A group of 32 devotees went to Tirth Yatra in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Pujya Kirtichandraji Maharaj led and accompanied the yatra group.
In February 2000: Pujya Kirtichandraji Maharaj visited Ipoh and convey their blessings for the setting up of SFM. The formation of Shantiniketan Foundation was officially announced at an event by Pujya Maharajsahib.
JAIN DIGEST
JULY 2000: Bharat Jasani invited Pujya Jinchandraji Maharaj to bless and supervise the beginning of the construction works on the Jain temple in Ipoh.
February 2002: About 1000 devotees from all over Malaysia, Singapore, India and USA attended the Grand Pratishtha Mahotsav. For the first time in the history of Malaysia a chaturvidh sangh was gathered in Malaysia. The sangh was led by Pujya Kirtichandraji Maharaj, Pujya Jinchandraji Maharaj, Pujya Sadhviji Malyakirtiji Maharaj and Pujya Sadhviji Ramyakirtiji Maharaj with 85 Sravak and Sravikas from India. The pratistha mahotsav was hosted by Bharat Jasani & family. After the pratistha Bharat Jasani and family handed over the management of the temple to Shantiniketan Foundation Malaysia.
JANUARY 2005: Pujya Gurudev performed the Bhoomi Pujan on the adjoining land. The construction works on the guest rooms commenced thereafter.
JUNE 2008: SFM organized the first ever shibbir in Malaysia under the presence of Pujya Shri Jinchandraji Maharaj and Pujya Sadhviji Ramyakirtiji Maharaj. The theme of the 3 day shibbir was Science of Karma - Understanding the Karmic Theory. After the Shibbir, SFM organized a Dharma Yatra Tour of Pujya Jinchandraji Maharaj to Surabaya and Jakarta, Indonesia
FEBRUARY 2012: SFM celebrated grandly the 10th Anniversary Celebrations of Shree Chintamani Parshvanath Jinalaya. Pujya Sadhvi Shri Ramyakirtiji led the celebrations with representatives from various Jain Sanghs from USA, Kenya, Dubai, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Melaka and Penang.
Address: Shantiniketan Foundation, Malaysia, 15, Persia ran Bekor 4, First Garden, 30100, IPOH. Perek, Malayasia phone: 6055267801,cell -60165574007
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