Jain Digest 2015 06

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

Page 45

JAIN DIGEST
Jain Centre obtained substantial grants from Leicester City Council, Man Power Service Commission and Department of Environment. He convinced Jains in India to gift the temple for the Leicester Jain Centre. For this purpose, Jinalaya Trust was established, in India, under the chairmanship of Shrenikbhai Sheth who looked after the construction of the temple and its carvings. To get equipment and stain glass windows for the Centre, the Jain Centre trust was also established under the Chairmanship Mr. Kantilal Talakchand Shah. The Jain Social Groups Federation gave full co-operation for the Jain Centre development.
1980- The Jain Samaj Leicester was expanded as a European body, so that any Jain living in Europe could become a member and participate in its activities. Jain leaders in India and Acharyas of all major Jain traditions supported this noble cause. Gurudev Chitrabhanu and Acharya Shushilkumarji blessed the development of Jain Centre. Acharya Chandanaji helped to create the beautiful museum at the Centre.
1982 - Jain Samaj opened an office in London, to cope with the growing interest Jains in London. 1983 - On 10th November, Shinalayas ceremony, the laying of the foundation stones for the first fully consecrated Jain Temple in the western World, was performed.
1984 - On 14th December, the Anjan Shalaka ceremony was carried at Pali (Rajasthan). Here Mul Nayak is Shantinath Bhagvan. Other idols are: Parshvanath Bhagvan and Mahavir swami. There are also Manibhadra Veer, Padmavati Devi, Chakreshvari Devi, Gautam Swami and other idols. There are Digambar idols too and the area is like a small Digambar temple. There is also facility for Shrimad Rajchandra's followers.
1985 - On 25th August, a festival of entrance ceremony for 8 days was held at De Montfort Hall, Leicester and the above images were brought into Jain Centre. Chandubhai Trivedi (Somapura), Snehkant Shroff and Gallery Associates helped to create the marvelous temples and refurbished the Centre.
Leicester city council and Leicestershire Museum helped in the administration of the grants. Diocese of Leicester helped the administration of the Jain Centre by allowing the services of Rev Michael Ipgrave as an administrator at Jain Centre for 3 years.
1988 - Temple was completed in 1988 on 8th July. The images entered in Garbhagriha (permanent place of abode) on 20th July. The Pratistha (installation ceremony) of the images was performed. The Pratistha Mahotsav was for 16 days starting from 8th July 1988 to 23th July 1988.
Jain centre had visits of many dignitaries including High Commissioners of India, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Artists and Actors. The Jain Centre was honored by British Prime Minister John Major's visit in 1997 and Royal Family visit in 2000.
Jain Samaj Europe (Leicester) is the first European centre for the advancement of the Jain Religion and principles of Jainism and houses all the Sects of Jainism under one roof. It has a Shwetamber and Digamber Jinalaya, Sthanakwasi Upashraya, Guru Mandir, Shrimad Rajchandra Gnan Mandir and museum of Jain artifacts.
Jain Samaj Europe (Leicester) provides a place of worship, library, Pathshala, bhojansala and promotes Jainism by publications and lectures to school and other visiting groups
Jain Samaj Europe
Jain Centre, 32, Oxford Street, LEICESTER, LE1 5XU, England, UK, Tel: +44 (0)116 254 1150, help@jaincentre.com
45I MAY-JUN 2015