Jain Digest 2015 06

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

Page 48

JAIN DIGEST
Antwerp Jain Temple
Antwerp Jain Temple is the largest outside of India Jain Cultural Center Antwerp (JCCA)
A unique Monument for Peace and Love: Antwerp is become important hub for Diamonds and Jains:
The Antwerp Jain temple is the largest of its kind in
Europe and offers a glimpse of its rich traditions of Jain Antwerp was known as a diamond centre for over 100 religion based on non-violence for peace and love. years. In the late 1950-60s, few Palanpuri Jain Indian Jain temple is a signature of Jains who are settled in families with limited means and with big dreams came Antwerp for many years and are keeping their religious to Antwerp to join the diamond trade. And over period traditions alive. According to people connected with of time Indian Jain Community arrived in Antwerp for the temple, this temple is not only strengthening the
diamond Business and now has grown over to 600 bonding between Jain community people in Antwerp, families who are calling Antwerp as their home. but also among other Indian communities and the
local communities living in Antwerp. It is a kind of a The Birth of Project for Jain Temple in Antwerp bridge for a strong bonding between both countries
India and Belgium. Having a large numbers of Jains in Antwerp. it decided to build a Jain temple in Antwerp rather than Start of establishing Jain Virtues: in any other destination in Europe like London. And this dream became reality when the committee was for the first time after the JCCA was formed, the Indian formed which started planning for this Dream Project. community observed and celebrated the first time The Jain temple project has been spear headed by Jain pious days of Paryushana in Antwerp. This pious the Jain Cultural Center Antwerp (JCCA). "The Jain ceremony for eight days of Jain religious discourses, temple will out live us as a symbol for peace, unity and during which some strict Jains do universal love to any living beings and non-violence, It will forever connect Belgium and India in the true fasting with consuming only boiled water and following spirit of religion and culture".
strict norms of Jainism in their day to day life for eight
days. 48 I MAY-JUN 2015