Jain Heritage and Beyond

Author(s): Shailesh Shah
Publisher: Oshwal Associations of The UK

Page 14

Message from Joint Convenor - Pratishtha Mahotsav
Kaushik Narshi Shah Jai Jinendra, Pranam On 7th September 1997 we performed the "Bhumi Pujan" and the "Khannan Vidhi" ceremonies for the Shikharbandhi Jinalay at Oshwal Centre. This was followed by the "Shilanyas" ceremonies on 14th September 1997. Thus we began the auspicious journey towards building a magnificent home for our Tirthankars.
Almost eight years later we are now making earnest preparations to consecrate the first Shikharbandhi Jinalay in Europe to be built on "virgin" land. During the Pratishtha Mahotsav we will witness the installation of the "Jin Bimbs" (the divine Pratimajis) of Shree Mahavir Swami Bhagwan, Shree Adeshwar Bhagwan and Shree Parshwanath Bhagwan in the Garbh Gruh of the new Jinalay. At the same time we shall install the divine Pratimajis of Shree Shantinath Bhagwan, Shree Mahavir Swami Bhagwan (until recently seated in the Ghar Deraser), Shree Padmavati Mata and Shree Manibhadra Dada in the designated "seats" in the Rang Mandap. The Pratishtha Mahotsav is a very auspicious and historic occasion for not only the Halari Visa Oshwal community that make up the Oshwal Association of the U.K., but also for the entire Jain community of the U.K. and Europe. We have no doubt whatsoever that the Jinalay will bring about a new awakening, especially amongst the younger generations, towards Jain Dharma. This is evident from the record attendance that we have had over the past two years at the various ceremonies related to the Deraser. On behalf of my two Pratishtha Mahotsav Joint Convenor colleagues, Ashwinbhai Dharamshi Shah and Dhirajlal Devraj Karania, I express our sincere gratitude to all the volunteers, the Area Committees and the Executive Committee who have given us their total support and assistance in making the preparations for this memorable event. This has been a gigantic team effort where all the participants have co-operated fully with the Joint Convenors even at the shortest notice. Inspite of the best will in the world and intentions, planning and execution of such large events will always have its own shortcomings. We have tried to take account of even the minutest details. However, we would still like to apologise very sincerely for any perceived shortcomings in our arrangements. Some of these decisions we have had to take have also been extremely painful for us. We have explained our difficulties to the revered Maharajsahebs in India and they have understood our limitations. We have also assured them that we have not done or will not do anything intentionally or deliberately to deviate from the basic principles of Jain Dharma. In conclusion I believe that we should recognise and applaud the support and encouragement given to us, the Joint Convenors, and our fellow colleagues by our families who have over the past two years had to make several sacrifices of our time so that we could bring to you, the honoured devotees of the teachings of our divine Tirthankars, the new Jinalay at Oshwal Centre.
Kaushik Narshi Shah Joint Convenor - Pratishtha Mahotsav
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