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November 2008 Jai Jinendra,
Welcome to the Jain Society of Greater Atlanta's Pratishtha Mahotsav! I am very happy that our dream project has now become a reality for the Atlanta and neighboring Jain community. The successful completion of this undertaking would not have been possible without the hard work, dedication and financial support of our JSGA members.
The 3 Phase Construction Project began in 1996 when 3.7 acres of land was acquired to build our Jain Center and Temple. In the presence of Acharya Shri Chandanaji and Sadhvi Shri Shubhamji, we performed the Bhoomi Poojan in 1998. Between 1998 and 1999, the temple committee worked on the architectural designs of the Jain Center.
Phase 1 of the Jain Center project included building of the Jain Center. This was successfully completed in December 2000 and was inaugurated in April 2001. This marked the beginning of a new era. We now have a central place to worship together under one roof and have place to arrange various lectures, poojas and carry out other religious functions.
Phase 2 of the Jain Center project included finishing of the basement, kitchen, Pathshala classrooms and additional bathrooms. This allowed us to arrange for the weekly Pathshala classes and have a dining facility with sitting capacity of more than 200 persons for our members.
Phase 3 of the project was the biggest challenge that we encountered. This phase was to construct the Shikharbandhi Jinalay (Temple) made of magnificent marble carvings. We worked with our architect Tony Patel and Sompura in Ahmedabad, India to come up with a traditional Jain Derasar design. JSGA Executive Committee members visited India several times to locate the best marble available for our temple and idols. We successfully ordered the idols and completed the marble temple in Atlanta, GA.
Anjan Salaka of Mulnayak, Adinath Bhagwan, was carried out in Walkeshwar, Bombay (India). Many members visited India and participated in this event and thoroughly enjoyed the auspicious ceremony. The pictures of the Anjan Salaka are posted on our JSGA website. According to Acharya Maharaj Nay Vardhan Suri Swarji, this Murti is extremely powerful and the Anjan Salaka Vidhi was performed in one of the best ways possible. Members showed such joy and enthusiasm upon the arrival of this Pratimaji in Atlanta on Sunday, November 2. Prior to its arrival to Atlanta, we received a large number of donations than expected. Jain Samaj of Greater Atlanta is fortunate to have such a powerful Murti at our Temple. According to Acharya Maharaj, this is one of the largest Murtis outside of India where Anjan Salaka was performed.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
In our Swetambar temple we have 3 Pratimas and Gabhara, 24 Tirthankars in Bhomti, current Adinath pratima and 10 Dev/Devis in the temple and lobby area. In our Digambar temple, which is located downstairs, we have 3 Murtis in the main Gabhara. In addition we have a dhyan room for Sthanakvasi followers adjacent to the Digamber temple.
I thank all the JSGA Executive Committee members who have worked very hard, sponsors, JSGA members, various committee members, and all of the volunteers who made our dream project such a grand success. We hope to continue this tremendous energy and positive progress going forward.
Sincerely,
Deepak Shah JSGA President
