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Chapter 31. Religious Activities
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Jain Temple in Bhivandi: The grandson of Devraj Depar Gudhka, who was the first person from Navagam to settle in Mumbai, Ramji Meghji Gudhka, and his family, built Shri Suvidhinath Jain Temple in Bhivandi. The grand ceremony (Pratistha Mahotsav) to install the images was performed from April 27, 1985 to May 1, 1985. On May 1, when the images were installed, Ramji Meghji Gudhka and his family arranged a grand feast for all Halari Visa Oshwals living in Thana District and Svetembar Jains living in Bhivandi.
Jain Temple in Pandhurna: In the beginning there was no Svetamber Jain Temple in Pandhurna. Everyone use to go to the Digamber Jain Temple for worship. In 1980 a Svetamber Deravasi Association was formed with Ratilal Narshi Gudhka, son of Narshi Lakhamshi Gudhka as the Chairman. In 1986 when Narendra Raichand Gudhka, was Chairman a decision to build a temple was made. The Raichand Juthalal Dodhia family laid the foundation stone of the prayer hall on October 10, 1987. The Keshavji Khachra Khimasia family originally from Vasai laid the foundation stone for a non-domed Jain temple (ghar derasar) in 1989. As the construction was completed in six months in the same year the installation ceremony of the images of the Tirthankars was performed under the supervision of Acharya Shri Nardev Sagar Surishwarji. Three images were installed. The image of Lord Shitalnath as the principal deity (Mulnayak) in the middle was installed by the Raichand Narshi Gudhka family, the image of Lord Sambhavnath on the right was installed by the Raishi Haria family and the image of Lord Malinath on the left by Dhanji Meghji Vora. In addition Motiben Fulchandbhai's family also installed a metal image of Lord Shitalnath. In addition to the temple there are two generalpurpose halls and three other rooms built at the same time. Many families participated in this auspicious event. Shrimati Maniben Meghji Pethraj of London (originally from Dabasang) donated a substantial amount of money.
