Location
- Jain Centre 32 Oxford Street Leicester - LE1 5XU,
UK
The
Jain Temple The Jain Centre
is often referred as a Dream Centre, one of its
own kind in a western world.
The front elevation of the building made up of white
marble cladding and eight pillars depicting symbolic
Jain doctrine has transformed the landscape of the
area and one cannot fail to admire the marvel whilst
passing through the Oxford Street.
The temple presents a magnificent piece of Jain
architecture, made from Jaselmere yellow stone.
It has have 44 carved pillars, in addition eight
pillars depicting symbolic Jain doctrine in the
front elevation, a beautiful temple dome, ceiling
with traditional Jain carvings, white marble floor,
mirror finished walls, concealed lighting and the
traditional doors at the Garbhagriha.
Jain
Samaj Europe's Mission :- Jain Centre's mission is to be recognized
nationally and internationally as an organization
for establishing a network to share Jain heritage
and religion. Aims :-
1) The advancement of the Jain Religion and principles
of Jainism, particularly but not exclusively by
the provisions of place of meeting, worship, study
and library.
2) Research and publications on Jainism in simple
language.
a) For Jains
b) For Europeans at large
c) For Scholars, studying religions in general.
d) Publications of Comprehensive Bibliography for
Jains Studies.
3) Training teachers for Jainism.
4) Co-ordination for
Jain Institutions, followers of Jainism and scholars
doing research in Jainism in Europe.
5) To promote the principle - AHIMSA (Non-violence),
especially vegetarianism and to encourage research
at that end.
6) To inform and publish Jain Map of India, with
provision of places of pilgrimages. Jain Institutions
and Jain community in India.
7) To organise religious tours of pilgrimages in
India.
8) To foster and understanding of the place of Jainism
in context to other religions.
9) Co-operation with like minded organisation.
History
:- It all began humbly with a few devotees
who met to celebrate Paryushana in a small house
in 1969.
1972 : Paryushana was celebrated in Snatan Mandir.
1973 : An organisation named - Jain Samaj Leicester
was formed. With the increase in the total population
of the Jains, the activities grew and indeed, the
interest of the people. Inevitable, the next stage
was to own a building a place for worship and study,
where any Jains can pray according to one's custom
but promoting Jainism in a unified manner.
1979 : An Old spacious church building in Oxford
Street, situated in heart of Leicester was bought
and named the Jain Centre.
1980
: The Jain Samaj was expanded as a European
body, so that any Jain living in Europe could
become a member and participate in its activities
The Jain Samaj had much support from the host
community, other Indian Communities the Leicester
City Council and the local media. It must
be emphasised that the supporter of this cause
are from all over the world, including leading
Jain Scholars, philanthropists, monks, nuns
and many other supporters.
1982 : Jain Samaj opened an office in London, to
cope with the growing interest in membership in
London. Jains from India took an active part in
the Jain Centre project and sent a magnificant temple
depicting Jain architecture as a gift. The All India
(Overseas) Jinalaya Samiti, was created specifically
for this purpose was worked hard to complete the
temple according to the plans drawn by the architects
from Leicester, Bombay and Ahmedabad.
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 Anjanshalaka ceremony
was carried at Pali(Rajasthan) for the images of
Shree Shantinath(79cm), Shree Mahavirswami (64cm)
and Shree Parswanath (64cm) which is currently situated
at the Jain Centre.
1985 : On 25th August,
the above images entered the Jain Centre, Leicester.
1988 : On 8th July, images were entered in Garbagriha(permanent
place of adobe) and on 20th July they ha Pratistha
(installation ceremony). The Pratistha Mahatosova
was for 16 days starting from 8th July 1988 to 23th
July 1988.
Committee
:-Trustees Dr. Natubhai Shah
Mr. Manherlal Mehta
Dr. Ramesh Mehta
Mr. Kantibhai Shah Office Bearers Dr. Jagdish Shah President
Mr. Haresh Shah Vice-President Mr. Ashwin Shah Area Chairperson – Leicester
Mr. Vijay Sheth Area Chairperson – London
