Jain Center of Southern California Concludes Eleven-Day Community Event With Grand Closing Ceremony

The Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) today announces its conclusion of the eleven-day cultural and spiritual event for the inauguration of their brand new Derasar (temple) and Aradhana (meditation and reflection) Hall with a closing ceremony held at the JCSC. The event was held from September 26 to October 6, 2008 in Buena Park, California, marking a historical milestone for the JCSC and opening the doors for a new religious facet in the community. Activities during the event included cultural programs, a grand procession, various religious ceremonies and discourses by visiting dignitaries and scholars. Over 4,100 people attended and participated throughout the eleven days, including over 2,800 during the grand procession on Saturday, October 4, 2008.

"This auspicious event was a complete success for the Jain community in Southern California. We have now opened the doors of the new temple to thousands in the community," said JCSC President, Ashok Savla. "We've had the opportunity to celebrate while enlightening the local community of our colorful culture and philosophy during this once in a lifetime event. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank over 250 volunteers who worked tirelessly for months to make this event run as smoothly as it did and I am deeply grateful to them."

The cultural program and parade were highlights of the eleven-day event showcasing traditional Jain philosophy and ceremonies. The cultural program on Saturday, September 27th presented various religious themes in 21 classical songs and dances from different regions of India and languages. The grand procession on Saturday, October 4th showcased over 2,800 participants in colorful dress dancing, singing and riding vibrant floats that carried 47 Jain idols.

The New Temple Complex has a three-phase plan at an estimated cost of $20 million that includes a Cultural Complex -- Phase 1, Religious Temple and Meditation Hall -- Phase 2, and Atma Sadhana Kendra (National Library and Study Rooms) -- Phase 3. The Library will eventually hold over 15,000 books, manuscripts and multi-media resources and will begin construction after the inauguration of the new Temple and Meditation Hall. Decorated with paintings, murals, tapestries, and sculptures to depict the Jain way of life, the opulent features of the architecture reflect the famed ancient Jain temples in India. When completed, the Jain Bhavan will become a prominent international Tirth (pilgrimage site) for spiritual and scholarly pursuits.

For more information please visit www.jaincenter.net

About the Jain Center of Southern California

The Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC), located in Buena Park, California, was founded on September 15, 1979 by 30 families with one important mandate -- to practice, promote and teach Jainism with no sectarian bias. Today, with over 1000 families as members, the JCSC's major activities include: religious celebrations, educational programs, lectures from visiting dignitaries, free medical camps open to all, humanitarian relief projects and much more. The JCSC is one of the four original Jain organizations that helped establish the Jain Associations in North America (JAINA) in May 1981 which has been honored with numerous awards and honors, including one from the United Nations.

About Jain religion

Jainism, in addition to Hinduism and Buddhism, is one of the most ancient Indian religions still in existence. Jain theology provides a strict code of non-violence and compassion above all else to all living beings, and has had a significant influence on the Indian culture for thousands of years. The distinguishing features of Jain philosophy are:

--  strong emphasis on non-violence on any living organism, including the
    environment;
--  morality and ethics based on the ultimate objective of liberation of
    soul through shedding of all "karmic" matter; and,
--  an individual's soul alone is ultimately responsible for its own
    liberation and a strong belief in taking personal responsibility for all
    actions.

JCSC Contact:
Nilesh Shah
Email Contact

Media Contact:
Stephanie von Tesmar
Michael Terpin
Terpin Communications for JSCS
Email Contact
310-821-6100x109

SOURCE: Jain Center of Southern California

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