Community Event Inaugurates the New Temple Complex in Buena Park, California
The Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) today announces its eleven-day cultural and spiritual event for the inauguration of their brand new Derasar (temple) and Aradhana (meditation and reflection hall) on September 26 to October 6, 2008 in Buena Park, California. This event will mark a historical milestone for the JCSC as the doors open for the community. Activities during the event will include cultural events, a parade, and various religious ceremonies and discourses by visiting dignitaries and scholars.
The Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) started preliminary plans to expand the existing Jain Center by constructing a new Jain Bhavan (Complex) nearly 14 years ago. "We are so excited to be able to share this auspicious event with the community," said JCSC President, Ashok Savla. "Though Jainism is one of the major religions in the world, it is relatively new in the US and unknown to most people here. The new Complex in Buena Park offers a glimpse into our culture, and our positive contributions to the community."
The 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.