Foundation Laid For Jain Temple In Brampton, Canada

Hundreds of devotees with their family and friends lined up with their own bricks to lay down the foundation of auspicious Bhagwan 1008 Aadinatha Jain Temple that is being built on Mayfield Road (Mayfield and Gore Road) in Brampton last week. His holiness Bhattarka Charukirtiji and Pandit Dharm Chand Sastri conducted the special religious pooja befitting the event of purifying the land and laying down the foundation stone amid grand gala and chanting of ceremonial mantras.

This is the first Jain temple in Canada that is being built in the traditional temple format. A five and quarter feet high idol of Bhagwan Aadinath in sitting posture shall be installed in the temple. Aadinatah Bhagwan, also known as Rishbhadev is the first tirthankar of this era. Jains believe that Aadinath played the pivotal role in developing our civilization, teaching agriculture, tending the animals, and to work to achieve nobleness. This grand Jain temple will meet the spiritual and religious needs of all those who believe in the principles of non-violence; and in compassionate and eco-friendly living.

Gyan Jain’s family has donated the land and undertook building of this temple which is being supervised by Shri S.S. Jain Foundation. The Foundation also plans to have a Community center, Library, Jain museum and an Ontario curriculum based Primary School at this site. It is hoped that the construction would be completed by 2013.

On talking about his vision Gyan Jain noted that in Canadian culture the elderly preferred to live an independent life at old age homes. How would Jain vegetarian elders survive in an old age home without many vegetarian options, Jain friends and religious activities is a big question before the seniors in the community. He therefore wants to build a Senior Citizen Home wherein the elders of the entire Jain community can stay, live and eat together. A hospital with all medical facilities in accordance with the Ontario government standards is also being planned.