Jain Center of America (JCA) New York was founded in the year 1965. Registered as a non-profit corporation in 1970 in the State of New York, JCA was one of the first organizations established in North America not only to promote Jain principles and practice, but also to provide a place of worship for the Jain community. Before the building was acquired, New York-area Jains would meet at Columbia University and at the Indian Consulate in New York City or at individual residences.

On February 10, 1981, JCA purchased a residential building in Elmhurst, New York and was incorporated with the county on December 21, 1981. This residential building was converted into a Jain Center temple by installing an idol of Shri Mahavirswami. Since the modest beginning in 1982, this temple had become a focal point of Jain activities, such as hosting several Jain scholars, Jain Munis, Sadhvijis and celebrating Paryushan Maha Parva, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, and other important religious ceremonies every year.

As the Jain population in the tri-state area grew significantly, the need for a larger temple to accommodate larger groups was strongly felt. An idea to build a new temple was borne following numerous suggestions by the community members based on the following guidelines taken from the 1993 circular:

• Traditional Shikharbandhi Temple for Swetamber and Digamber
• Sthanakvasi Upashraya
• Shrimad Rajchandra Sthanak and Sadhana Kendra
• Community Hall with all Modern Facilities
• Dinning Hall with fully Equipped Kitchen
• Pathashala, Library and Museum
• Adequate Parking Facilities

Objectives

The Jain Center’s goal is to envelope the mind, body and soul of every worshipper that comes through its inviting doors. The following factors were considered:

• Follow the Jain code of conduct in the design and construction process.
• Obtain guidance from various monks, scholars, and religious leaders.
• Incorporate Jain temple Vastushastra, Jain architecture and aesthetics.
• Center to be Non-Sectarian with all Jain beliefs represented equally.
• Reflect and recognize collective efforts instead of individual names.
• Consider suggestions from the JCA members.
• Adhere to local laws and regulations.
• Have facilities for disabled people.
• Create a design that combines the best of Eastern traditions with Western technology.
• Keep the community informed of the construction progress through newsletters and open houses.

Conceptualization and Site selection

In the year 2000, the planning process to give shape to a new temple began. The first question was where to build the temple that would fulfill the growing needs of the community. Several factors were considered in the site selection process, namely the need to accommodate large groups, represent various sects, and provide many facilities under one roof. Other factors included:

• Current site of temple is an approved Zone area for a place of worship. This facilitated the approval of the plans by the City.
• The property was fully paid for.
• The temple site is centrally located for easy access by public transportation.
• The site is in a safe area due to other religious institutions nearby.
• Religious tradition to build a new temple on an existing temple site.

Design and planning

Building Plans

Designing a temple blueprint for construction in the middle of a city like New York was an intricate process. A number of constraints, apposing architecture, and religious factors had to be balanced. Some constraints, for example, included having only a limited amount of floor space and having to comply with city and fire department laws that imposed serious restrictions on designing the internal space. Since the floor space was horizontally limited, the natural solution was to create floor space vertically. Vertical design also allowed the construction committee to plan space on the third and fourth floors to accommodate different Jain beliefs. Another important factor in the design process was to provide space for the movement of people to be able to pray according to their religious tradition. Sen Architects firm was appointed for the project.

Award of Construction Contracts

After the blueprints for the temple were finalized, the next big task was to award the construction contract to a capable firm who could incorporate their construction expertise with religious requirements and work with the other subcontractors. A number of potential contractors were identified. An RFB (Request for Bid) was floated. The RFB incorporated our requirements of qualifications, experience, and city-approved blueprints they were to comply with. The Bids were reviewed by the construction committee, and after extensive rounds of discussion and comparative evaluation, Magnetic Construction was awarded the contract to be our general contractor, Ark System Electric was to be the Electric contractor, and Medco Plumbing was to be the HVAC contractor.

Temple Plans

Trivedi Crafts, temple architects from Ahmedabad, India, joined our team as advisors and helped us design the temple architecture to conform to various requirements of the Jain Religion. They also provided all the marble work including beautifully carved columns, Gabharas, Gokhalas, and intricately carved Arches.

To further the interests of all Jain beliefs and provide a visual representation, a number of PAT, paintings, sculptures and narratives were planned to be posted throughout the Temple walls and on the walls of lobbies and stairs.

Ancillary facilities

With a desire to combine tradition with modern technology, sophisticated audiovisual equipment, a PA system, computers, a telephone system and a modern security system were incorporated to make the temple the best place for community activities. The temple was wired to take advantage of the latest technological advancements. Specific areas have been created for community gatherings, education, library, dining, and the caretaker’s residence. A fully equipped kitchen was built to allow catering for large gatherings.

Summary

Accordingly, in the year 2000, planning to reconstruct the temple began in earnest. The old building was demolished by December 2001 and Bhoomi Poojan was performed on March 30, 2002. Shilaropan was performed on July 12, 2002. The temple building came to a completion in the year 2004. The Pratistha ceremony will be performed between June 10 to 19, 2005.

The architectural design and planning of this divine place stays true to the multiple codes and ethics of the Jain Religion and satisfies the needs of the Jain Community for a place of worship in New York City. In this temple, religion and architecture come together to create a space that is sacred in every detail, while adhering to civic regulations.

Various aspects of Jain beliefs are displayed through sculpture, artwork, paintings and narratives throughout the building. This will evoke a greater spiritual consciousness and awareness amongst all. This Jain Center aims to absorb the mind, body and soul of every one that comes to its doorstep.