Grand Pratishtha Mahotsav at Jain Temple

Jain devotees kicking off the Pratishta Mahotsav with arati. Mafatbhai Patel, the chief guest in suit is seen lighting the lamp

CHICAGO: Hundreds of Jains from Chicagoland and nearby States of Indiana and Wisconsin flocked to Jain Temple in Bartlett to be part of the 10 days of Grand Celebration of Pratistha Mahotsav being conducted there.

The event was kicked off with the lighting of the lamp by a noted Indian businessman Mafat Patel of Patel Bros and his brother Tulsibhai Patel on Friday June 19. This was followed up with arati to Dikpal and other deities.

A grand procession was held on Saturday June 27. Tarak Shah of procession committee explained that in this grand procession there were 10 decorative floats going from East view school in Bartlett to the Jain temple about mile and a half along with Bhagwan Mahavir's Palaki, Flag of Jainism and various music bands, etc. A special helicopter was arranged for "Pushpvrusti" when actual Pratishtha happen in the temple, said Trustee Kishore Shah.

For the past 14 months a large contingent of volunteers had worked hard to make the event a grand success. The entire Jain Center facility from parking lot to the main temple was beautifully decorated with various artifacts- home made and custom ordered from India. Decoration committee Chair Hema Dakshay Shah said that special effects are created for unique displays of "Trajvu" - balance, "Chhiplu", etc.

An arch imported from India marked the grand entrance to the temple premise. The front yard has been converted into a tent city to host various events. This temple inaugurated fifteen years ago was built for all four sects of Jainism. Chicago' temple was the first temple in USA inaugurated in 1993. With renovations and expansion; it has again become one of the "must see" icons of Chicago and a flagship Jain temple of USA.

According to President Atul Shah, every effort was made to make this event a great spiritual success. "Our  society has Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji and Shri Promodaji of New York, Gurudev Shri Jinchandraji- Bandhu Triputi of Tithal, India, Shri Devendrakirti Bhattarakji of South India, Muni Shri Tej Sahebji of Mumbai, Gurudev Shri Rakeshbhai Jhaveri, Smt. Sudhaben Sheth and Samanijis (followers of Acharya Mahapragyaji) to bless the devotees and conduct religious discourses," he said.

He added that the event planning is done in such a way that there is a good mix of entertainment and bhakti sangeet (devotional music) for all. Secretary Tejas Shah described that during all ten days various kinds of poojans will be performed and some are being held for the first time in USA, such as "Uvassagaharam poojan", "Namokar Mantra Poojan", "Bhaktamar Vidhan Poojan", "Simandhar Swami Poojan".

Detailing the highlights of the Cultural JSMC, Vipul Shah, Chair of Public relations and communication, said that a renowned Vidhikar from India.

Shri Narendrabhai Nandu and his group, of Mumbai and well known  musicians Karnik Shah of Vadodara, India., would be performing during the celebrations.

There will be unveiling of a beautiful 200-page souvenir, which is going to be momentous to keep for long.

With this Pratishtha Mahotsav JSMC's trustees are expecting to raise about 4 million dollars in donations against their debt of 6 million dollars. Trustee Sunil Jain said that various donation opportunities are created for everyone to participate. 

A uniquely defined raffle scheme has been announced so that anyone can win a Pratishtha opportunity through raffle with one thousand dollar donation.