CHICAGO: A two-day Pratishta Mahotsav event was organized by the Central Illinois Jain Sangh of Bloomington-Normal town in collaboration with the management of Hindu temple of Bloomington-Normal. It turned out to be a grand spiritual affair with over 250 devotees participating.
Located about 130 miles away in south from the city of Chicago in the state of Illinois, the program commenced on July 30 and lasted till next day. Besides more than 250 devotees and well wishers, leading local politicians and Indian community activists also participated in this event.
On July 30, the first day of the event, A Snatra Pooja as well as 18 Abhishek Pooja were performed which lasted about two and a half hours. This was followed by Aarti, Mangal Divo and Shantikalash. All the members of Jain Sangh participated.
On the second day July 31st, a Snatra Pooja was performed in the beginning and then commenced the Pratishta ceremony of idol of Lord Mahavir, 24thTirthankara of Jain Sangh. The chanting Jain mantras and shlokas gave a spiritual vibration. This religious ceremony was performed by Vidhikar and Aaradhak Nareshbhai Shah who had travelled from New York, and Ashokbhai Sanghvi from Indiana.
Murti Pratistha Yajmans, sponsors and devotees opened their heart and soul and donated generously. Originally there were about five Main Yajmans for Murti Pratishtha, including: Bhaskar & Seeta Damera; Bipin & Nutan Shah; Mahendra & Bharati Shah; Krishan & Kusum Jain; Kaivant & Varsha Shah. Later on, two more families joined as sponsors and they were Mahasukh & Meera Shah from Peoria IL and Bhupesh & Rashmi Talsania from Springfield IL.
Additional Pratistha opportunities were given at nominal donation of $101.00 and 15 more families participated. Many other sponsorship opportunities were offered and all of them were taken up by the devotees.
Bipin and Nutan Shah, Coordinators of this event, said that Murti sponsorship opportunity is still available and their names will be displayed on Temple Website. Sponsorship amount is $1116.00 and if anyone is interested, contact Bipin Shah at 309-530-8044.
The idol of Lord Mahavirswami was carved from Makarana white marble form Jaipur city of Rajasthan State and brought over here for Pratishta.
A good number of volunteers and other devotees put in a lot of effort and worked round the clock in order to make this event a historical one. Mahaprasad was served on both the days and every one enjoyed it.
Suresh Shah
