JAIN PRATISHTHA MAHOTSAV AT NIAGARA FALLS
Niagara Falls, Ontario, October 4, 2004: Canada is
well known for many things and one of that is the beauty of the Niagara Falls.
This can be noticed from the stamps of Niagara Falls issued by Canada and
United States of America. An important, multifaith event has happened at this
place for local residents.
During the last quarter of the 20th
century, ‘brain drain’ from India brought few Jains to Niagara region. They
were scattered all around and observed their religious practices within their
homes. With the passing of time, they established themselves and got together
to celebrate holy days and festivals. Since they were very few, they could not
have a temple of their own. They joined hands with local Hindus who had formed
in 1985 the Niagara Hindu Samaj. Later they established in 2001, Shiv Mandir
(Temple) at 5284 Second Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2H 4K2, Canada. The
Jains felt the need to have their place of worship. They requested the Hindus
to share their sacred temple and the request was gladly accepted. Two Pratimajis
(icons) of 23rd and 24th Tirthankars – Parshwanath
Bhagwan and Mahavir Swami and a tablet of Namokar Mantra (Universal
Prayer) made of marble are brought from India.
A two-day event for the consecratory installation
ceremony, known as “Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav” was organized. On October
2 and 3, 2004, Pujyashri Chitrabhanuji blessed the Pratishtha Mahotsav with Vidhikar;
Naresh Shah guided the rituals assisted by resident Pundit Ramesh Chandji
and Vasant Sheth provided the music. The ceremony started with welcome by NHS
president Kamlesh Sharma and then Pravachan (discourse)
by Chitrabhanuji. Snatra Puja, Kumbh Sthapana, Akhand
Deep, Aarti, Mangal Deep and Shanti Kalash followed by Swamivatsalya
Pritibhojan (holy feast) and on next day, Snatra Puja, 36 Abhisheks
(18 of each Tirthankar), Murti Pratishtha (Mhoorat
at 12:39 p.m.), Aarti, Mangal Deep, and Shanti Kalash, was
conducted, followed by Pravachan by Chitrabhanuji, Swamivatsalya.
Along
with this, the Jain Associations In North America (JAINA) held their Executive
Committee meeting. JAINA president Anop Vora spoke Khshmapana (forgiveness)
Mayor and other local dignitaries attended the function. Souvenir book with
introduction of Jainism, special articles like Jainism in Canada and report
with pictures of this event will be published on Diwali combing with annual
publication. A tent was erected in the parking area to accommodate more than
four hundred of guests each day. Mahatma Gandhiji’s birthday was observed in
the evening of Saturday. Kamal Jain proposed vote of thanks.
On this occasion, a Jain philatelist, Prakash Mody
prepared a limited quantity of two special ‘picture postage’ stamps and a
commemorative envelope. The stamps have the designs of the above two Tirthankars,
but the picture of Mahavir Swami is not the one that is installed. The
envelope has the photograph of the two Pratimajis of Parshwnath Bhagwan
and Mahavir Swami (again not the same as the one installed), and the Namokar
Mantra that in the centre was installed. Regular cancellation from the
Niagara Falls post office was obtained on Saturday, 2 October 2004. The special
stamped envelope with cancellation and autographs of Shri Chitrabhanuji, Smt.
Pramoda Chitrabhanu and Shri Naresh Shah is can be sent as an attachment.
Collectors will maintain the sanctity as the images of the Tirthankars are
reproduced.
For a copy of the commemorative envelope by
email, send your request using reply. Report (Brochure) by Prakash Mody. Please respond at mody@sympatico.ca
or
( 416 491-5560 or write to: 37 Tuscarora Drive, North York, ON M2H 2K4,
Canada.