Jain Center Of New Jersey

This document is a publication from the Jain Center of New Jersey for the years 2006-2007. Its primary focus is on the proposed new Jain temple project in Franklin Township, New Jersey.

Here's a breakdown of the key information:

1. Jain Center of New Jersey:

• Location: 233 Runnymede Road, Essex Fells, New Jersey 07021
• Contact: Phone: (973) 226-2539, Email: [email protected], Web: www.jaincenternj.org
• Purpose: To serve as a hub for the Jain community in New Jersey.

2. Franklin Township Temple Project:

• Vision: To construct a new Jain temple in Franklin Township, New Jersey, to aid in spiritual progress.
• Site:
  • Located in Somerset County, central New Jersey.
  • Approximately 1 mile off Exit 10 on I-287.
  • Occupies 9.6 acres on Cedar Grove Lane.
  • Purchased in December 2000.
• Key Milestones:
  • Bhoomi Pujan ceremony: May 18, 2003.
  • Shilanyas ceremony: June 22, 2003.
  • Site improvement completion (parking lot, curbs, retention basin, underground systems): November 2004. The parking lot accommodates over 320 cars.
• Planned Structure: Three buildings:
  • Derasar: Traditional design with Ghabhara, Shikhar, Rang Mandap, and Bhamti with 24 Tirthankars.
  • Main Hall Building: Approximately 44,000 sq ft over two floors.
    • Upper Floor: Large assembly hall, dedicated areas for Digambar Derasar, Sthanakwasi Upaashraya, Shrimad Rajchandra Dhyaan Mandir, and Pathshala rooms.
    • Lower Floor: Dining hall, kitchen, additional Pathshala rooms, audio/video room, and library.
  • Caretaker House.
• Phased Construction:
  • Phase 1: Derasar and one wing of the Main Hall Building (upper floor with Digambar Derasar, Sthanakwasi Upaashraya, Shrimad Rajchandra Dhyaan Mandir; lower floor with kitchen, dining hall, storage). Construction planned to start in 2007, completion in 2008.
  • Phase 2: Remaining portion of the Main Hall Building (assembly hall, dining hall, pathshala rooms, audio/video room, library) and the caretaker house.
• Fundraising Schemes:
  • Founders Recognition Program: Donors of $1,000+ are listed on a Founders Plaque. Tiered recognition with Platinum ($11,111+), Gold ($5,001+), and Silver ($1,001+) Plaques.
  • Brick by Brick Recognition Program: Donors can contribute to a brick. Tiered denominations: Platinum Brick ($751), Gold Brick ($501), Silver Brick ($251).
  • Daan Patra Scheme: Donors of $2,000 (or multiples) get their name entered for a chance to be on a plaque. Each $2,000 donation counts as one entry.
• Donation Information: Contact Fundraising Committee, Trustees, or Executive Committee members. Forms available on www.jaincentemj.org. Donations are tax-deductible.

3. Spiritual and Religious Content:

• Choghadiyaa (Astrology): A detailed chart and explanation of auspicious and inauspicious time segments throughout the day and night, used for guidance.
• Tirth Descriptions: Brief descriptions of significant Jain pilgrimage sites in Gujarat:
  • Shri Shiyani Tirth (Shri Shantinaath Bhagwaan)
  • Shri Ghogha Tirth (Shri Navkhandaa Parshvanath Bhagwaan)
  • Shri Ajhaara Tirth (Shri Ajhaara Parshvanath Bhagwaan)
  • Shri Vanthali Tirth (Shri Shitalnaath Bhagwaan)
• Tap Aradhana Vidhi: Detailed explanation of various Jain penances (tapas) and the necessary rituals and disciplines involved in performing them. This section emphasizes the importance of inner qualities for fruitful penance.
• Pacchakhaan Timings and Procedures: Guidance on the appropriate times for various daily Jain observances like Navkarshi, Porisi, etc., and the specific prayers (mantras) for undertaking them.
• Five Essential Duties During Paryushan: An outline of the key religious observances during the Paryushan festival: Jeevdaya (Non-violence), Sadharmik Vatsalya (Affection towards fellow Jains), Kshamapanaa (Asking for and offering forgiveness), Atthum Tap (Three-day fast), and Chaitya Paripaati (Visiting temples).
• Jain Sharda Pujan Vidhi: A detailed procedure for worshipping Goddess Saraswati (Sharda) as a part of Jain rituals, including offerings and prayers.
• Mourning Rituals: Guidance on appropriate behavior and thoughts during funerals, emphasizing silence and contemplation rather than specific chants.

4. Supporting Information:

• Family Dedications: Many sections of the document are dedicated by families in loving memory of their late relatives, highlighting community involvement and support.
• Other Jain Centers: Directions are provided for other Jain centers in New Jersey: Siddhaachalam and Jain Sangh of New Jersey.
• Trustees and Executive Committee: Lists of key individuals involved in the Jain Center's leadership.

In essence, the document serves as both an informational bulletin about the Jain Center of New Jersey's activities and a fundraising appeal for its significant temple construction project, interwoven with explanations of Jain religious practices and traditions.