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The new $20-million complex replaces a much
smaller temple that opened in 1988. That original building was the first
independent Jain temple in the United States. The new $20- million Jain temple
complex, celebrating a religion that promotes nonviolence and vegetarianism, and
shares with Hinduism the concepts of nirvana and reincarnation.
Brilliant white marble gives the main temple a stunning appearance with its 24 magnificently carved semi columns and 4 circular pillars weighing 10,000 lbs each. The ceiling , a dome or rangmandap is a breathtaking carving , 22 feet in diameter with a first layer of 192 elephants , a second of 108 Thirthankars and several others of exquisite designs. Three existing original Tirthankar idols which were already in the old complex are installed in a sparkling
white Garbha Grah on the main altar with Mahavirswami in the center,
Rushabhadev on the right and Parshvanath on the left. Two additional new idols – Mahvirswani (Anjanshalaka) and Neminath ( Digambara tradition) are placed on two individual altars on the right and left of the main altar respectively. A bhamati with idols of 24 Tirthankars in individual Gokhlas surrounds the Garbha
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