First Jain Temple in Central Ohio / History of Jainism in Ohio

Side A: The Jain Center of Central Ohio was established on May 12, 1991. The foundation stone of the Jain temple, the first of its kind in Central Ohio, was laid down on October 15-16, 2011. The temple was dedicated on July 19-23, 2012. More than 1,000 people from all across Ohio, many other states and India particpated in holy rituals to install deities of Jina (translated as “spirital victors” and God). Following the rituals, the temple was opened for regular worship. The Jain Center is a place for the teaching on non-violence, reverence for life and compassion for all beings. The Jain principle of karma states, “As you sow, so shall you reap.” Side B: Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi (1864-1901), a disciple of Acharya Vijayanandsuriji (Atmaramji) Maharaj (1830-1896), introduced the Jain religion to North America during the Parliament of the World’s Religions, held in September 1893 at Chicago. A year later, Gandhi introduced Jainism to Ohio during a visit to Cleveland. The Jain religion recognizes twenty-four Tirthankars (ford makers) during the present era. The twenty-fourth and the last Tirthankar was Lord Mahavira (599-527 BCE). The basic principles of Jainism are Ahimsa (nonviolence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (nonstealing), Brahmacharya (chastity) and Aparigraha (nonmaterialism). The faith’s motto is “live and help others to live.” Jains strive to conduct themselves according to Lord Mahavira’s words: “I grant forgiveness to all living beings, and all living beings grant forgiveness to me. I am on friendly terms with all. I have no animosity towards anybody.”