The Jain Center of America in New York City celebrated the 50th anniversary of Bhagwan Mahaveer Swami’s pratima (statue) arriving in New York.

India’s Consul General in New York was the chief guest. He complimented the Jain Center of America for the great work it is doing for the Jain community, CG Pradhan posted on the Consulate’s X account with pictures.

According to the JCA’s website, it is the earliest temple of its kind, started to meet the needs of the immigrants coming to the New York City area from India, which occurred in the mid 1960s.

“In order to preserve and maintain their religious and cultural heritage, these early migrants started to meet informally in 1965 in the borough of Manhattan in various facilities, such as Columbia University, the Indian Consulate, Jain Meditation Center and other Secular Halls,” notes the history of the organization on the website. From these initial stages, the Jain Center of America – New York (JCA) was the first Jain Center organized and registered in America in 1976. For five years after its formation, the JCA had no place to worship and practice the Jain religion. In 1981, the center purchased its first temple building in the borough of Queens.

In June 2005, the JCA NY celebrated its Pratishta Mahotsav in the newly constructed state-of-the- art temple at 43-11 Ithaca St, Elmhurst, Queens, NY, replacing the original temple building acquired in 1981.

“The unique design of this complex is a shining example of Unity with Diversity for the Jain Community of New York,” says JCA NY. In 2005, the JCA NY Center was awarded the prestigious “Best Religious Building” award in Queens, NY.

(Used with permission)