Jain Center Of Greater Phoenix

Area Served

About Jain Center Of Greater Phoenix

Jainism is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to move the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation. The actual temple was built in 2008; however, Jain Center of Greater Phoenix (JCGP) has been established for 25 years. It represents about 150+ families in the Phoenix metro area. We have a very active community and host a lot of events with an ever increasing level of participation of the younger generation, both youth and professional, in rituals, educational and cultural activities. JCGP is an active participant at the Arizona Interfaith Movement and promotes the Golden Rule of “treating others as you wish to be treated,” as stated by many different faith traditions and secular ethics. The temple has beautiful architecture and it was built based on the philosophy of Unity with Diversity. This is the first temple in USA with a 41 feet white marble Manasthambh (pillar of humility) and a Toran Dwara made of pink sandstone. The large JCGP temple complex has its main worshipping hall divided in two sections. On the left is a Mulynayak of Bhagwan Shri Mahavirswami in Digamber tradition and on the right there is a Mulynayak of Bhagwan Shri Adinathswami in Swetamber tradition. In the middle section there will be Namokar Mantra etched in colored stained glass, sometime in the near future. On either side are smaller murthis (idols) of all the 24 Thirthankar Bhagwan. On the left side there are 12 murthis in Digamber tradition and on the right side there are12 murthis in Swetamber tradition. So JCGP has become a vibrant example for Jains throughout the USA, as a model of Jain Unity within the Diversity of our Traditions, following the central Jain principle of Anekantvad (multiplicity of viewpoints or non-absolutism).