Latest news with #MelbourneShwetambarJainSangh
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
First Jain temple in Australia to be built with marble from Rajasthan
Australia is set to welcome its first Jain temple, currently under construction in Melbourne, using 1,500 tonnes of marble sourced from Makrana in Rajasthan, India. Spearheaded by the Melbourne Shwetambar Jain Sangh, the temple represents nearly two decades of dedication by the city's small but determined Jain community. Estimated to cost between $15 to $18 million, the temple is expected to be completed by next year. The project is entirely community-funded, with over $12 million already raised through donations and fundraising. Beyond religious importance, the temple also symbolises cultural preservation and architectural craftsmanship. Jain community to donate $18 million for the first Jain temple The temple is the dream project of the Melbourne Shwetambar Jain Sangh (MSJS), whose members are funding the entire construction themselves. "We have not approached anybody for financial help," said Nitin Doshi, MSJS president. So far, 200 families have contributed $3 million to purchase land, followed by additional funds raised for construction. Their goal is to reach $18 million purely through community support. A small but determined Jain population Melbourne's Jain population numbers around 750, mostly made up of first-generation Indian immigrants. Many originally came as students and chose to settle permanently in Australia. Despite their small size, the community has taken on this ambitious initiative to create a spiritual and cultural hub for future generations. Makrana marble and traditional craftsmanship The temple is being built with marble sourced from Makrana, the same region that supplied marble for the Taj Mahal. Craftsmen in Rajasthan have prepared and assembled 5,000 intricately carved pieces, which were then disassembled, numbered, and shipped to Australia for reassembly—like solving a massive, sacred jigsaw puzzle. Construction without steel, in line with Jain principles In adherence to Jain religious guidelines, steel is not used in the construction. Instead, the structure is supported by glass fibre and concrete. Structural consultant Shwetal Shah explained that this method ensures both strength and spiritual compliance, respecting the purity principles of Jain architecture. Completion expected next year The Jain temple is scheduled to be completed by next year, marking a historic moment for the community. With continued fundraising and volunteer effort, the temple aims to stand not only as a religious space but also as a lasting symbol of Indian heritage in Australia.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Jain temple to be built in Australia at a cost of $18 million with marble shipped from Rajasthan
A Jain temple being constructed in Melbourne, Australia with marble shipped from Rajasthan will represent the culmination of two decades of hard work when it is completed. According to a report in ABC News, the temple project is being spearheaded by the Melbourne Shwetambar Jain Sangh, a small group that wants Victoria to get its first Jain temple by next year. 'It was our wish and will that we build this community centre and temple with our own money,' Nitin Doshi, president of Melbourne Shwetambar Jain Sangh (MSJS). 'We have not approached anybody for financial help.' The cost of constructing a temple in Australia with marble shipped from Rajasthan is not insignificant. According to Doshi, the temple project could cost anywhere between $15 to $18 million. Over the last decade, families associated with MSJS have raised $12 million to fund the construction. "We raised $3 million from 200 families," Mr Doshi said. This $3 million was used to purchase land for the temple and accompanying community centre. The group then raised another $5.8 million through donations and fundraising events. They still need a few millions more to complete the construction and are hoping to raise the money through community support and more fundraising. The Jain community in Melbourne is a small one - made up of about 750 people, most of them first-generation immigrants from India. "Many Jains came here as students, got their [permanent resident visa], and decided to make Melbourne their home,' Doshi explained. For such a small community, raising money for a temple is a hefty financial commitment, but Doshi says, 'However small we are, our vision is not small. Our dream is not small.' The Jain temple is being constructed using 1,500 tonnes of marble shipped from Makrana in Rajasthan. The shipping of marble is no mean task. Each of the 5,000 marble pieces that will be used in the temple have been crafted and assembled in Rajasthan. This has been done to ensure they fit perfectly. After being assembled, the pieces are disassembled, numbered and sent to Melbourne. "Once we knew it worked, we brought it here and put it back together like a jigsaw puzzle," said Shwetal Shah, structural consultant. Shah also explained to ABC News that no steel can be used in the construction as it goes against Jain religious teachings. Instead, glass fibre is being used to reinforce a concrete frame. The community hopes to complete fundraising and construction by next year.
