Lewis Center in Delaware County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
First Jain Temple in Central Ohio / History of Jainism in Ohio
First Jain Temple in Central Ohio
“Souls render service to one another”
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 participated in holy rituals to install deities of Jina (translated as "spiritual victors" and God). Following the rituals, the temple was opened for regular worship. The Jain Center is a place for the teaching of non-violence, reverence for live, and compassion for all beings. The Jain principle of karma states, "As you sow, so shall you reap."
History of Jainism in Ohio
"Ahimsa Parmodharam-Non-injury to all living things"
Shri Virchand Raghavji Ghandi (1864-1901), a disciple of Acharya Vijayanandsurijl (Atmaramji) Maharaj (1830-1896), introduced the Jain religion to North American 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 (fordmakers) during the present era. The twenty-fourth and 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."
Erected 2016 by Jain Center of Central Ohio and The Ohio History Connection. (Marker Number 122-25.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Churches & Religion • Peace. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list.
Location. 40° 11.077′ N, 82° 59.471′ W. Marker is in Lewis Center, Ohio, in Delaware County. Marker is at the intersection of South Old State Road (County Route 10) and Ashcreek Ave., on the right when traveling north on South Old State Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6651 S Old State Rd, Lewis Center OH 43035, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Africa Community (approx. 1˝ miles away); The Gooding House and Tavern / Rural Taverns in Early Ohio History (approx. 1.8 miles away); James Kilbourne / Anson Williams (approx. 1.8 miles away); The Four Chaplains (approx. 1.9 miles away); Kingwood Memorial Park Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.9 miles away); Thomas Cellar (approx. 3.4 miles away); Liberty Presbyterian Church / Nathan Carpenter (approx. 3.4 miles away); The Union Land Company and the Case Family / The Olentangy River Road (approx. 3˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewis Center.
More about this marker. This Delaware County marker was given a Franklin County number in error.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2017, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 470 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 15, 2017, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 3, 4. submitted on May 13, 2023, by Alex Krempasky of Obetz, Ohio. 5, 6, 7. submitted on July 15, 2017, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.