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Jain Centre Leicester

Jain Centre, 32 Oxford Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 5XU

  • 14 Sep 2024
  • In person
  • Pre-booking not required

Features include 44 magnificently carved sandstone pillars, a beautiful temple dome and ceiling with traditional carvings, a white marble floor, mirrored walls, traditional doors at the Garbhagriha (the inner sanctum) and hand-carved staircases.

Jain Centre - Chaple to Temple What we know today as Leicester's Jain Centre started life in 1863 as a Congregational Chapel (an independent church). This area around Oxford Street was developed in the mid-19th Century and, along with shops, houses, pubs and factories, places of worship were built. By the 1960s however, people had moved out of the city centre to the suburbs. With its congregation gone, the chapel eventually closed in the 1970s. In 1988 the building became the Jain Centre.



This simple chapel has been transformed into a spectacular Jain Temple, the first to be consecrated in the Western world and the first to accommodate all sects of Jainism under one roof. Its exterior has been clad in white marble imported from India, whilst interior decorations and furnishings were created by thousands of hours of fine craftsmanship. Jainism and Leicester Originating in India, Jainism is one of the oldest religions. Jains believe in equality in all living things and so swear a vow of non-violence, are vegetarian, care for the environment and are tolerant of other faiths. The first followers of Jainism in Leicester arrived from India and Kenya. What is now known as the Jain Samaj Europe organisation (which runs the Jain Centre) was established in Leicester in 1973 and there are now an estimated 1,000 Jains in the city.


Timings & Tours

Saturday 14 September:
Guided Tour & Demonstration: 1030-1115 & 1130-1215

Location & directions

Jain Centre, 32 Oxford Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 5XU

Contact on day:
Mrs. Usha Mehta - President, Jain Samaj Europe, C/o Jain Centre Leicester. Mobile: 07440 056 701
Telephone number:
+447440056701

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

Additional information

2024 Heritage Open Day Saturday 14 September 2024 10.30am - 11.15am 11.30am - 12.15pm Two Guided Tours & Demonstrations 10.30am-11.15am and 11.30am-12.15pm (walk in) Contact on the day : 0116 254 1150 (Jain Centre Leicester) or Mrs. Usha Mehta - President, Jain Samaj Europe, C/o Jain Centre Leicester 07440 056 701

Max no of people per tour:
50
Est. tour duration:
0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

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