The largest jain temple in Europe

श्री शंखेश्वर पार्श्वनाथाय नमः,

Last week, I visited the most sacred place for all jains in Europe. And that prompted me to write my first ever blog. So, please be gentle and patient on this holy journey.

The place is called Wilrijk, close to Antwerp, where about 300-400 jain families have built probably the largest jain temple out side India. Jains in Antwerp are exclusively engaged in diamond business and they follow paths of Shwetambar Murti Pujak and Shwetambar Sthanakwasi sects of Jainism.

The intension of this blog is to provide as much information as possible about the temple. Here is some information about the temple.

Address :

Laarstraat 34

2610 Wilrijk

Belgium

Opening hours :

7:30 am to 11:30 am, 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Arati at 9:00 pm on week days,

7:30 am to 12:30 am, 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Arati at 9:00 pm on week ends.

(Timings may deviate about 1 hour)

From Antwerp Central station :

Bus number 31 and 17 will bring you close to the temple.
(more information required like, which direction and which stop to get down)

Contact person :

Sewa Singh - 0032 475294463

Mulnayak (the centre God) :

Shri Shankheshwar Parshvanath Bhagwan

Other Gods :

Shri Adeshwarnath Bhagwan

Shri Mahavir Swami Bhagwan

Shri Munisuvratswami Bhagwan

Facilities :

A basic facility is available for taking bath and changing clothes. Pooja clothes are also available for men. The current temple is very holy place though it is temporary. The shift to the large temple, which is under construction since few years, is expected in July 2010 following the Pranpratishtha Mahotsav. A huge Upashray is also under construction for Sthanakwasi followers. Regular classes of Pathshala and during Paryushan, also Wyakhyan take place.

I have attached some pics that I took during my visit. Kindly, add more information in your comments.

Jay Jinendra,

Riddhi Shah