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JSMW to inaugurate new Jain temple in DC
This landmark Pratishtha event happening on May 31 and June 1 in Beltsville, Maryland, will mark a major spiritual milestone for the Jain community in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
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Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington (JSMW) announcement poster and artistic depiction of the inside of the temple / Courtesy Photo
The Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington (JSMW) has announced the consecration of its new Jain temple in the Washington, DC area.
This landmark occasion, known as Pratishtha, will mark a pivotal spiritual milestone for the Jain community throughout DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Scheduled for May.31 and June.1 in Beltsville, Maryland, the celebration represents the culmination of a vision that was first conceived in 2010, embodying more than a decade of commitment and collective effort.
Vishal Mehta, president of JSMW, said, “This state-of-the-art temple is designed to honor and unite all Jain sects—Shwetambar, Digambar, and Sthanakwasi—emphasizing the unity and diversity of Jainism. The temple’s Moolnayak idols include Shri Sankeshwar Parshwanath Bhagwan for the Shwetambar sect and Shri Adinath Bhagwan for the Digambar sect, along with a dedicated meditation and prayer space for the Sthanakwasi sect, honoring their tradition of non-idol worship.”
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Artistic depiction of the New Jain Temple / Courtesy PhotoThe grand festivities will commence on May. 23, with the Utthapan and Varghodo ceremony, followed by pre-Pratishtha rituals from May.24 through May.30. The celebrations will culminate in the Pratishtha Mahotsav on May.31 and June.1, 2025, bringing together the community in devotion, gratitude, and joy.
“The festivities begin with the Utthapan & Varghodo ceremony on May 23, 2025, followed by pre-Pratishtha rituals from May 24 to May 30,” said Rahul Jain, JSMW’s director of public relations. “The Pratishtha Mahotsav, on May 31 and June 1, 2025, will culminate in a weekend of religious events, bringing our community together in devotion, gratitude, and celebration.”
Dr. Gita Shah, chairperson of JSMW’s Board of Trustees, highlighted the temple’s deeper significance. “This temple stands as a testament to the dedication and unity of our community. It reflects Jain values of compassion, peace, and inclusivity while providing a spiritual sanctuary for generations to come.”
Artistic depiction of the New Jain Temple (side view) / Courtesy Photo
Beyond serving as a place of worship, the temple will be home to JSMW’s Pathshala, an educational program instilling core Jain principles in young minds. “Children will learn to integrate Jain values such as ahimsa (non-violence), anekantvad (acceptance of multiple perspectives), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness) into their lives,” explained Monica Shah, director of education.
Extending an invitation to all, JSMW vice president Sandeep Mehta encouraged the wider community to be part of this historic event. “JSMW warmly invites the entire community to join these once-in-a-lifetime celebrations and participate in this spiritual journey. Further details, including event schedules and opportunities for sponsorship and volunteering, will be shared in the coming months.”
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