About Us

Founded in 1986, the Jain Center of Greater St. Louis (JCSTL) is a Section 509(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt organization, registered in the State of Missouri. JCSTL is a member of the Federation of Jain Associations In North America (JAINA) & located at the Hindu Temple of St. Louis.

Jain Temple Pratistha (Foundation)

The Center celebrated the pratishtha of the Jain Temple during the Memorial Day weekend of May 29 and 30, 1999. The occasion was blessed by the presence of Shree Devendrakeerti Bhattarak of Hombuja, Gurudev Shree Chitrabhanuji as well as honored guests Chandrakant Mehta, Rajnibhai Shah, and the musical talents of Virendrabhai Shah, and Dharmendrabhai Tapodhan.

The Pratishtha was inaugurated on Saturday morning as the joyous and colorful crowd of the Center members and friends paraded around the Mahatma Gandhi Center and in front of the Hindu Temple to sing bhajans with the accompaniment of dandias and tablas. Throughout the day, there followed many pujas and rituals including the Kumbh Sthapana, Panch Kalyanak Puja, and the Kurbh Kachbo (the coin dropping ceremony).

Vision

The primary vision of JCSTL is to provide a temple for religious services and a center for social, cultural, educational and economic needs of the Jain community.

Mission

The mission of the JCSTL is to pass on an everlasting place of worship for future generations to understand and practice Jainism. The Temple will promote Jain doctrines, moral and spiritual growth for adults and children by celebrating Jain traditions and rituals. The temple will provide the academic, cultural and intellectual exchange with the Jain communities in North America including Canada and India. Be generous and donate. Your donation will be celebrated for generations.