Jain Centre Leicester

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 vegetarians, 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 20 September:

Guided Tour & Demonstration: 1030-1115 & 1130-1215

Location & directions

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

Directions:

Car Parking: NCP Newarke Street Multi story Car Park – entrance on York Road, Leicester, LE2 7AD. Access via Lower Brown Street. (3 minutes walk to Jain Centre).

Contact on day:

0116 254 1150 (Jain Centre Leicester) Or, Mr. Jay Kurji - Vice President, Jain Samaj Europe, C/o Jain Centre Leicester.

Telephone number:

+447803245621

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

This place is on the main road and in busy area - near University and LRI. Watch out for Traffic around the building and while crossing roads.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

50

Est. tour duration:

0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

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