The Jains started arriving in significant numbers in early 1970s. Now there are a number of Jain temples and institutions in USA, and the number of Jains in USA is now probably greater than 100,000. Jainism in USA has developed a distinct characteristic. Jump to: navigation, search This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ...

Even before this wave of immigration, there were two prophetic events that ocurred in USA, that anticipated future arrival of Jainism in USA.

The first building termed a "Jain temple" was constructed as a part of the St. Louis world's fair 1904-5. At that time there were no Jains in the USA. It was dismantled, but was rebuilt in Las vegas. It was dismantled again in the 60's. Now that the Jains are in USA, remains of it have now been acquired by the Jain Society of Los Angeles, and is being reassembled. Entrance to Creation Exhibit on the Pike Map of the St. ...

The second event was the arrival of Virachand Gandhi, now considered the father of American Jainism.

Chronology

American Vegetarian Society established in 1850.
Arrival of Virachand Gandhi to participate in Chicago's Parliament of World's Religions, 1893
First Jain settlers in USA, 1944.
Jain center of America, NY established in 1966
Arrival of Chitrabhanu in 1971.
Arrival of Muni Sushil Kumnar in 1974.
First Jain convention in Los Angeles, 1981
Formal organization of JAINA, 1983.
Founding of Siddhachalam, the Jain tirtha in 1991.
Jump to: navigation, search A tirtha is a pilgrimage site. ...

Is there an American Jainism? This question is asked sometimes.

References

• Jainism in America/Bhuvanendra Kumar. Benaras, Jain Humanities Press, 1996

External links

• Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA)
• Jain Immigration
• Jain temples in the USA
• Jain population in North America