Visit to the Jain temple in Wilrijk

De Wilrijkse temple is the largest of its kind built outside India. It was constructed in white marble, the same kind used at the Taj Mahal temple in India. The plans for the temple date from 1996. The opening ceremony took place in 2010. The impressive Jain temple complex, the striking white building along the ring road between the E19 and A12 in Wilrijk, is officially called Shankheshvar Parshvanath Mandir and is dedicated to Jainism. With a floor area of 1,000 m², it is the largest temple of Jainism outside India. Construction was started in India in 1996. Then everything was dismantled and shipped to Wilrijk. In 2000, construction in Wilrijk was started and the temple was rebuilt stone by stone, like a box of blocks. The temple was put into use in 2010. The design is based on that of traditional Jain temples and is built from blocks of white marble that were first processed in India before being shipped to Belgium. Founded by the Jain Shwetambar community, the temple offers a quiet space for meditation, prayer, and the observance of Jain principles. Important concepts of Jainism are non-violence, belief in reincarnation, and salvation through abstinence. With its beautiful architectural design and peaceful atmosphere, it has become a prominent spiritual center for Jains in Belgium and surrounding countries. Deze Jain Tempel serves as a serene sanctuary for the Jain community in Europe. Besides a place of worship, the Jain Tempel in Antwerp is an important center for community gatherings and cultural celebrations, which fosters a strong sense of belonging and identity among Jains in Belgium. Through regular ceremonies, educational programs, and festivals, the temple maintains and shares the ancient Jain way of life with local and international believers. The temple houses an information center about Jainism. The temple is dedicated to Jainism, an ancient Indian religion based on the teachings of Tirthankaras, enlightened beings of whom Mahavira was the last and best-known. Het Jaïnisme is a philosophy, a lifestyle that is characterized by and strives for, among other things: - non-violence - recognition that truth is relative and depends on perspective - not causing harm to nature and all that lives - vegetarian diet and fasting periods - limitation of possessions and attachment - spiritual liberation through right faith, right knowledge, and right action. Jainism is an ancient religious tradition, with 8 million followers, one of the smallest world religions.