The Shankheshwar Parshvanath Jain Temple complex, located in an industrial suburb of Antwerp, Belgium. Beyond that, it serves as a key cultural and religious landmark for the Jain community. This temple is the only Jain temple in continental Europe. It’s a stunning example of the intersection of spiritual devotion and cultural wealth, reflected in the ethnic repertoire of the Gujarati traders who constructed it.
Built with extravagant gems, the temple’s exterior is a juxtaposition of simple yet intricate art forms. The material choice accentuates the significance of the diamond trade to the area, especially to the Gujarati people. Antwerp is the second largest city of Belgium and known for being a dynamic center of diamond trading. This extraordinary gem is the key ingredient to not just its vibrant economy, but for forging the cultural identity of its residents.
Ashwin Jhaveri, a trustee of the Shankheshwar Parshvanath Jain Temple, emphasizes that community trust is key. This consumer confidence is key to the long-term health of the diamond trade. He means that the Jain community’s values of honesty and integrity profoundly shape their business practices. This ethical undercoding builds both internal proprietary trust between traders, creating further reputational capital for Antwerp’s diamond industry.
The temple itself is currently used as a gathering place for the local Jain community. It gives an opportunity for inter-faith worship. Beyond beautifying the neighborhood, it provides a space for cultural exchange and education about Jain traditions to take place. The one-of-a-kind institution in Antwerp specializes in the city’s exceptional multicultural makeup. Importantly, it shines a light on the myriad ways immigrant communities strengthen and enrich local economies and social landscapes.
Outside of Delhi, Antwerp is undergoing dramatic changes in its role in the global diamond trade. In the meantime, the Shankheshwar Parshvanath Jain Temple stands testament to the mighty legacies that true cultural heritage can forge. The large temple significantly inspires and deepens the spiritual lives of its visitors. It restores our faith in the values of trust and ethics in business.