The Jain Collection

A collection of books relating to the Jain religion, including studies of Jain doctrine, philosophy and culture; histories; biographies and writings of significant Jain leaders and teachers; translations of sacred texts; and studies of yoga and meditation in Jainism.

Followers of Jainism first came to Leicester from India, Kenya and Uganda. In 1973 they formed an executive committee to establish a place of worship in the town. In 1979 they purchased a closed United Reformed Church on Oxford Street which had been constructed in 1865. The building was renovated with the addition of a marble frontage and rich interior stone carvings in the traditional style. It was completed in 1988.

The Jain Centre Temple is the largest Jain temple in the Western world and was the first to bring together all the main sects of Jainism in one building. It functions as a modern European centre allowing Jains to work together to promote their doctrine.

Available for general access. External researchers are advised to contact the Archivist to make an appointment.

The collection was donated to the DMU Library by the Temple, which is situated close to the DMU campus.

Some of the collection is listed on the main DMU Library catalogue, look for shelf mark "Jain Collection" and location "Kimberlin Special Collections".

Description compiled by Katharine Short, Archivist, April 2013.