Bahubaleshwar Temple Committee

Why Community Participation Matters: The Power of Volunteering at Bahubaleshwar Temple

A temple is much more than a place of worship—it is the heart of a community, a center of culture, learning, compassion, and spiritual growth. For Bahubaleshwar Temple to thrive and continue serving future generations, it needs the active involvement of its community members.

Volunteering is not just a duty—it’s a privilege and a path to personal enrichment.

Why Should You Volunteer?

  • Strengthen Our Spiritual Legacy
    By volunteering, you help preserve and promote Jain traditions, rituals, and teachings. You play a role in keeping our heritage alive and relevant for the younger generation.
  • Give Back to the Community
    The temple has been a guiding light for many of us during important milestones in life. This is a chance to give back by contributing your time, skills, and energy to support its growth and upkeep.
  • Build Lifelong Connections
    Volunteering brings people together. It fosters friendships, deepens community ties, and strengthens a sense of belonging. Working alongside fellow members builds unity and trust.
  • Learn and Grow
    Being part of a temple committee or initiative provides a platform for learning—about Jain philosophy, event organization, leadership, teamwork, and service. It’s also a way to expose younger members to values that go beyond the classroom.
  • Make a Lasting Impact
    Your efforts can have a direct and lasting effect—whether it’s through organizing a health camp, setting up a library, leading a puja, or supporting a cultural event. These actions enrich lives and uplift the entire community.

What Do You Take Away?

  • Spiritual Fulfilment: Contributing selflessly to religious and humanitarian causes brings inner peace and a deep sense of purpose.
  • Personal Growth: Develop leadership, communication, and organizational skills that are valuable in every area of life.
  • Recognition and Respect: Active volunteers are appreciated and respected as role models and change makers within the community.
  • Legacy Building: Leave behind a legacy of service and inspiration for the next generation.

In Service Lies Strength

Bahubaleshwar Temple belongs to all of us. Its strength lies not in its walls, but in the spirit of seva (service) that binds its members. By volunteering your time and heart, you become part of something greater—a living, breathing tradition of faith, learning, and compassion.

We invite you to step forward. Be the reason our temple shines brighter each day.

Bahubaleshwar Temple Working Committee Charter

(Framework of Values, Conduct, and Governance)

Preamble

The Bahubaleshwar Temple is consecrated as a beacon of Jain philosophy, upholding the eternal principles of Anekantavada (Multiplicity of Viewpoints), Ahimsa (Non-violence), and Samatva (Equality of All Souls).

This Charter lays down the foundational values and ethical framework that shall guide all Working Committee Members in their conduct, decisions, and service to the temple and community.

The Temple seeks to serve as a unifying center of spiritual harmony, where the principles of inclusivity, compassion, and mutual respect are lived and practiced every day.

  1. Guiding Philosophy: Anekantavada and Unity in Diversity
    • The Bahubaleshwar Temple stands upon the Jain doctrine of Anekantavada, recognizing that truth and spiritual realization manifest through multiple perspectives.
    • The Temple welcomes followers of all Jain sects — Digambara, Shvetambara, Sthanakavasi, Terapanthi, Beespanthi and others — allowing every devotee to worship according to their own faith and tradition.
    • The Working Committee shall ensure that all temple rituals, events, and functions are conducted with equal respect for all sects and interpretations of Jain Dharma.
  1. Inclusivity and Religious Harmony
    • In the spirit of universal acceptance, the Bahubaleshwar Temple may establish or support the construction of temples within its premises that are dedicated to:
    • The Shvetambara Jain tradition, and
    • Other Hindu faiths or deities, where such development fosters harmony and shared reverence within the temple complex.
    • These associated places of worship shall reflect the temple’s overarching philosophy of peaceful coexistence, mutual reverence, and collective spiritual growth.
    • The Working Committee shall oversee such expansions with a view to maintaining architectural harmony, sanctity, and alignment with the temple’s core ethical vision.
  1. Principle of Universal Equality
    • The Bahubaleshwar Temple affirms the intrinsic equality of all living beings. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of caste, sect, gender, or social background.
    • Women and men shall enjoy equal rights and privileges in all aspects of temple worship, management, and participation.
    • The Working Committee shall ensure that every devotee experiences equal dignity and access in all temple functions and services.
  1. Conduct and Responsibilities of Committee Members
    • Committee members are trustees of faith and service, not holders of authority. All decisions must reflect humility, compassion, and a sense of Seva (selfless service).
    • Each member shall uphold the core Jain values of:
      • Ahimsa (Non-violence)
      • Satya (Truthfulness)
      • Aparigraha (Non-possession)
      • Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct)
    • The committee shall function collectively, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in all administrative and spiritual matters.
    • Personal interests shall not influence temple decisions. All members must act solely for the spiritual and social welfare of the community.
5.Inclusivity, Respect, and Harmony
    • The temple extends its welcome to all seekers of truth, irrespective of faith or background, who respect its sanctity and principles.
    • All interactions within the temple environment must reflect courtesy, respect, and equanimity. Differences in opinion shall be addressed with patience and understanding, embodying the essence of Anekantavada.
    • The Working Committee shall promote inter-sect and inter-faith activities that nurture peace, compassion, and collective welfare.
  1. Ethical and Spiritual Governance
    • The Committee shall operate under the guidance of spiritual discipline and ethical integrity.
    • All initiatives — including festivals, educational programs, charitable activities, and infrastructure development — shall align with the Jain tenets of non-violence, simplicity, and reverence for all life.
    • Financial and administrative transparency shall be maintained at all levels, with proper records, deliberations, and decisions documented and made available to the Temple Trust.
6. Commitment to the Vision of Bahubaleshwar Temple
    • The Bahubaleshwar Temple is not merely a physical structure but a living embodiment of Dharma, Compassion, and Harmony.
    • Every Working Committee Member is a guardian of these sacred ideals, entrusted with preserving and strengthening the temple’s role as a center of spiritual enlightenment and social unity.

Committee Structure & Governance

1.    Composition of the Committee

The Bahubaleshwar Temple Working Committee shall consist of the following office bearers and members:

  • 1 Chief Trustee / Chairperson
  • 1 Vice Chairperson
  • 1 President
  • 1 Vice President
  • 1 Secretary
  • 1 Treasurer
  • 5 to 10 Regular Members

To ensure inclusivity and representation, at least three committee members must be women.

2.    Tenure
  • Each elected committee shall serve a one-year term.
  • Committee members may be reappointed for up to three consecutive terms.
  • The Chief Trustee / Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall be appointed by the Bahubaleshwar Temple Trust. Their tenure is not subject to expiration and continues at the discretion of the Trust.
3.    Leadership Election
  • The positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer shall be elected internally by the committee members during the first meeting of the term.
  • Elections shall be conducted through a transparent voting process decided by the committee.
4.    Meetings
  • The committee shall convene at least once every month on a pre-scheduled date, either in person or virtually.
  • In addition, a mandatory quarterly meeting shall be held in person at the Bahubaleshwar Temple premises.
  • Minutes must be documented and maintained for all meetings.
5.    Attendance Policy
  • Any committee member who is absent for three consecutive meetings without a valid written reason shall be subject to disqualification from the committee.
  • The final decision shall rest with the Chief Trustee / Chairperson.
6.    Sub-Committees

The following sub-committees may be constituted to support the effective functioning of the temple.
Each sub-committee shall be headed by a committee member and may include volunteers from outside the committee.

  • Religious & Cultural Committee
    Coordinates rituals, pujas, festivals, and spiritual programs, ensuring inter-sect inclusivity and adherence to Jain philosophy.
  • Education & Knowledge Initiatives Committee
    Leads seminars, workshops, scholarly collaborations, and manages publications, library resources, and digital learning initiatives.
  • Charitable & Community Outreach Committee
    Oversees seva (service) activities related to healthcare, education, social welfare, animal care, and interfaith community initiatives.
  • Administrative Committee
    Manages day-to-day operations, long-term administrative planning, facility management, and coordination with temple staff.

Additional sub-committees may be created as needed with the approval of the Chairperson.

7.    Oversight and Accountability
  • All committees must operate strictly within the guidelines, objectives, and values established by the Bahubaleshwar Temple Trust.
  • All members must affirm their commitment to uphold the Bahubaleshwar Temple Working Committee Charter in both letter and spirit.
  • The Chief Trustee / Chairperson / Vice Chairperson reserve the right to review, amend, or veto any committee decision or action that does not align with the temple’s mission, philosophy, or ethical standards.
8.    Member Incentives
  • Each committee member shall be eligible for a complimentary 4-night stay per annum at the temple’s mud cottages.
  • The entitlement may be used as 1 night per quarter, and nights may be accumulated or transferred, subject to the rules and guidelines governing mud cottage usage.
  • This privilege is offered as a token of appreciation for voluntary service and dedication.

Please visit www.bahubaleshwar.com to know more about the temple objectives, the philosophy and interesting facts.

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Objectives of the Bahubaleshwar Temple

1. A Hub for Intellectual and Spiritual Growth

The Bahubaleshwar Temple aspires to transcend the conventional role of a place of worship and evolve into a center of knowledge, reflection, and discourse.

It invites scholars, practitioners, and seekers to explore the scientific, rational, and philosophical dimensions of Jainism, promoting inquiry alongside devotion.
Beyond ritual practice, the temple emphasizes the practical application of Jain principles in contemporary life—especially to inspire the younger generation to live with awareness, compassion, and responsibility.

With its serene environment, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to learning, the Bahubaleshwar Temple stands as a beacon of wisdom, peace, and inner harmony—a true haven for seekers of both knowledge and spirituality.

2. Emphasizing Ecological Balance and Sustainability

Rooted in the Jain doctrine of Ahimsa (Non-violence) and Aparigraha (Non-possession), the temple shall uphold and promote ecological balance and environmental stewardship.

It will serve as a model of sustainable living, integrating practices that protect and preserve all forms of life.

Through environmental initiatives, awareness programs, and green infrastructure, the temple seeks to demonstrate that care for nature is an expression of spiritual practice.

3. Facilitating Knowledge Sharing through Scholars and Thinkers

The temple will nurture a vibrant culture of learning by creating platforms for dialogue and exchange among scholars, monks, and lay practitioners.

Through lectures, workshops, seminars, symposiums, and digital forums, it will enable the dissemination of Jain teachings and allied philosophies.

These initiatives aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of spiritual ethics, science, and logic as envisioned in Jain literature.

 

4. Integrating Jain Philosophy into Contemporary Lifestyles

The Bahubaleshwar Temple seeks to demonstrate the timeless relevance of Jain values—such as non-violence, truthfulness, and simplicity—in modern society.

By offering guidance, mentorship, and practical examples, the temple will inspire individuals to integrate these values into daily decision-making, relationships, and professions, thus fostering a compassionate and ethical way of living.

5. Utilizing Modern Educational Tools for the New Generation

Recognizing the importance of engaging younger audiences, the temple will develop interactive and multimedia learning experiences.

Digital platforms, mobile applications, and visual storytelling will be leveraged to present Jain philosophy in accessible, contemporary formats, ensuring that timeless wisdom resonates with the minds of today’s youth.

6. Instilling Pride in Jain Heritage among Youth

The temple will take proactive steps to celebrate and preserve Jain heritage by organizing cultural festivals, heritage walks, art exhibitions, and storytelling sessions.

Such programs will cultivate a sense of pride, belonging, and continuity among young Jains, strengthening their connection to their roots while inspiring them to carry forward the tradition with modern awareness.

7. Supporting and Promoting Charitable and Community Initiatives

True to the spirit of Seva (Selfless Service) and Karuna (Compassion), the temple will initiate and participate in community development and humanitarian projects.

Activities will include education support, health initiatives, animal welfare, and environmental programs, all reflecting the Jain ideal of universal welfare (Sarvodaya).

 

Through these endeavors, the temple aims to be not only a spiritual center but also a force for social good and ethical leadership.