Skip to content
Home Timelines Search

Jain Centre

Oxford Street Congregational Chapel in Victorian times
  • The first consecrated Jain Temple in the Western world
  • Magnificent stone carvings inside demonstrate fine craftsmanship
  • Estimated 1000 Jains live in Leicester

Chapel to Temple

What we know today as Leicester's Jain Centre started life in 1863 as a Congregational Chapel (an independent church). This area around Oxford Street was developed from the mid-19th Century and, along with shops, houses, pubs and factories, places of worship were built. By the 1960s however people had moved out of the city centre to the suburbs. Its congregation gone, the chapel eventually closed in the 1970s. In 1988 the building became the Jain Centre.

This simple chapel has been transformed into a spectacular Jain Temple, the first to be consecrated in the Western world and the first to accommodate all sects of Jainism under one roof. Its exterior has been clad in white marble imported from India, whilst interior decorations and furnishings were created by thousands of hours of fine craftsmanship. Features include 44 magnificently carved sandstone pillars, a beautiful temple dome and ceiling with traditional carvings, white marble floor, mirrored walls, traditional doors at the Garbhagriha (the inner sanctum) and hand-carved staircases. The Centre houses consecrated images, temples, a museum, library, auditorium, dining hall and other facilities.

Jainism and Leicester

Originating in India, Jainism is one of the oldest religions. Jains believe in equality in all living things and so swear a vow of non-violence, are vegetarian, care for the environment and are tolerant of other faiths. The first followers of Jainism in Leicester arrived from India and Kenya. What is now known as the Jain Samaj Europe organisation (who runs the Jain Centre) was established in Leicester in 1973 and there are now an estimated 1,000 Jains in the city.

Find out how to visit.

Timeline
Modern Leicester
Continue the story
Visitor information
Can be seen from street

Gallery

Oxford Street Congregational Chapel in Victorian times - Leicestershire Record Office
Oxford Street Congregational Chapel in Victorian times
Leicestershire Record Office
Interior of the Congregational Chapel - Leicestershire Record Office
Interior of the Congregational Chapel
Leicestershire Record Office
Carved stone pillars that make up the Garbhagriha (inner sanctum) -
Carved stone pillars that make up the Garbhagriha (inner sanctum)
The Jain Centre has white marble cladding the former chapel exterior -
The Jain Centre has white marble cladding the former chapel exterior
Carved stone pillar in the Garbhagriha (inner sanctum) -
Carved stone pillar in the Garbhagriha (inner sanctum)
Mirrored tiles in the Digamber Jinalay (an interior temple) -
Mirrored tiles in the Digamber Jinalay (an interior temple)
A carved stone from when the building was the Congregational Chapel -
A carved stone from when the building was the Congregational Chapel

Roman Leicester

(47- 500) A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community to Leicester (known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans). The town steadily grew throughout the reign of the Romans.

Medieval Leicester

(500 – 1500) The early years of this period was one of unrest with Saxon, Danes and Norman invaders having their influences over the town. Later, of course, came Richard III and the final battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought on Leicester’s doorstep.

Tudor & Stuart Leicester

(1500 – 1700) The wool trade flourished in Leicester with one local, a former mayor named William Wigston, making his fortune. During the English Civil War a bloody battle was fought as the forces of King Charles I laid siege to the town.

Georgian Leicester

(1700 – 1837) The knitting industry had really stared to take hold and Leicester was fast becoming the main centre of hosiery manufacture in Britain. This new prosperity was reflected throughout the town with broader, paved streets lined with elegant brick buildings and genteel residences.

Victorian Leicester

(1837 – 1901) The industrial revolution had a huge effect on Leicester resulting in the population growing from 40,000 to 212,000 during this period. Many of Leicester's most iconic buildings were erected during this time as wealthy Victorians made their mark on the town.

Edwardian Leicester

(1901 – 1910) Electric trams came to the streets of Leicester and increased literacy among the citizens led to many becoming politicised. The famous 1905 ‘March of the Unemployed to London’ left from Leicester market when 30,000 people came to witness the historic event.

Early 20th Century Leicester

(1910 – 1973) The diverse industrial base meant Leicester was able to cope with the economic challenges of the 1920s and 1930s. New light engineering businesses, such as typewriter and scientific instrument making, complemented the more traditional industries of hosiery and footwear manufacturing.

Modern Leicester

(1973 – present day) Industry was still thriving in the city during the 1970s, with the work opportunities attracting many immigrants from all over the world. While industry has declined in recent years, excellent transport links have made Leicester an attractive centre for many businesses. The City now has much to be proud of including its sporting achievements and the richness of its cultural heritage and diversity.

Change time period...
  • Roman Leicester
  • Medieval Leicester
  • Tudor & Stuart Leicester
  • Georgian Leicester
  • Victorian Leicester
  • Edwardian Leicester
  • Early 20th Century Leicester
  • Modern Leicester
story of leicester
Your ultimate guide to visiting the city