Jainism is an Indian faith followed by several millions of people in India and by sizeable numbers of migrant Jains in Europe, East Africa and North America. Jain way of life is regulated mainly by ‘non-violence’ and reverence for all life in action and relative pluralism in thoughts. Jains are vegetarians and are involved in extensive philanthropic activities, including the learning, the care of nature, and the care of the environment.

  Jains aspire to attain spiritual liberation by self-effort and revere twenty‑four past tirthankaras, the 'spiritual victors' of the descending half of present time-cycle, whom they worship as exemplary persons or Gods. The first tirthankara in this descending cycle was Risabhdeva, who is traditionally believed to have lived thousands of centuries ago, the twenty-third was Parsvanatha (c.870 BCE to 770 BCE) and the twenty-fourth (and last) was Vardhamana Mahavira who lived from 599 to 527 BCE.  Mahavira's teachings, including the establishment of the fourfold order of Jain society (monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen), have formed the basis of Jainism and Jain way of life for over 2,500 years.

  One of the most striking contributions of Jains to human achievement is in art and architecture. Jain temples, some of which are virtual 'temple cities', are among the most beautiful buildings ever constructed. The first Jain Centre in the world, which brings together in one building all the main sects of Jains for worship and study, is in Leicester. This magnificent building has been created in traditional Jain style, with rich interior stone carvings and a striking marble frontage, and is a major tourist attraction, which welcomes visitors. It had a visit by many dignitaries, including a visit by the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Members of the Royal Family.

  The Jain centre is the first place in the Western World having temples housing the consecrated images; the main image is that of Bhagwan Shantinath, the 16^th tirthankara. It has Swetambar temple, Digambar temple, Sthanakwasi Upashraya, Guru mandeer, Shrimad Rajchandra jnan mandeer, museum, library, auditorium, dining hall and other facilities. It has become a vibrant place of worship for Jains not only in Leicester, but also in the United Kingdom, and a place of pilgrimage for the Jains world over.