The Jain Society of Metropolitan Washington was established in March 1980 with the objective of promoting a better understanding and following of Jain principles, preserving our rich heritage, and passing it on to our next generation. The Jain Temple and the Jain Center were inaugurated in August 1989 and the church status for JSMW was received from the IRS. From the initial membership of 20 families in 1980, the Jain Society membership has grown to over 635 families and has always stayed as a cohesive harmonized Society.