Kolkata Jain Temple is a Jain temple at Badridas Temple Street and a major tourist attraction in Kolkata, India. The temple was built by a Jain named Rai Badridas Bahadur Mookim in 1867. Pratishtha was done by Sri Kalyansurishwarji Maharaj. Entry is officially allowed to Jains only since 2012 by order of management.
Shrine’s History
The Parasnath or Parshwanath Jain Temple of Kolkata was built by Ray Badridas Bahadur in 1867. Thousands of people visit this temple annually. The Parasnath Jain Temple is actually a complex of 4 temples. The main shrine is dedicated to Shitalanatha, tirthaTirthankara. The four main temples are Shitalnath Ji Temple, Chandraprabhu Ji temple, Mahavir Swami Temple, and Dadawadi and Kushal Ji Maharaj Temple where the footprint of Jain Acharya Jin Dutt Kushal Suri is kept and worshipped. Towards the south of the temple of Sri Sitala Nath Ji, lies the shrine of Sri Chanda Prabhujidev, which was built by Ganeshlal Kapoorchand Jahar in the year 1895. The main Jain temple is the Paryushan where a festival is celebrated in Bhadrav month. During this period the Jains observe Ahimsa, listen to recitations of scriptures of worship and perform charitable deeds. The last day of a festival is called Samvatsari. It is one of the most important Jain temples in Kolkata. The deity of Lord Shitalnath Ji is seated in the sanctum sanctorum, and his diamond-studded forehead is a major attraction for the visitors. The other deities are also beautifully decorated with semi-precious stones and precious metals.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The interiors of the temple are lavishly decorated with high-quality mirrors and glasses. The quintessential Jain temple chandeliers decorate the ceilings adding beauty to the top. The floor is intricately paved with marble and embellished with exquisite floral designs that provide a classy look to this colossal architecture. In the interior, the temple walls are adorned with paintings of the renowned painter Ganesh Muskare.The Temple gateway is splendidly eye-catching.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
The nearest Bus stop is Kolkata.
By Rail
The nearest Railway station is Kolkata
By Air
The nearest Airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is situated at Dumdum.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Mahavir Jayanti, Paryushan