Calcutta Jain Temple
History
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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, tenth tirthankara. The pratishtha was performed by Sri Kalyansurishwarji Maharaj. 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 worshiped. 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.
Main Jain temple is where the Paryushan, an 8-or-10 day 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 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.
About temple
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The complex is subdivided into 4 temples:
- Shitalnath temple
- Parshvanath temple
- Chandraprabhu temple
- Mahavir temple
- Dadawadi
The temple is dedicated to Parshwanath, who was the 23rd Jain Tirthankar and he is worshipped by the Jains. This is one of the most important Jain temples in Kolkata. The place is famous all over that is why devout Jains from distant parts of India flock to the Temple precincts all round the year. The temple consists of four temples inside of it. The deity of Lord Shitalnathji is seated in the sanctum sanctorum and his diamond-studded forehead is a major attraction for the visitors.
There are three other shrines dedicated to Chanda Prabhujidev, Dadagarudev Shri Jin Kushal Suriji Maharaj. The last temple is dedicated to Lord Mahaveera, who was the last Tirthankara of the Jain tradition.