Jain Temple Kolkata

Jain Temple Kolkata

Jain Temple Kolkata- Pareshnath Mandir

The Jain Temple Kolkata is also known as the Pareshnath temple which is regarded as a major tourist attraction due to its unique beauty and purity. The temple is dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankar of the Jains who is known as Pareshnath. There are other Jain temples in the city located at different places but the one in Badri das Temple Street in the northeastern part of Kolkata is the most beautiful one with a huge royal building. Jain from various parts of the country arrives there all through the year. The place seems to be much more crowded in the Jain festivals such as Mahabir Jayanti and Paryushan. Paryushan is celebrated for one month starting from 15th August to 15th September. This period is regarded as holy and they do many charitable services celebrating Ahimsa. The creator of this temple is Rai Badridas Bahadur Mookim who established it in the year 1867.

There are temples inside the temple premise. The first one is the Mahavir swami temple dedicated to Sri Mahavir swami. The second one is the Shitalnath Ji temple dedicated to Shitalnath Bhagwan. His deity is seen seated in the sanctum and his forehead is studded with diamonds which is the main attractive thing to see. The lamp inside the sanctum is kept burning since the initiation of the temple. The other two are Chandrapabhu ji temple and Dadawari where the footprint of Acharya Jin Dutt is located.

History

The Jain Temple in Kolkata has a long and rich history, dating back to the early 20th century. It was built by a wealthy Jain businessman named Seth Shiv Nath Das, who wanted to create a place of worship for the Jain community in Kolkata.

Construction of the temple began in 1905 and was completed in 1918, after which it was officially inaugurated. The temple is built in the traditional Jain style, with intricate carvings and embellishments decorating its walls and pillars.

Over the years, the Jain Temple has become an important center for the Jain pilgrimage, with thousands of Jains visiting the temple every year to pay homage to the Jain Tirthankaras. The temple is also an important center for Jain learning and scholarship, with several schools and institutes in the surrounding area dedicated to the study of Jain philosophy and religion.

Despite the many challenges and difficulties faced by the Jain community over the years, the Jain Temple in Kolkata has remained a place of refuge and a source of inspiration for Jains everywhere and continues to play an important role in the preservation and dissemination of Jain culture and religion.

Structure of Jain Temple Kolkata

The structure is impressive and consists of mirror-stuffed pillars and windows made of glass. The interior of the temple is very splendid. It is surrounded by beautiful flowered gardens with a fountain amidst it. A stream is seen to flow through it. The fountain looks awesome when water flows out of it in perfect rhythm. There is a reservoir where you can see colorful fishes along the surface of the water. The temple floor is made of marble which gives it a somber look and a symbol of purity. The exterior and interior of the place exhibit great artistic patterns. Chandeliers add up to the beauty making the inner region sparkle with a divine glow. You have to cross 13 marble stairs to reach the Vehranda o the temple. The gateway of the temple is really eye-catching. There is a museum and a room to greet people coming there.

Tips before you visit Jain temples

The Jain temple is regarded as the purest place and as they are fully vegetarian, they prefer to enter the temple in a pure form. So you need to take off your shoes before entering there. And if you have anything made of leather in your body then you also have to take off those things such as leather hand watches, belts, bags, purses,s, etc. Wash off your feet up to the knee before you step at the main temple.  Do not talk loudly which could disturb the peaceful environment.

Other Jain temples in Kolkata

  • Badridas temple in Maniktala
  • Jain Mandir in canning road
  • Shree Digambar Jain Mandir in Bortola, Borobazar market.
  • Digambar Jain Pareshnath temple at Belgachia
  • Shantinath Digambar jain mandir in Kakurgachi, phool bagan
  • Jain Swetamber Panchayati Mandir in ac market Jorasanko

The temple glows with serene beauty and if anyone who is in search of a peaceful place with a divine and positive vibration all around, then entering this Jain Temple Kolkata would make you feel just the same you want. The structure, cleanliness, and shining beauty would take you to a different world and the place is double worth your visit. The all-time-lighted lamp, the background, diamond stuffed forehead of the deity, the fountain stream, and the fishes in the reservoir altogether make the place a nice one to relax and feel the purity and divinity of the almighty God.

How to reach

The Jain Temple in Kolkata is located in the Burrabazar area of the city and is easily accessible by a variety of transportation options. Here are a few ways to reach the temple:

  1. By train: The nearest railway station to the Jain Temple is the Kolkata railway station, which is located about 3 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus to reach the temple.
  2. By bus: The Jain Temple is well-connected by a network of local buses, with several bus routes passing by the temple. You can also take a bus to the nearby Burrabazar or Shyambazar bus stops and then walk to the temple.
  3. By taxi or auto-rickshaw: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available in Kolkata, and are a convenient way to reach the Jain Temple. You can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from any part of the city and reach the temple in about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
  4. By car: If you are traveling by car, you can reach the Jain Temple by following the route from the city center to the Burrabazar area. Parking is available near the temple, and you can park your car there while you visit the temple.

Temple timing

The Jain Temple in Kolkata is typically open to visitors every day from morning until evening. The exact timing may vary depending on the season and other factors, but the temple is usually open for around 12 hours a day. Here is a rough guide to the temple’s operating hours:

  • Morning: The temple usually opens around 6:00 am or 7:00 am and remains open until 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm.
  • Afternoon: The temple reopens in the afternoon, usually around 4:00 pm or 5:00 pm, and remains open until 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm.
  • Closed: The temple is typically closed for a few hours during the middle of the day for cleaning and maintenance.

It is always a good idea to check the temple’s official website or contact the temple authorities to confirm the operating hours before your visit, as they may change from time to time. Photography or video is not at all allowed inside the temple. It takes two hours to visit and satisfy your soul. You would love to visit the place again and again.

Things to do

There are several things to do when visiting the Jain Temple in Kolkata:

  1. Explore the temple: The temple is an architectural marvel, with intricate carvings and embellishments adorning its walls and pillars. Take some time to explore the temple and admire its beauty.
  2. Observe the rituals and ceremonies: The Jain Temple is a place of worship, and you can observe the various rituals and ceremonies that are performed there. This can be a unique and enlightening experience, and is a great way to learn more about Jain culture and religion.
  3. Visit the Jain Museum: The temple complex houses a small museum that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Jainism. The museum contains a collection of Jain scriptures, manuscripts, and artifacts, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Jain history and culture.
  4. Shop for souvenirs: The temple complex also has several shops selling Jain religious books, artifacts, and souvenirs. You can buy a memento of your visit to the Jain Temple to take back home with you.
  5. Meditate and reflect: The Jain Temple is a peaceful and serene place, and is an ideal place to meditate and reflect. Take some time to sit quietly and reflect on the beauty and serenity of the temple.
  6. Visit the nearby schools and institutes: The Jain Temple is an important center for Jain learning and scholarship, and there are several schools and institutes in the surrounding area dedicated to the study of Jain philosophy and religion. You can visit these institutions and learn more about Jain education and culture.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Jain Temple in Kolkata:

Is photography allowed inside the temple?

Photography is generally allowed inside the temple, but it is always a good idea to check with the temple authorities before taking any photos, as they may have specific rules and restrictions in place.

Is there an entry fee to visit the temple?

There is no entry fee to visit the Jain Temple in Kolkata, and it is open to visitors of all religions and backgrounds.

What is the dress code for visiting the temple?

Visitors to the Jain Temple are expected to dress modestly and respectfully, covering their heads and removing their shoes before entering the temple. Women are usually required to cover their heads and wear modest clothing that covers their legs and arms.

Are food and drinks allowed inside the temple?

Food and drinks are generally not allowed inside the temple, as the temple is considered a sacred place of worship. Visitors are advised to finish their meals and drinks before entering the temple.

What is the best time to visit the temple?

The best time to visit the Jain Temple in Kolkata is early in the morning or late in the evening when the temple is less crowded and the atmosphere is more peaceful. You can also visit the temple during a festival or special event, when the temple is decorated and there are special rituals and ceremonies taking place.

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