Calcutta Jain Temple, Kolkata Overview

Pareshnath Jain Temple is a temple complex dedicated to four Jain Teerthankaras. The complex is a beautiful arrangement of these shrines and draws tourists from all over the world. The architecture of the temples consists of intricately carved marbles and glass work and is indeed one of the few temples that have a charismatic vibe. The complex expands over a vast piece of land and is mostly visited by followers of Jainism. The temple complex also houses extremely well-maintained gardens and fountains. Many visitors claim it is not just a religious retreat but also a recreational one because of its architecture.

Pareshwanath Temple complex houses a shop where tourists can purchase souvenirs and gifts. One may choose to offer prayers or pay respect to the Tirthankaras in all the temples. Devotees and the temple management ensure complete silence is maintained and that helps devotees enter a quiet and peaceful zone to meditate. The temples are often crowded in the evenings when visitors come to enjoy the vibe, offer their prayers and feed the birds in the garden area. This is one of the attractions that must not be missed when exploring Kolkata.

History of Pareshnath Jain Temple

Pareshnath Jain Temple was built in 1867 by Rai Badridas Bahadur Mukeem, who is considered as the founder of Kolkata Jain Temple. He was also the Jain Social Leader along with being a Philanthropist and a renowned Jeweller. He conceived the idea of building the Pareshnath Jain Temple after being inspired by his beloved mother. He, therefore, purchased a piece of land which included a pond and got it filled up to even out the land before constructing the beautiful temple complex. After the temple was built, a Jain saint, Kalyansuriji, instructed him to install an idol of Bhagwan Shitalnath. Rai Badridas searched for a perfect image of Bhagwan Shitalnath for a few years and found one in a Jain Temple buried near Agra. He brought the image to Kolkata and installed it in the temple.

Architecture of Pareshnath Jain Temple

The opulent complex has four different temples dedicated to Shitalnath Ji, Mahavir Swami Ji, Dadawadi and Kushal Ji and Chandraprabhu Ji. Each of these temples has a captivating architecture with mirrors, stained glass and intricate designs all over the structure. The structure is mostly made in marble with floral designs and has meticulously decorated gateways, walls, pillars and floors. The interiors of the temple have beautiful chandeliers and paintings too that add to its resplendent beauty. The temple complex has a splendid garden with flower beds, fountains, a reservoir that is home to some colourful fishes and a mesmerizing stream flowing through it.

How To Reach Calcutta Jain Temple

Pareshnath Temple is located at a distance of 7 kilometres from the centre of the city and can be reached by taxis, rickshaws or local buses via Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road or Bidhan Sarani or Raja Ram Mohan Sarani. The tram system is also quite well connected in Kolkata that you can hail to reach the road leading to the temple.

Those taking Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road take the route following route: Surya Sen Street - Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road - Nerode Behari Mullick Road - Badridas Temple Street where the temple is located. If taking the Bidhan Sarani, take the route following route: Mahatma Gandhi Road - Bidhan Sarani and Vivekananda Road - Nerode Behari Mullick road - Badridas Temple Street.

The route via Raja Ram Mohan Sarani requires tourists to take Surya Sen Street and head to Mohan Sarani - Nerode Behari Mullick Road in Maniktala - Badridas Temple Street.