Parasnath Jain Temple
History
Built in 1867 by Ray Badridas Bahadur, the Jain Parasnath Temple is one of the holiest shrine belonging mainly to the Shwetambar sect of Jainism. The beautiful temple also has four main shrines dedicated to different Tirthankars of the Jains. Though primarily it belongs to the 23rd Tirthankar Parasnath Dev.
The four main Shrines.
• The first shrine pays dedication to Lord Shitalnath Ji.
• The second shrine pays devotion to Chandaprabhu Swami or Lord Chandaprabhu ji.
• The third shrine pays devotion to Mahavir ji – Mahavir Swami.
• The fourth shrine pays devotion to Dadawadi – Footprints of Jain Acharya Jin Dutt Kushal Suri.
Besides, the temple is famous all over India. Hence, Jains from all over India flock to the temple on their auspicious days annually.
The enthralling beauty
The enthralling beauty and the display of exquisite designs leave the visitors amazed. Besides, the temple’s structure exhibits pillars with inlaid mirrors and also windows comprising of stained glasses. Also, the interiors are decorated with high-quality mirrors and glasses of different shapes and designs which makes it even more beautiful. Besides, the outdoors of the temple offer jaw-dropping beauty with gardens covered with different flowers of various hues and fountains. There is also a narrow stream of water with water flowing in it, and a variety of flowers line gives it a beautiful look.
Besides, the garden is also decorated with different blocks of glass mosaics and also silver European styled statues. Moreover, the ceilings of the temples have quintessential chandeliers commonly known as the “jhar battis” adding to the temple’s beauty.
Colossal Architecture
The floor of the temple is of marble with floral designs imprinted on it, giving a classy texture to the already colossal architecture. The inner walls of the temples are richly laden with the eye-pleasing paintings hanging around of the great renowned paint Ganesh Muskare.
Furthermore, there is a well-maintained tank or reservoir with a large number of fishes in it. Besides, the water is cleaned from time to time. Thus, it adds more to the already existing amazing beauty of the temple. Everything in the temple premises is in perfect harmony and both nature and man-made objects co-exist.
The Head with diamonds
The four divisions of the temple radiate the spirit of devotion and are equally precious. Lord Shitalnath’s deity finds a place in the sanctum sanctorum, and his head is richly studded with diamonds. This also forms a significant spot of attraction for tourists or visitors. Not leaving behind the shrines of the other deities they too, are richly decorated with other precious stones and metals.
Paryushan Parv
The main Jain Temple is Paryushan and Jains celebrate a festival called Paryushan parv in Bhadrav month. Besides, this month the Jains practice ahimsa and perform charitable deeds. Also, the last day of the festival is popular as Samvatsari.
The Ever-Burning Lamp
There is a lamp of ghee inside the sanctum sanctorum which is burning continuously since the initiation of the temple in 1867. The whole temple radiates peace and serenity and also calms the body, the mind and the soul. The followers believe that the lamp bears silent testimony to the contemporary world.
Trivia
• This Parasnath Temple belongs mostly to the Shwetambar sect of Jainism which are probably a bit more lenient in their principles than the Digambar sect.
• It pays devotion to the 23rd Tirthankar of the Jains – Parasnath Dev and Shitalnath Prabhu the 10th Tirthankar.
• The temple opened its door for the public in the year 1867.
• In one among the four complexes or shrine – in the shrine of Shitalnath Prabhu, his Head is studded with diamonds which forms the major point for attractions for the tourists.
• Besides, every year, thousands of tourists and Jain devotees flock to this temple especially in the Bhadrav month when their Paryushav parv goes on (mostly in August end and mid-September).
• Also, the temple is eye-pleasing.
• Besides, spending time in this temple soothes the visitors’ mind, body and soul.
• The temple is on Badridas Temple Street in the North-Eastern part of Kolkata.