Is it possible for a lamp to burn continuously for over 150 years? Here at Parshwanath Jain Temple in Kolkata, a lamp has been burning with ghee since 1867. This lamp silently testifies to the contemporary world. It is wonderful to acknowledge the mysticism associated with it.
Parshwanath Jain Temple is a major tourist attraction in Kolkata. It is also known as Calcutta Jain Temple. The temple is located in the Gouribari area of Maniktala. Rai Badridas Bahadoor Mookim built it in 1867. Acharya Kalyansuri Maharaja consecrated it.
The Parshwanath Jain Temple is actually a complex of four temples. Thousands of people visit this temple every year. The main shrine is dedicated to Shitalanatha. He was the tenth Tirthankara.
The other three temples are dedicated to Chandraprabha. There are also temples dedicated to Mahavira and Dadawadi and Kushalji Maharaja. Footprints of Jain monks Acharya Jinaduttsuri and Acharya Jinkushalsuri are installed here. Ganeshlal Kapoorchand Jahar built the shrine of Chandaprabha in 1895. It lies to the south of the Shitalanatha temple.
The main Jain temple is where Paryushana is celebrated. This is an eight-day festival in the month of Bhadrav. During this time, Jains observe Ahimsa. They listen to recitations of scriptures and perform charitable deeds. The last day of the festival is called Samvatsari. It is one of the most important Jain temples in Kolkata. The deities are often decorated with semi-precious stones and precious metals. This follows devotional rituals of the Svetambaras.
The Parshwanath Jain Temple displays exquisite designs. It is an impressive structure. The temple features mirror-inlaid pillars and stained-glass windows. Three beautiful verandas surround it. The walls feature mosaics and other ornamental work.
The main shrine is divided into three sections. The innermost section enshrines idols of Tirthankaras. These marble images wear gold necklaces. They also have silver lotus pedestals and a big diamond-inlaid forehead. The outer section is richly decorated. It has ornate mosaic glasswork on the walls, ceiling, and columns. This section also features a chandelier with over a hundred branches.
Outside the Parshwanath Jain Temple is a garden. This garden has Indian and exotic plants. The garden is full of sculptures and fountains. It is considered a testament to architecture and artistry.
The interiors of the temple are splendidly adorned. The outdoors are surrounded with many beautifully coloured flower gardens and fountains. A small stream flows through it. This stream also has a great variety of flowers all around it. The fountains look brilliant when water gushes out of them in perfect harmony. A well-maintained reservoir adds to the surrounding beauty. Colourful fishes swarm the surface of the glistening water at the slightest hint of food grains.
The floor of the Parshwanath Jain Temple is elaborately paved with marble. This gives it a solemn look and also a mark of purity. The temple exhibits extraordinary artistic tendencies. These are visible in the whole pattern of the decoration of the interiors and the exteriors. It also displays paintings of renowned painter Ganesh Muskare. Chandeliers make the interiors sparkle. They lend an extra shimmer to the serenity of the temple.
The quintessential Jain temple chandeliers decorate the ceilings. The floor is intricately paved with marble. It is embellished with exquisite floral designs. These provide a classy look to this colossal architecture.
Remember the lamp burning since 1867. This symbolizes the enduring faith and devotion that permeates this sacred space. As you leave the Parshwanath Jain Temple, carry with you the peace and serenity found within its walls.