Swetamber Dadaji’s Jain Temple

Did the founder of Swetamber Dadaji’s Jain Temple really predict its enduring flame? Here at this magnificent complex in Kolkata, a lamp has burned continuously since 1867. Rai Badridas Bahadur, a Mukim to the Viceroy of India, established this temple. He envisioned not just a place of worship, but a beacon of Jainism in the bustling city. Swetamber Dadaji’s Jain Temple, also known as Pareshnath Temple, isn’t dedicated to Pareshnath as the name suggests. Instead, the four temples within this sprawling complex honor Sitalnath, Chandraprabha, Mahavir, and the footprint of Jain saint Jin Dutt Kushal Suri. Enter through the grand three-tiered gateway. Imagine the welcome of drums and trumpets that once echoed from the domed pavilion above. The gateway proudly displays the founder’s name and the temple’s founding date in English, Bengali, Hindi, and Urdu. The main temple, dedicated to Sitalnath, is a spectacle of glass and mosaic work. Floral and geometric patterns intertwine with images of animals and humans. One mosaic depicts a lion and a cow drinking peacefully from the same stream. This powerful image symbolizes the Jain principle of universal peace. Ascend the stairs to the temple’s interior. Inside, admire the ornate glass walls and glittering chandeliers. Witness the continuously burning lamp, a testament to enduring faith. South of the main complex lies the Chandraprabha temple, built in 1895. While similar in design, it lacks the elaborate mosaic work of the Sitalnath temple. East of the main complex, discover the Dadabari. Here, within a marble pavilion, lies the footprint of Jin Dutt Kushal Suri. This complex, adorned with marble pathways, fountains, and a large pond, exudes tranquility. Nearby, the Mahavir temple rises with a simple spire. Swetamber Dadaji’s Jain Temple is a testament to the thriving Jain community that made Kolkata their home. It stands as an oasis of peace, inviting all to experience its beauty and the timeless message of Jainism.