Pareshnath Jain Temple

Overview

The Calcutta Jain Temple, commonly called Pareshnath Temple, is an opulent Shvetambara Jain temple complex in the Badridas Temple Street area. Dedicated to the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanath, it is renowned for its extraordinary decorative art.

Highlights

• Mirror and glass mosaics: The interiors are covered in Venetian glass, chandeliers, and Belgian mirrors.
• Garden courtyards: Serene lily ponds and manicured gardens connect the temple shrines.
• Fire temple: A separate shrine with an eternal flame, a rarity in eastern India.

History

The temple was consecrated in 1867 by the Badridas Ray Bahadur family of jewellers. Successive patrons have continuously enhanced its ornamentation.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Leather goods must be left outside; lockers are available near the entrance.
• Tip 2: Morning visits offer the best light for photographing the mirror work.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.