Badridas Jain Temple: Kolkata's Shitalnath Bhagwan Sanctuary
By Arpit Shah
Summary
The Badridas Jain Temple, located in the Maniktalla locality of Kolkata, is the most prominent among a cluster of four Jain temples known as the Parasnath Temple. Built in 1867 by Rai Bahadoor Badridas Mookim, it is dedicated to Shri Shitalnath Bhagwan and is renowned for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. Badridas Mookim, a descendant of Bhama Shah, a minister in Rana Pratap of Mewar's court, migrated from Lucknow to Calcutta after the decline of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. He established a successful business and later became the Court Jeweller to the Viceroy and Governor General of British India. The temple stands as a testament to the power of devotion and serves as a cultural landmark, attracting tourists, devotees, and the local Bengali community, who revere the Jain "thakur." Authored by Arpit Shah, a history researcher, devotional singer, and Jain "vidhikarak," the article highlights the temple's historical and spiritual essence, along with Shah's own contributions as a writer and professional.
Conclusion
The document highlights the historical and cultural significance of the Badridas Jain Temple in Kolkata, emphasizing its role as a spiritual and architectural marvel within the Maniktalla locality. Built in 1867 by Badridas Mookim, a descendant of a prominent historical family, the temple stands as a testament to the enduring power of devotion and the intersection of Jainism with colonial-era India. The temple's grandeur and its integration into the local Bengali community underscore the harmonious coexistence of diverse religious practices in Kolkata. Additionally, the author, Arpit Shah, brings attention to the temple's historical legacy through his research and writings, bridging the past with contemporary Jain heritage. The document serves as a reminder of the cultural richness and historical depth embedded in such sacred spaces, inviting further exploration into India's multifaceted religious and architectural history.