SHRI CALCUTTA TIRTH
Presiding Deity and Location :
Shri Sheetalnath Bhagwan in white color, seated in a lotus posture of height 70Cms in a shrine in Manektala of Sham Bazar in the city of Calcutta. The temple is known as Parshvanath Mandir also. (Shve).
ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :
A veritable forest three hundred years ago has been transformed into a chief of trade. Present Hooghly was the main centre of foreign trade known earlier as Saptagram. This place being far away from the sea and as river Saraswati became dry, movement of ships and boats increasingly slowed down here and the prevailing commerce and trade breaking down, centered at Sutanooti, Govindpur and Kalikata. Present Bada Bazar used to be Sutanooti, present Dalhousie square, Hasting and Fort Williams used to be Govindpur and present Kalighat and Bhawanipur used to be Kalikata. Job Charmuck, an Englishman merging these three areas founded the city of Calcutta which shortly prospered into its present position of a modern metropolis. Opinions differ as to when and how the name “Calcutta” came into existence. In developing city to its present state of prosperity and trade. Wealthy Jains have played the most predominant part. They have always taken a lead in the activities if human welfare and religious enlightenment.
Raibahadur Badridasji,son of Sri Kalakadasji began construction of this artistic temple after obtaining blessings and inspiration from his mother Sri Khushal Kunvar. When the construction work was going on be begun looking for anicon which should be not only perfectly artistic but also unique. He received that grace from God. He came across a venerable saint who gave him an indication of a marvelous icon existing in the inner most sanctum of a temple situated in Roshan Moholla of Agra and on disclosing this, the saint just disappeared. The icon was obtained here in gaiety and joy and in the year 1867 A.D was again ceremoniously installed in this temple by the hands of Acharya Sri Kalyansurishvarji. Today also the temple is being managed by Raibahadur’s successors in the family.
The architecture of this gorgeous temple is wonderful. And this is its specialty. Different scholars have interpreted the style exhibited in this temple in different manners. The temple has been even described as the beauty of Bengal. Every year the great procession is which starts from the big temple of Tulapatti on Karthik Poornima terminates here and the procession is considered the best in India and worth seeing. The Government grants, on this festive occasion, all the permissions and convenience required. In Dadawadi, which is just opposite the temple, a “Swami Vatsalya” is organized on a grand scale. The builders erecting this temple have in fact enhanced the prestige of not only Jains but also of the state of Bengal. Every tourist from foreign countries makes it a “must” to pay a visit to this temple and when he departs after seeing it, he feels completely satisfied for the few hours very well spent here.
Besides this temple, there are other 8 Swetamber and 3 Digamber temples in Calcutta. Also one magnificent Dadawadi, and several personal temples, ghar derasars adorn the city.
The Parshvanath temple of Belagachhiya (a Digamber Jain temple_ with its art and style is also note worthy.
The city of Calcutta has its own special characteristic.In 1767 A.D the East India Company had appointed Lord Clive as the first governor of the British rule in this city. In 1880, the first horse-drawn tram car ran on the roads in this city. Several other modern facilities made possible on account of scientific discoveries in the century were also started in this city. Even today the city is one of the four main cities of India.
APPROACH – ROUTE :
The temple is just 5Kms away from the railway station of Calcutta (Howrah). In the city all transports and conveyances are available.
AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :
Following dharamshalas with all facilities available.
Shri Jain Swetamber Panchayati Mandir (Bada Mandir)
139, Cotton Street, Calcutta – 700 007.
Tel : 033-2395949
Shri Jain Johari Sansthan.
63/10, Gowri Badi Lane,
Calcutta – 700 004
Tel : 033-5554187
This is near to the bhojanshala.
3. Shri Digamber Jain Bhavan
10-A, Chitpur,
Calcutta – 700 007
Managed By :
Shri Badrinath Jain Shwetamber Mandir Pedi
36, Badridas Temple street,
Manektaka (Sham Bazar),
Calcutta – 700 004
West Bengal
Tel : 033-5554187
