Parshwanath Jain Temple

Parshwanath Jain Temple, also widely known as the Badridas Temple, stands on Badridas Temple Street in Belgachia, in northern Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It was built in 1867 by Rai Badridas Bahadur, a Jain jeweller, and is dedicated to Sheetalnath, the tenth tirthankara of the Jain tradition. The temple complex is among the most ornate religious buildings in the city and is a notable example of Jain devotional architecture in eastern India.

The visitor enters a compound of manicured gardens with fountains, statues, and pools, including a pond with golden fish. The temple itself is richly decorated, with walls and ceilings covered in mirror work, coloured glass, mosaics, and painted panels. Pillars and arches carry intricate patterns, and chandeliers hang in the main hall. Inside, white marble images of the tirthankaras sit in the shrines and are the focus of daily worship. The overall impression is one of brightness and detail, which contrasts with the older, more crowded neighbourhood around it.

Visitors should note several rules. Leather items such as belts, wallets, and bags are not allowed inside the temple, and shoes are removed at the entrance. Modest dress is expected, and silence is appreciated during prayers. Photography inside the sanctum is generally restricted, but the gardens and exterior can be photographed. The best vantage point for the facade is from the central garden path facing the main entrance, particularly in soft morning light.

A typical visit takes about forty-five minutes, though photographers and architecture enthusiasts may stay longer. The temple is quietest on weekday mornings and early afternoons. Festival days in the Jain calendar, especially Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushana, bring larger crowds and special decorations. The temple is open in two sessions, from early morning to noon and again in the afternoon until evening, so timing the visit around the midday closure is important. Entry is free, and donations are accepted.