Shri Calcutta Tirth
Mulnayak
Nearly 70 cm. high, white - colored idol of Bhagawan Shitalanath in the Padmasana Posture.
Tirth
It is in the Sham Bazaar of the Calcutta city.
Historicity
Rich Jain merchant has largely contributed towards making this city prosperous and developing it as a chief center of commerce. These Jain merchants always participated in activities of human welfare and promotion of religion. Raybhadur Baddidashji, the son of Lal Kalkadasji, under inspiration of his mother, built the present artistic temple. He was in search of a distinct ancient idol. A great man came and indicated to him that in the sanctuary in the Roshan locality of Agra; there was a wonderful idol. This idol was thus got. In the year 1867 of the Vikram era, the idol was installed under the auspices of Acharya Kalyansurishvarji. This temple is called Baddinath temple or Parshvanath temple. Every year on the fifteenth day of the bright half of the month of Kartak, a procession started from the big temple of Tulpatti and disperses here. It is very thrilling and delightful. It is believed to be the best in the whole of India. The Govt. provides all facilities. On that day, a caste - dinner is arranged in the Dadwadi in front of the temple.
Other Temples
Besides this there are other Svetambar temples, three Digambar temples and a splendid Dadvadi in the city.
Works of art and Sculpture
The building style of this large, splendid and pinnacled temple is wonderful and very artistic. There is no place in the whole of the temple where the artist has not shown a glimpse of his art. There are no words to describe the sculpture of this temple. Different sculptures have given different definition of the artistry of this temple. By building this artist temple, the architects of the temple have glorified not only the Jain religious but also Bengal. This temple is also known as the beauty of Bengal. The art of the idol of Belgachchhiya Parshvanath is also full of beauty and delight.
Guidelines
The nearest railway station of Calcutta is at a distance of 5 kilometers. Bus services and private vehicles are available. There are good Boarding and lodging provisions.
Trust
Shri Baddinath Jain Svetambar Mandir Pedhi, 36 Baddidas Temple Street, Manakatala - Calcutta: 700 004, West Bangal, India. Phone: 033 25330414