Parshvanath Jain temple, Varanasi, Jain temple in Bhelupur, Varanasi, India
Parshvanath Jain Temple is a religious complex in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, divided into two separate sections dedicated to the two main branches of Jainism. Each section has its own shrines, sculptures, and religious ornaments reflecting the traditions of the Digambara and Shvetambara communities.
The temple was founded in 1458, during the period of the Delhi Sultanate, and has served both major Jain communities as a place of worship ever since. Over the centuries, it grew into a notable pilgrimage stop in the heart of Varanasi.
The temple is named after Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism, who is said to have been born in Varanasi. For Jain pilgrims, visiting this site carries a meaning that goes beyond ordinary worship, since the city itself is tied to his story.
The temple is in a quieter part of Varanasi and can be reached on foot from the central ghats or by local transport. Visitors should wear modest clothing and remove their shoes before entering the shrines.
The temple holds handwritten manuscripts dating to the 14th century, which give a rare look at the religious practices of that period. These texts are among the oldest surviving sources directly connected to this site.
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