jain temples in ajaimganj and jiyaganj in murshidabad WB india
In Murshidabad district (West Bengal), both Jiaganj (Jiyaganj) and Azimganj are very important Jain centres, historically called part of “Bengal Panchtirthi”. There are many old Shwetambar and Digambar temples there.
Here is a simple overview:
In Jiaganj (Jiyaganj):
- Shri Sambhavnath Bhagwan Jain Mandir (Shwetambar)
- Moolnayak: Shri Sambhavnath Bhagwan (6th Tirthankar), white idol in padmāsan. ( jainsite.com) - Age: Temple ~150 years old; idol is considered much older. - Known as Shri Jiyaganj Teerth, one of the Bengal Panchtirthi. There are 3 more nearby Jain temples, including a temple of Shri Vimalnath Bhagwan with beautiful old hand‑painted pictures. ( mycaste.in)
- Shri Shambhavnath Shwetambar Jain Mandir
- Another important Shwetambar temple in Jiaganj dedicated to Lord Shambhavnath. ( explorejainism.com)
- Digambar temples in Jiaganj
- There are also Digambar temples, including Shri 1008 Parshvanath Digambar Jain Mandir, Jiaganj, dedicated to Lord Parshvanath. ( explorejainism.com)
In Azimganj (Ajimganj / Ajaimganj): Azimganj lies just across the Bhagirathi river from Jiaganj; the two together form one big Jain centre.
- Shri Azimganj Teerth – Shri Chintāmaṇi Parshvanath Jain Mandir (Shwetambar)
- Moolnayak: Shri Chintāmaṇi Parshvanath Bhagwan. ( mycaste.in) - Famous for: - Central stone beam made of “kasauti” (touch‑stone for gold). - About 30 idols made from nav‑ratna (nine precious stones). - Part of Bengal Panchtirthi; very scenic setting on the bank of Bhagirathi.
- Shri Neminathji Panchayati Jain Mandir (Shwetambar)
- Central “panchayati” temple in Azimganj, dedicated to Shri Neminathji (22nd Tirthankar), around which other temples are clustered. ( sahapedia.org)
- Other Azimganj temples
- In and around Azimganj there are 7–8 Jain temples very close to each other, and in the whole Azimganj–Jiaganj area more than 14 Jain temples are said to be still standing (both Shwetambar and Digambar). ( ibgnews.com)
Practical note (how the area is structured):
- Jiaganj and Azimganj face each other across the Bhagirathi river. Ferries/boats connect them; many people stay at dharamshala in Jiaganj and then visit the Azimganj temples across the river. ( mycaste.in)
If you are planning a yatra, you can treat Jiaganj–Azimganj together as one Jain tirth‑kshetra, with:
- Shwetambar: Sambhavnath, Vimalnath, Neminath, Chintāmaṇi Parshvanath, etc.
- Digambar: Parshvanath and other temples mainly in Jiaganj and nearby.
For very exact addresses, local contacts, or darshan timings, it is best to check locally once you reach Murshidabad or Jiaganj station, as small details may change over time.