Staff Reporter –

Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar in the Jain Parampara, carried out much of his spiritual activity in the eastern regions of India—primarily Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. Among these, Bengal was especially significant, as evidenced today by the hundreds of ruined temples and thousands of statues still found in districts such as Purulia, Medinipur, Bankura, Bardhaman, and Birbhum. Mahavir’s teachings also spread northward into Murshidabad, particularly in the twin cities of Jiaganj and Azimganj.

Around 1600, Murshidabad was established by Murshid Quli Khan with the support of Jagat Seth, one of the most celebrated Jain merchants in Indian history. Jagat Seth, honored by Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar with the title “Banker of the World”, played a pivotal role in both finance and religion.

Jagat Seth and the Jain Pilgrimage Network

During his tenure, Jagat Seth financed the revival of Sammed Shikharji (Parasnath Hills), the most sacred Jain pilgrimage site where 20 out of 24 Tirthankars attained nirvana and Palitana Girnar and many Jain Pilgrimage He also funded pilgrim groups (sanghs) from Rajasthan and Gujarat to visit Shikharji. Many of these sanghs also traveled to Murshidabad, where Jagat Seth had built a Kasauti-stone Jain temple, one of the most revered in the region.

Jagat Seth encouraged several sangh leaders and Jain families from Rajasthan to settle in Murshidabad, attracted by its fertile land and thriving craftsmanship. Over 25 to 30 families settled in Jiaganj and Azimganj, forming an exclusive community later known as the Sheherwalis.

The Sheherwali Community

The Sheherwalis developed a distinct identity, with their own dialect, attire, and culinary tradition—Sheherwali Khana, considered one of the finest Jain vegetarian cuisines. They also built numerous Jain temples, Some of the finest in the country each distinct from each other with more than 14 still standing in Jiaganj and Azimganj today.

Each temple is a marvel of art and history, decorated with imported tiles from Spain, Holland, and Portugal, which are rarest and are studied by global scholars and also featuring intricate  and exquisite marble craftsmanship rivaling the great Jain temples of Dilwara and Ranakpur. Some temples, such as the Red Temple of Azimganj, display exquisite mirror work on their ceilings.

Other significant temples include:

The Singhi Chintamani Parshwanath Temple, currently under renovation.

The Rambagh Temple, housing ancient idols transferred from Qasim Bazar, Jangipur, Jiaganj, and other sites.

Many statues in these temples are over 600 years old, carved from precious and semi-precious stones, rescued from dilapidated shrines to preserve them from neglect. Nowhere else one can find so many temples with diverse interiors and exteriors

Azimganj–Jiaganj: Heritage and Attractions

Beyond its temples, Azimganj–Jiaganj is rich in history and culture. Key attractions include:

·         Hazarduari Palace Museum

·         Nasipur Rajbari

·         The House of Jagat Seth

·         Katgola Palace with an exquisite Jain Temple

·         Archaeological sites and riverfront views

·         The region also offers luxury Ganges cruises, lush greenery, and a mild climate.

·         The House of Sheherwali – A Museum Hotel

Until recently, Azimganj and Jiaganj lacked quality accommodations. This changed with the creation of the House of Sheherwali, a unique five-star museum hotel. Affordable yet luxurious, it overlooks the river and provides modern facilities such as a gym and beauty salon, alongside authentic Jain vegetarian cuisine.

The hotel itself is a living museum of Sheherwali heritage. Each room is named after eminent Sheherwali families, decorated with heirlooms, photographs, and memorabilia. The property exudes a royal atmosphere, making it India’s first true “museum hotel”, blending sustainability, history, and hospitality.

Accessibility and Cultural Experience

Azimganj–Jiaganj is emerging as a major Jain pilgrimage circuit. It is just 4.5 hours’ drive from both Champapuri and Kolkata, and well connected by road and rail, with over 11 trains daily from Kolkata.

A pilgrimage here is more than a spiritual journey—it is a cultural immersion. Visitors can experience:

Heritage street food and Sheherwali cuisine

Local crafts and artistry

Famous textiles such as Dhaka muslin and Baluchari sarees

Wood and stone craftsmanship

Locally made attars (perfumes)

A Call to Visit

Azimganj and Jiaganj today represent a confluence of spirituality, heritage, and sustainability. A visit here is affordable, experiential, and deeply spiritual—a once-in-a-lifetime journey into the living history of Jain merchants, temples, and culture.

Come to Murshidabad—Azimganj and Jiaganj await you.