One of the three most ancient Indian religious traditions still in existence, has very small presence (0.01%) in Kerala, in south India. According to the 2011 India Census, Kerala only has around 4500 Jains, most of them in the city of Cochin, Calicut and in Wayanad district.
Medieval Jain inscriptions are mostly found on the borders of Kerala proper, such as in Wayanad in the north-east, Alathur in the Palghat Gap and Chitharal in Kanyakumari District. Epigraphical evidence suggests that the shrine at "Tirukkunavay", perhaps located near Cochin, was the major Jain temple in medieval Kerala (from c. 9th century CE). The so-called "Rules of the Tirukkunavay Temple" provided model and precedent for all other Jain temples of Kerala.
Some of the Jain temples in Kerala were incorporated by the Hindus at a later stage. The temple images are worshiped as Hindu gods and considered as part of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus and Jains occasionally worship their deities in the same temple.
A number of caves, donated by the early historic Chera chieftains to the Jains, can be found in the Karur-Pugaliyur region of western Tamil Nadu. Utiyan Cheral Atal, a Chera chieftain, is stated to have (Akam 55, Puram 65 and 66) died by starvation through a practice (the vattakku-irikkal) similar to the Jain sallekhana vrata. Utiyan Cheral was wounded on the back by his Chola rival Karikala in a battle.
Ancient history Silk Road map. The spice trade was along the water routes (blue).
Kerala has been a major spice exporter since at least 3000 BCE, according to Sumerian records, and it is continues to be referred to as the "Garden of Spices" or as the "Spice Garden of India".The region's spices attracted ancient Babylonians, Assyrians, and Egyptians to the Malabar Coast during the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE. Arabs and Phoenicians also established trade links with Kerala during this period.
The land of Keralaputra was one of four independent kingdoms in southern India during the time of Emperor Ashoka, alongside the Chola, Pandya, and Satiyaputra kingdoms. Scholars generally identify Keralaputra as another name for the Cheras, the earliest major dynasty based in Kerala.These southern territories once shared a common language and cultural framework, within a region historically known as Tamilakam. While the Cheras governed most of what is now Kerala, the southern tip of the region fell under the control of the Pandyas, whose trading port is sometimes identified in ancient Western sources as Nelcynda (or Neacyndi). Later, control of the region alternated among the Pandyas, Cheras, and Cholas. The Ays and Mushikas were two other dynasties of ancient Kerala, located to the south and north of the Chera territory, respectively.
By the last centuries BCE, the coast had become an important hub for Greek and Roman trade, particularly in black pepper. The Cheras maintained commercial links with Ancient China, West Asia, Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire. In foreign trade records, the region was referred to as Male or Malabar. Principal ports of the time included Muziris, Berkarai, and Nelcynda. The value of Rome's annual trade with Kerala has been estimated at around 50 million sesterces.Contemporary Sangam literature describes Roman ships arriving at Muziris, laden with gold in exchange for pepper. One of the earliest Western traders to navigate the monsoon winds to reach Kerala was Eudoxus of Cyzicus, who made the voyage around 118 or 166 BCE under the patronage of Ptolemy VIII, king of the Hellenistic Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt. Roman establishments in the region's port cities—including a temple of Augustus and barracks for garrisoned Roman soldiers—are recorded in the Tabula Peutingeriana, the only surviving map of the Roman cursus publicus.
Illango Adigal who is traditionally credited as the author of the Tamil epic Chilappatikaram, was probably a resident of a Jain vihara known as "Kunavayir kottam". Some scholars identify Kunavayir kottam with Tirukkunavay[il] or Trikkana Matilakam, now known as Matilakam, a village near Cochin. Matilakam was also known as "Gunaka" and "Kunaka" in the medieval period (Kokasandesa, slokas 45-48).
Archaeological excavations conducted at Matilakam in 1970, revealed an 8th-9th century CE foundation, structurally different from the standard Hindu temple foundations in shape
Some Jain shrines from early historic and medieval times still remain, notably in Jainamedu, near Vadakkanthara,Palghat, and in Sultan Battery in Wayanad.
Koodalmanikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda is believed to have been a Jain temple. The assumption is that it was dedicated to Bharateswara, a digambara Jain monk.
Some Jain temples located in modern-day Kerala are:
1. Anantnath Swami Temple (Puliyarmala Jain Temple) in Puliyarmala, outside Kalpetta;
Anantnath Swami Temple (also known as the Puliyarmala Jain Temple is a Jain temple located at Puliyarmala, 6 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district in the state of Kerala in India. It is dedicated to Anantnath Swami, a Tirthankar of the Jain faith.The Jain temple is located at Puliyarmala, Kalpetta in the district of Wayanad in Kerala.
It is dedicated to Lord Anantanatha, the 14th Tirthankara
2. Jain Temple, Alleppey - The Jain Temple in Alleppey enshrines Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. It was an important spiritual Center of the Jain community in this region. The architecture is superb and constitutes a great fusion between the traditional Kerala and Jain styles of architecture with its exquisitely carved wood pillars, intricate frescoes, and serene atmosphere. Inside the temple, there is an idol of Lord Mahavira seated in a sanctum that is serene and sacred. One of the best Kerala Jain temples, this sacred abode attracts many devotees.
Major Attractions: Traditional architecture and peaceful surroundings
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Alappuzha town
Kochi Jain temple, Mattancherry;
This beautiful sanctuary is dedicated to Lord Dharmanath, the 15th Tirthankara and is located in the historic town of Mattancherry in Kochi. Its architecture is a fusion of traditional Kerala and Jain styles, with intricately carved pillars, finely decked ceilings, and a peaceful inner courtyard. In the sanctum is a magnificent idol of Lord Dharmanath, to whom the Jain community is much devoted. One of the popular Jain temple in Kerala, it is always a centre of religious activities, especially during festivals like Mahavir Jayanti, when large numbers of devotees congregate to participate in elaborate rituals and prayers.Major Attractions: Intricate carvings, serene ambiance, annual festival
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Kochi city
3. Anantnath Swami Temple, one of the best Jain temple in Kerala, it is dedicated to Anantnath Swami – the 14th Tirthankara and is situated in the picturesque town of Puliyarmala, close to Kalpetta in Wayanad. The architecture of this temple itself is an accumulation of simplicity and grace, with its whitewashed walls and constituents of conventional design. Inside the sanctum is an attractive idol of Ananthanatha Swami, which the locals of this Jain community worship. One of the most famous events of this temple is the annual festival, in which devotees from all parts of Kerala and other states participate in special rituals.
Major Attractions: Tranquil environment, lush greenery, spiritual ambience
How To Reach: Easily reachable by road from Kalpetta town
4. The Jainimedu Jain Temple is a holy temple dedicated to Chandraprabha, the 8th Tirthankara in Kerala and is one of the most important Jain temples in Kerala. The temple joins together architectural features of the traditional patterns of Kerala and Jain styles. It is believed to have been built many hundred years ago and dates back to the early period of Jain settlers. One of the biggest Jain temple in Kerala, the beautiful, serene atmosphere and the spiritual energy that speaks from within the place attracts many devotees and seekers.
Major Attractions: Historical significance, unique architecture, serene atmosphere
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Palakkad town
5. The Kallil Temple at Perumbavoor, near Ernakulam, is an important Jain temple in Kerala. It lies on a hill, making the experience of visiting it unique and spiritually enriching. The temple is carved out in one enormous rock, with a sanctum and other structures carved intrinsically as part of the rocky landscape. The serene surroundings and panoramic views from the temple enhance its spiritual charm. Inside the sanctum, the idol of Parshvanatha is beautifully decorated and serves as the centre of worship. It attracts many pilgrims to this holy shrine to seek blessings and solace in its serene atmosphere Kallil Temple in Perumbavoor;
6. The Chitharal Jain Monuments are a series of ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras, located near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Situated atop a hill
7. The Shwetambar Jain Temple in Kozhikode is also known as Calicut which is dedicated to Lord Mahavira and forms a main spiritual centre among the Jain community. The architecture itself reflects brilliant traditional Jain design, with its meticulously carved-out portions, beautifully decorated pillars, and a serene sanctum. The temple provides excellent connectivity for various religious activities related to daily prayers, special poojas, or gatherings of people at functions from nearby communities. Its decoration with lights and flowers enhances the atmosphere with devotional songs and chanting during festivals like Mahavir Jayanti.
8. Kattil Madam Jain Temple in Palakkad holds an important place amongst the Jain population in Kerala. One of the oldest Jain temple in Kerala, the temple was dedicated to different Tirthankaras and admired for its stunning, tranquil architecture and surroundings. The idols of the Tirthankaras at the sanctum are magnificent and have become the focused entities of devotion of the local Jain community.
The peaceful ambience of the temple, along with its traditional architecture, provides an ideal environment to worship, meditate, and contemplate religious thoughts.
9. Jains hold the Sultan Bathery Jain Temple at Wayanad as one of the significant points for worship and is dedicated to Lord Mahavira. The temple structure, in its traditional form, and the peaceful atmosphere represent this temple aptly. Meticulous carvings and sculptures are used to adorn the temple’s premises beautifully, further enhancing its structure. There is a sanctum inside the temple wherein an idol of Lord Mahavira is placed.
Major Attractions: Traditional architecture, serene ambience, beautiful carvings
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Kannur town
Suggested Read: Explore Glory Of The Temples In Wayanad For A Spiritual Retreat
10. The Chaturmukha Jain Temple at Kasaragod is a famous temple in Kerala. This simple yet elegant temple reflects the rich Jain heritage that abounds in this region. Inside the temple, the idol of Lord Mahavira is placed in a sanctum that exudes peace and sanctity. It is a place for various religious activities like daily prayers, special poojas, and community gatherings. The Chaturmukha Jain Temple in Kasaragod stands as the remains of the resultant effect that Jainism had spread in Kerala, offering a peaceful retreat to spiritual seekers and devotees.
Major Attractions: Elegant architecture, serene surroundings
How To Reach: Well-connected by road from Kasaragod town
The Jain temples of Kerala are not just places of worship; they are sanctuaries of peace, offering a respite from the hustle of modern life. Each temple, with its unique character, invites visitors to immerse themselves in a journey of spiritual discovery. So, pack your bags, and set off to explore the most famous Jain temples in Kerala. Discover comprehensive tour packages for a hassle-free experience with TripXL.
he Edakkal caves are two natural caves at a remote location in sultan bathery in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India. They lie 1,200 m (3,900 ft) above sea level on Ambukutty Mala, near an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains of Mysore to the ports of the Malabar Coast. Inside the caves are etched petroglyphs believed to date to at least 6,000 BCE,from the Neolithic man, indicating the presence of a prehistoric settlement in this region. The Stone Age carvings of Edakkal are rare and are the only known examples from South India besides those of Shenthurini, Kollam, also in Kerala.The cave paintings of Shenthurini (Shendurney) forests in Kerala are of the Mesolithic era (middle stone-age).
Major Attractions: Beautiful architecture, peaceful surroundings, religious events
How To Reach: Well-connected by road from Thrissur town
Jain Temple, Kidanganad, Wayanad; Jainimedu Jain Temple;
Kattil Madam Temple; Jain temple, Alappuzha;
Shri Vasupujya Swami Jain Temple, Srinivasa Mallan Road, Kochi;
Cochin Digambar Jain Mandir, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi;
Chathurmukha Basati, Manjeshwar; and
Parswanatha Basati, Manjeshwar
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