Exploring Kanyakumari

Chitaral jain temple -3

Most of the deities in the central shrine are believed to be those of the Jain Thirthankaras, namely Parsvanatha and Mahavira. The Hindus, however, consider these to be images of Maha Vishnu. The central shrine is divided into three chambers — one for the Goddess, another for Mahavira, and, the third, for Parsvanatha in a standing posture.

Inscriptions in Vattezhuthu

Another flight of steps leads to a pond in front of the shrine.

The adjoining hills really give a panoramic view of the temple.

The jagged outline of the Western Ghats, enveloped by white puffs of clouds, presents a pretty picture against the blue canvas of the sky.

Chitaral - a tranquil spot where History confluences with Religion

With inputs from
1.Historian Dr.Benny sir
2.Mr. Soma Basu's RLT -(The Hindu dated 2-04-07)
3.Family and Friends
S.K.Venkatesh & A.C.Rajesh Download As PDF

Chitaral jain temple - 2

Entrance

As we pass the entrance What catches our attention on the
hilltop are two huge rocks almost resting on each other to form
a narrow opening through which you can see the beautiful
landscape on the other side.

Passing through the narrow stairway will let us to the rock sculptures.

Rock Sculptures

Carved images of theThirthankaras, with their distinct hanging earlobes,
the three-tiered umbrellaover their tonsured heads, in sitting and standing postures.

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Chitaral jain temple - 1

Place : Chitaral , Kanyakumari District

Location : Chitharal is 55km north west of Kanyakumari, 36km north west Nagercoil and 7km north of Marthandam.

Route : Nagercoil ----> Marthandam ---->Attoor----> Chitaral

Also known as Thirucharanmalai the abode of Jain monks belonging to Digambara sect.It is famous for the hillock which has a cave containing rock-cut sculptures of Thirthankaras and attendant deities carved inside and outside dating back to the 9th century A.D. Jain influence in this region was due to the Jain King Mahendra Verman-I (610-640 AD).

Climbing the 800 m path on the hill with blazing sun is a hard task. The path uphill is dotted with cashewnut trees, interspersed with other shade-giving trees. Around the benches, beds of colourful flowers have been laid and huge trees bearing red and violet flowers complete the picturesque scene - the handiwork of a former DistrictCollector of Kanyakumari, who tried to develop Thirucharanmalai into a tourist destination.