Jain Temples in South India is a new weekly feature on Religion World, which gives you glimpses of different Jain shrines in the this part of the country. As part of the series today we are presenting you the Kolanupak Swetamber Jain Mandir in Telanagana.
Jainism seems to have its roots all across the South India and from time immemorable. It has found acceptance from all walks of life primarily because of the non-violent nature of the religion. Last week, we had a glimpse of Sravanabelagola in Karnataka. That was the most popular Jain shrine in the country. The huge monolithic statue of Bahubali is the main highlight of that shrine.
This week we take you to a very old, yet lesser known Jain temple based in Telangana. This shrine is popular only for few sections, but is one of the oldest in the country. Called the Kolanupak Swetamber Jain Mandir is well maintained and highly respected temple.
Jainism found its way into the Telangana region in the 4th century AD. The Jaina movement started from the days of the Satavahanas and picked up speed under the rule of the Rashtrakutas. Several Jain coins have been unearthed in various locations indicating the existence of a relationship between Jain monks and Telugu rulers. It was during this time that Kolanupaka emerged as one of the prominent centres of Jainism. In its present form it is an important pilgrimage site of the Svetambara Jains.
Kulpakji also was known as Kolanupala Temple. The temple was located in Kolanupaka of Nalgonda district in the Indian state of Telangana. The Kolanupak Swetamber Jain Mandir features three idols namely Lord Rishabanatha, Lord Neminatha, and Lord Mahavir. All have believed that the temple was constructed about 2000 years ago. It was one of the famous tourist attractions in Telangana. There are eight idols of other Thirdankars placed both sides of the temple.
At a distance of 83 km from Warangal and 81 km from Hyderabad, the 2000 years old Jain Temple of Mahavira is located in Kolanupaka village in Nalgonda district. The temple is decorated with beautiful images of Tirthankaras and it’s one of the important Jain pilgrimage sites in the country. It is also a popular place to visit around Warangal & Hyderabad. Kulpakji is an important pilgrimage center for Swetambara Jains of South India.
Legend Behind the temple
According to the mythological legend, the main temple of Kolanupaka is said to have been built by Emperor Bharata, son of King Dushyanta and Queen Sakuntala. Jainism was prevalent in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana before the 4th century and Kolanupaka was one of the prominent centers of Jainism from early times. About 20 Jain inscriptions have been found there. It is said that Kolanupaka flourished as Jain center during the Rashtrakutas period.
This temple has three main idols of Gods, called as Tirthankars. These are of Lord Rishabha, Lord Neminath and Lord Mahavir. The statue of Lord Mahavir has been made out a single jade and is about 140 cm in height. The statue of Lord Rishabha, who is also known as Lord Adinath, has been carved out of a green stone. Historically, it has been popular as Manikya Swami. There are eight idols of various other Tirthankaras, placed on both sides of the temple. Every Tirthankara has been built with their own unique style. The statue of Lord Mahavira has been carved with an image of Lion, while there is a bull on the pedestals of Lord Rishabha. A cobra with multi heads has been carved as an umbrella over the statue of Lord Parshawnath.
The architecture of the temple is stunning with wonderful carvings on the temple walls. The Jain temple of Kolanupaka was made using red sand stone and the pillars of temple are made out of white marble. The temple was in a ruined condition for years and was renovated in late 20th century. The temple was renovated by employing more than 150 artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat. The old garbhagruha was preserved and a complete new temple was created surrounding the existing tower. The temple is spread over in an area of 1 acre, out of a 20 acre land used for dharamshalas and guest houses. Regular visitors are not allowed to enter into the inner section of the temple which is restricted for people with pooja cloths only.
There is also a temple called Someshwara Temple which was established by Chalukya’s about 800 years back in Kolanupaka.
A legend around the origin of the temple is common folklore among the people of Telangana. It is said that when Ravana abducted Devi Sita, the gods instructed his wife Mandodari to immerse the Jinneshwar idol, which she worshipped, in the sea. Several years later, Shankar, a king from Karnataka receives an oracle to bring up the idol in order to protect his country from an epidemic. Therefore with help of a sacred process he brings out the idol from the seas. On his way back he halts at a place called Kolanpaka. It is here that he feels a resistance and is unable to move the idol further. Believing it to be a divine intervention the king decides to build a magnificent temple around the idol in Kolanupaka. Thus was established the Kolanupaka Temple.
Highlights of the Temple
Konalupaka Jain temple houses the idol of Lord Rishabha who is considered to be the first of the Jain Tirthankaras. The temple also displays idols of the other Tirthankaras on either side. The most fascinating vista is that of the 51 inches tall statue of Mahaveer. The idol is made of a single piece of Jade and is exquisite in execution. The statue bears an awakened crest-jewel of consciousness between the eyes and an adamant heart charka.
The temple uses red sand stone and white marble aesthetically to enhance the stylistic aspects of its interiors. The entrance gateway of the temple is flanked by Lord Simandar Swami and Mata Padmavati. The most beautiful piece of art within the temple premise is probably the huge stained glass window depicting the Jain guru Parshvanath.
The Kolanupaka Jain temple is an architectural marvel. There is beauty engraved in each pillar, wall as well as the Tirthankara idols which surround its premises. Even the temple roof is replete with carvings or stained glass paintings like the one of Jina Parsvanatha mentioned in the preceding section.
The small village of Kolanupaka draws its name from the presence of several small huts near lakes that used to abound the area at one point of time. In Telugu ‘Kolanu’ means lakes and ‘paka’ means huts. Konalapaka area is famous for several other temples like the Shri Veeranarayana Temple and Shri Someshwara Temple. The Archeological Department of Kolanupaka has sufficiently contributed into making the place attractive to tourists. They have built a museum which houses various pieces of interesting temple architecture as its exhibits. This includes a huge bronze bell. Visitors are also welcome to take a look at an inscription which refers to the bell being a gift to God Somesvara of Kolanupaka by Kanuappa Nayaka. The Museum is located within the premises of the Someshwara Temple.
