The weekly feature on Religion World – Jain Temples in South India is back after a fortnight , which gives you glimpses of different Jain shrines in the this part of the country. Rarely people are aware that Jainism has been prevalent in South India since Maurya dynasty. It became popular over the years and it was the Vijayanagar empire that made it more popular.
With Vijayanagar empire giving the much needed impetus to Jainism, it flourished and they started constructing their temples, art and culture in South India. Moreover the digambara sect also developed here and it had its own followers too. This new series Jain Temple in South India will look at different temples, the history and legend behind the temple, its uniqueness and architecture as well as its specialities. Featured on every Week, Jain Temple in South India will be giving its darshan in Religion World.
The Dharmanath Jain Temple is Mattancherry, is the sacred place for the Jain community who were migrated from Kutch and Saurashtra of Gujarat long years ago. Located on the Gujarati road, this temple built as a memorial to the Jain Thirthankara is believed to be 100 years old and is open to all communities. The entirely marble interior of the temple is adorned with artworks and beautifully arranged with the sculptured pillars and idols of Jain Gods or Thirthankara’s.
The Dharmanath temple in Kerala is one of the renowned places of Jain pilgrimages in India. Situated in the town of Mattancherry, in Kochi, in the southern state of Kerala in the Indian subcontinent, this temple attracts devout Jains from across the world every day. Jainism in the state of Kerala can be traced back to the 3rd century.
As one of the popular places for Jain pilgrimage, Dharmanath Temple in Kerala entices devotees from every nook and corner of the world. The century-old temple offers utter serenity and is perfect spot for meditation. The temple derives its name from the 15th Tirthankara – Dharmanath. Furthermore, the idols of four Jain Lords were also placed in the sanctum sanctorum during the renovation to achieve the sobriquet of a ‘theerth’.
Architecture
Splendid architecture and impeccable cleanliness inside and outside the complex make it a must visit place. A stark similarity is seen between the design and sculptures of Dharamnath temple to that of the Jain Dilwara Temple in Mount Abu. The intricately carved pillars and walls tell a tale in their own way.
The city of Mattancherry in Kochi is home to many business people from the Jain faith who had migrated to the state from their hometowns of Rajasthan and Gujarat. The entire temple and the complex surrounding the temple is impeccable in its architecture and cleanliness. The sculptures and designs of the temple are similar to those in the Mount Abu temple of Jain Dilwara. The interior of the temple is adorned with marble which has sculptures of the different Gods and Thirthankaras of the Jain faith. There are also other Jain pilgrimage sites etched into the pillars and walls of this temple in a very artistic manner.
The temple is now a ‘theerth’ as it is more than 100 years old by now. The temple was renovated as part of the celebrations of attaining the much admired ‘theerth’ status. There were four more deities installed in the temple during these celebrations.
The temple is situated in the quintessential Kerala setting of coconut trees and lush verdant greenery. The serenity and tranquility of the place makes it ideal for those who are meditating to attain inner peace or salvation. Right from the imposing temple gates, which have a picture of the beautiful Gajalakshmi on them, to the inner sanctorum where the idol of the Lord Dharmanath is installed, every inch of the temple is designed to create the feeling of peace and devotion in the pilgrim.
History
Jainism came to Kerala in the 3rd century after Chandragupta Maurya traveled to Shravanbelagola in Karnataka. Later their followers traveled to Tamil Nadu and Kerala in search of places of solitude. The town of Mattancherry houses the various migrating people from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Goa etc. The migrated people are settled as business men here. Coming to the Dharmantah Jain Temple it is a 100 years old temple built by migrated Jain Community people. The temple architecture and cleanliness are spotless. While entering into the temple the devotees find the gates on which the Grihalakshmi sitting on the gates.
ain Temples in South India : Moodabidri – Thousand pillars of Jainism in South India
