Chitharal Jain Monuments, Vellamcode, Kanyakumari
The Chitharal
Jain Monuments; also known as Chitharal Malai Kovil (literally Temple
on the Hill), Chitharal Cave Temple or Bhagwathi Temple,
Chitral; are situated on the Thiruchanattu Malai (Thiruchanattu hillocks) near Chitharal village in
Vellamcode in Kanyakumari District of Tamil
Nadu. Chitharal hills are locally known as Chokkanthoongi
Hills. Chitharal is historically known as Thirucharanathupalli – 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. Jain influence in this region was due to the Jain King
Mahendra Varman-I (610-640). It was converted into a Bhagavathy Temple in the
13th Century A.D. The temple is a protected monument under Archeological Survey
of India (ASI). Plenty of visitors visits and enjoy the beauty of Chitharal
hill and cave temple. Visit the place as a pilgrim not as a tourist.
History
Jain
influence in this region was due to the Jain King Mahendra Varman-I (610-640).
During the rule of the Cholas in the 11th century CE, the decline of Jainism
began. The Chitharal caves were then converted into a Hindu temple in 1250 CE
and an image of Bhagavathy (Durga) was installed. There are nine stone
inscriptions in Tamil Vattezhuthu (script), Sanskrit and Malayalam dating back
to 9th century CE. Presently this monument is preserved and protected by the
Central Archaeological Survey of India from 1964.
The
Temple Complex
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Festivals
The Jain
images have been preserved by Central Archeological Survey of India and they
are making yearly 3 day celebrations from 2009.
Connectivity
Chitharal
Jain Monuments is located at about 6 Kms from Marthandam, 8 Kms from Kuzhithurai,
15 Kms from Thuckalay, 20 Kms from Colachel, 10 Kms from Kulasekharam, 6 Kms
from Thiruvattaru, 19 Kms from Eraniel, 12 Kms from Thirparappu, 29 Kms from Nagercoil,
54 Kms from Kanyakumari and 50 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway
Station is located at Kuzhithurai and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.
Chitharal is having a good access through roads and rails. There are lots of
buses and other taxis available through the NH47 route to take tourists to this
beautiful land. From Marthandam, go to Thiruvattar and then to Attoor and reach
Chitharal junction. A 2 Kms road will take to the hills. One must walk for about
10 minutes to reach the temple.