Chitharal Jain monuments – Chitharal Hillocks

Chitharal hillocks of Kanyakumari district – one among the hidden treasures of Kerala and must include in your Kerala travel who wants to  cherish nature, peace and tranquility.

You can see Jain monuments in Chitharal as Jain culture and civilization seemed to have disappearing from world .

Travel info

• 45 km away from Trivandrum city and takes almost 2 hours to reach Chitharal
• 10 kms away from Marthandam on Trivandrum – Kanyakumari Highway.
• 55 km away from Kanyakumari

Chitharal Jain Monuments are located in Melppuram village which is famous for typical Travancore snacks. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was astonished when Chinese diplomat expressed that Chitharal was the place where he would like to visit in India. After that Chitharal included in the national heritage list. Now Chitharal hillocks are under the protection of  archeological survey of India.

Nature’s greenery has perfectly mingled with mysteries of history that has not come to light till date contributes an enchanting view to Chitharal and characteristic feature of this place. It is situated on the Tamiraparani river banks and the abode of Jain monks belonging to Digambara sect. The amazing structural designs of temple remains here give interesting historical insights  on Jains. Jain influence in this region was due to the Jain King Mahendra Verman-I (610-640).

Chitharal jain temple is an example of  rock cut cave temple architecture , idols seen there are of Jainatheertha Parswanathan, Mahaveer and Pathmavathi Devi. Rock-cut sculptures of Thirthankaras and attendant deities carved inside and outside dating back to the 9th century serve as a standing testimony to the architectural elegance and are considered as the precious remnants of the Jain culture .

Chitharal pilgrimages include jain devotees, artists, researchers and students from different parts of India as well as outside India. The scenic beauty of rolling hills, offer ideal Rock climbing and trekking options.

Related posts:

1. Kallil Temple Jain temple in Kerala
2. Madavoorpara Rock