Jains and Jainism in Kerala(Be Proud To be in Kerala as a Jain)

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The spread of Jainism to Kerala is from Kamataka and Tamil Nadu.
Jainism was a stronghold in Kamataka especially in Sravana Belgola
during the reign of Chandragupta. Chandragupta was a great promoter of
Jainisrn and sent many missionaries to the different parts. Among them
somebody came to Kerala and spread Jainism here. This is considered to
be the first Jain migration to Kerala. Another group of Jains migrated
to Kerala around the 8th century from Tamil Nadu.

Many relics and studies prove the existence of Jainism in Kerala. The
remaining of the Jain temples and the images of Tirthankaras have been
found from different parts of Kerala. Though there were a number of
Jain temples in the past, many of these temples were converted into
Hindu temples.

Chithral, a place in Tamil Nadu, was a part of Kerala decades ago. It
is said that the Saraswathi Kshethram in Chithral was a Jain temple
till 13th century. The temple is situated on a huge rock near cave.
This cave is said to have been used by Jain monks, because on the
walls of the cave the Tirthankaras images have been engraved. Apart
from that the idols of the 23rd and 24th Tirthankaras are erected in
the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. From these facts there is no
doubt to assume that Chitharal Saraswathi Kshethram was a Jain temple.

Nagaraja Swami Kshethram, situated in Nagarcovil, was a part of
Travancore is said to be a Jain temple. Six Jain idols have been found
from this temple. Mahavira's and Parsvanatha's idols are still being
kept in the temple. Palakkad was an important jain centre in the past.
Chandraprabha Kshethram (Chandrapraha is the 8th Tirthankara) is a
Jain temple. The place where the temple is situated is known as 'Jain
Medu' presently there is only one Jain family in Palakkad.

According to Archaeological department, Irinjalakuda Bharataswamy
Kshethram is a Jain temple. Now this temple is worshipped by
Namboodiries. Bharath was the eldest son of Rishabha Deva, the first
Tirthankara of Jains. The Kallil Baghavathy Kshethram at Muvattupuza
is a Jain temple, which is also worshipped by Hindus. The idols of
Mahavira and Parsva Natha arc seen in these temples.

Apart from these temples many other temples also have been converted
into Hindu temples. Jains were one of the civilized groups in Kerala.
But in course of time the invasion of Saiva and Vaishnava religions
declined the influence of Jains in the community. Many Jain kings were
converted into these religions. This is said.to be the reason for the
decline of Jainism. In the present. day the main Jain centres in
Kerala are: Eranakulam, Calicut and Wayanad. The Jains of Eranakulam
and Calicut are belonging to the Svetambara sect and most of them have
become successful business men. In Wayanad Jains are mainly farmers
and business men. Among these places Wayanad is the most important
Jain centre.

Jainism in WayanadAccording to the ancient history of Wayanad Jains
are the first group who migrated to Wayanad. The Kannada speaking
people in Wayanad are known as Jains, they belong to the Digambara
sect and they are called Gowadas. Hoysala kings were the rulers of
Kamataka'in the 12th century and Wayanad was a part of Karnataka. At
that time Wayanad was known as Bailnad. The rulers of Hoysala Dynasty
were Jains till Vishnuvardha. Around the medivial period Saiva
religion became a strong hold in Karnataka and the frequent attacks
from Salva religion to Jain lead to the migration of Jains to Kerala
and especially to Wayanad.
The migrated Jains first came to Panamaram on the banks of Kabani
river. From there the Jain groups spread to the different parts of
Wayanad. These Jains were basical1y farmers. Digging and ploughing
were against their belief. So as to keep their belief they introduced
eco-farming in Wayanad. Jainism was in its peak in Wayanad during the
days of Hoysala Dynasty. Hoysala kings promoted Jainism and they sent
many missionaries to the different parts to spread Jainism. There are
many proofs, which justify the existence of Jainism in Wayanad. The
history tells us that the Bathery Jain temple was built 800 years ago.

Earlier this temple was known as Kidangad Basti and the older name of
Batheiy was Hennaredu Bedhi (twelve streets). These two names are
Kannada names and it shows the influence of the Kamataka Jains. Some
other similar place names are: Bennagode (Venniyode), Palagonthu
(Palukunnu), Muthangadi (Puthangadi), and Hosengadi (Mananthavady).
All these Kannada names are the fool-proof evidence to justify the
existence of Jains in Wayanad.

It is believed that the wall inscriptions in Edakkal Caves (the oldest
historical monument in Wayanad) are closely related to Jainism. The
Swastik mark, the mark of the seventh Tirthankara, Suparswa Natha, has
been engraved on the wall. The Chandrabimbamark, the mark of the
eighth Tirthankara, Chandra Natha, also can be seen on the wall of the
cave. The other inscriptions on the wall are the Hoysala kings'. The
former Hoysalas were Jains.
In the thirteenth century Jainism was in its peak in Wayanad. By the
end of eighteenth centuiy the religion became too weak because of the
increasing influence of the Hindu religion and the invasion of Saiva -
Vaishnava religions. In this period many Jain temples were destroyed
and some of them were possessed by Hindus. The relics of these ruined
temples can be seen in Bathery, Puthangadi and Poothadi.

At present Wayanad is considered to be one of the important Jain
centres. According to the latest survey the total Jain population in
Wayanad is 1581. Among them 797 are male and 784 are female. In
Wayanad the main Jain centers are: Mananthavady, Panamaram, Anjukunnu,
Varadoor, Kalpetta and Kaniyambatta.The Jain Community in WayanadThe
Jain Community in Wayanad has been divided into nine units. In one
unit there are nine committee members. Among them seven members are
the Directors of the committee and the remaining two members are
Chairman and Convener. The nine units are:

a) Anjukunnu Unit : The Anjukunnu Unit consists of thirty-seven
families and the total number of members is 147. Among them seventy-
four are married. There are seventy-one male and seventy-six female in
the unit. Most of the Jains in this area are farmers. Apart from
farmers there are teachers and employees.

b). Kalpetta Unit : In Kalpetta unit there are sixty-three families
and it has the strength of 249 members 137 are married. The number of
male are 131 and female are 118. The noted writer, cultural critic and
former Union Minister Mr. M.P. Veerendrakumar, belongs to this unit.

c) Kaniyambatta Unit : The Kaniyambatta unit consists of fifty-two
families and the number of members are 236. Among them 126 are
married. There are 128 male and 108 female in the unit. The members of
Kaniyambatta unit are basically fanners. Some of them doing business
and most of the youth are doing their higher studies in different
branches.

d) Karinkutty Unit : The total number of families in Karinkutty unit
are twenty nine. The total number of members is 116. Among them fifty-
six are male and sixtyare female. Sixty-six members are married.

e) Muttile Unit : There are forty-three families in Muttil unit and it
has the strength of 157 members. There are seventy-seven male and
eighty female members. Among them eighty members are married.

f) Neervaram Unit : Neervaram unit consists of fifty-eight families
and the total number of members is 211. There are 101 male and the
remaining 110 are female. The number of married is 102.

g) Poothadl Unit: There are forty-nine families and 163 members in
this unit. Among them seventy-two are male and ninety-two are married.

h) Puthlyidam Unit : Puthiyidam Unit consists of thirty-two families
and 126 members. There are sixty-seven male and fifty female members.
Among them seventy are married.

i) Vennlyode Unit : Venniyode unit comprises forty4hree families and
176 members. Among these members seventy-five are married. There are
ninety-four male and eighty-two female.
All these nine units function with a view to uplift the standard of
living of the Jains in the community. Most of the Jains are rich
enough and have achieved a social status in the society. As far as
some other Jains are concerned even now they are in the lower shelves.
These Jain units try to occupy a better position and sphere for them.

Jain Temples in Wayanad1. Sulthan Bathery Jain templeThis is an
ancient Jain temple situated at Sultan Bathery town. It is supposed to
have been built around twelfth century A.D. The temple was taken over,
by Tippu sultan and used as the Battery for his army. It is now under
the possession of Archaeology Department who repaired the temple in
1996. Though this temple surroundings had a large Jain population in
ancient times, there are no Jains in this area now. On the pillars and
on the walls of the temple are engraved with the images of
Tirthankaras. One of the specialities of this temple is that no piece
of wood is used for the construction of the temple even the roof of
the temple is made of stones. The Wayanad Jain community conducts a
Navakhalasha Panchamritha Abhisheka Pooja at this temple on the
occasion of Mahaveer Jayanthi every year.

2. Sri Adblswara Swami Temple, ManantbavadyThis is temple situated
about 1 k.m. from Mananthavady. It is supposed to be centuries old. In
1960 the hereditary custodian Late Shri.D.Padmaja Tharakan handed over
the temple to a trust, which was formed with Late Shri. Palukkunnu
Chandrayya Gowder as President. The temple was renovated in 1958 and
Pancha Kalyana was conducted.

3. Anandapuram Shrl. Adblshwara Swami Temple, PuthlyadamThis temple is
situated about eight k.ms from Mananthavady town. It was constructed
in 1957 and Pancha Kalyana Prathista Mahotsava was conducted in June
of the same year.

4. Shri. Ananthanatha Swamy Temple, AnanthakrlshnapuramThis is one of
the main Jain temples of Wayanad. It was situated in a place called
Kalpavathy or old Kalpetta. It was originally managed by the Uralan
Shri. Payappa Tharakan after whom the management was taken over by
Sri. P.C. Mandappa Gowder in 1926, who formed a trust to manage the
temple in 1931. This temple, which was dilapidated, was shifted and
newly constructed at t place called Ananthakrishna puram and Pancha
Kalyana Mahotsava conducted in 1933 under the Leadership of Late Shri.
M.K.Subbiah Gowder and then by Late Shri. M. K.Ananthayya Gowder.
Presently the temple is situated on the Kalpetta Mananthavady road
about five k.ms from Kalpetta town.

5. Shri. Ananthanatha Swamy Kshethram, VaradoorThis Jain temple was
originally situated at Arapatha near Echome. It was shifted to
Kottavayal, and from there again to its present near Varadoor in.
1964. the temple was constructed under the leadership of late Shri.V.
K. Vardhman Gowder. Panchakalyana Mahotsva was conducted in 1977 when
the present idol was installed. A copper inscription has been found in
this temple. And this inscription reads that, "Lalithappan son of a
Kamataka king, came to Wayanad 300 years ago and donated valuable
things to all the Jain temples." The temple is run by a trust, formed
in 1953 by late V.P. Ananthayya Gowder.

6. Shri. Chandranatha Swamy Temple, PuthanangadiThis is one of the
ancient Jain temples of Way an ad. A number of old and dilapidated
ruins of other Jain temples are found around this temple. This temple
is situated on the Panamaram - Nadayal road about five kilometers from
Panamaram town. This place was originally known as Mannikapuram and
was supposed to be a centre of trade in gems and pearls. In course of
time this name was changed to Muthangadi and now as Puthanangadi. In
1950 a trust was formed to develop this temple under the leadership of
late Shri. Ramachandra Gowder of Neervaram who renovated the temple.
Later a new idol was installed and Panchakalyan was conducted in 1958
leadership of late Shri.M. V. Jinachandra Gowder.

7. Shri. Parsva Natha Swamy Kshethram, AnjukunnuThis is a newly
constructed temple in 1996. The Panchakalyana Prathishta Mahotsva was
conducted in the same year. It is situated about three kilometers from
the Kalpetta - Mananthavady main road at a place called Anjukunnu.

8. Shri. parsva Natha Swami Kshethram, PalukunnuThis is another oldest
Jain temple in Wayanad. The temple is situated at Palukunnu, which is
about six kilometers away from Anjukunnu on Mananthavady - Kalpetta
main road. It was renovated in 1950 by Kalathingal Krishna Gowder.
About three decades back Parsva Natha Swami Kshetra trust was formed.
The current President is Shri P.M. Vardhamanan.

9. Shrl. Shanthl Natha Swamy Devaswom, VennlyodeThis is a very old
Jain temple of Wayanad. The temple was run and managed by the
hereditary 'Uralans'.a. Thazheveettil Shri. ShanthaIj Tharakanb. Shri.
Brahma Soori Tharakanc. Shri. M.P.C. Jaind. Venniyodc Shri. Dcvaraj
Tharakan

These 'Uralalns' (hereditary custodians) handed over the temple to a
trust consisting of twelve members on May 1955. in 1964 the temple was
renovated and Panchakalyan was conducted under the leadership of Late
Shri M. K Jinachandran. Earlier to this a Panchakalyana was conducted
in 1928 under the leadership of Sargur Shri Chandra Sagara Swmaji. The
annual pooja of this temple is conducted on Vaishaga Shuklanavami. The
present temple is managed by a trust under the president ship of Shri.
MJ. Vijayapadman. The temple is situated about eight kilometers from
Kambalakkad town.

10. Chandranatha Girl KshethramThis temple is situated on top of a
single huge rock called Myladipara near Kalpetta. There was a huge
idol of Chandranatha Tirthankara, which was worshipped in earlier
times. This idol was destroyed by miscreants and only remnants of it
remain today. A number of caves are situated behind the rock, which
was used by Jain monks in earlier times. A temple renovation committee
was formed about three decades ago under the President ship of M. S.
Padmiah Gowder and later Shri P.M. Vardhamana took over the President
ship. A pooja is conducted dunng March/April every year in which all
the community members participate

The Contributions of Jain Community to WayanadOne of the main
contributions of Jainism is that the introduction of eco-friendly
cultivation in Wayanad. Jains were against the digging and ploughing
of the land. So as to keep their belief they did not plough or dig the
land. In the field of irrigation Jains have contributed a lot. Some of
the dams and ponds built by Jains still exist in: Cheeral,
Kazhampukunnu, Nambiarkunnu, Chulliyode, Kolliyadi, Thaloor, Sultan
Bathery, Meenangadi, Panamaram, Anjukunnu and Nadavayal. These ponds
and dams were built in the medivial period. The Jains of that time
used to store water in these ponds, dams and irrigated the crops.
Doddappan Pond, near Sultan Bathery is one of those kinds. These ponds
and dams, adjourned to the Jain temples were not only for the
exclusive use of the temples but also for the use of men and animals.

Jains were experts in paddy cultivation and they introduced it in
Wayanad. Like that the introduction of pepper and Robesta Coffee were
the contributions of Jains. Another important contribution of Jains is
in field of architecture. Most of the ancient Jain temples are in the
Vijayanagara style. The temples have Mukhmandapa, Garbhagriha,
Ardhamandapa and Mahamandapa. Sultan Bathery Jain temple is built in
the same style. One of the specialities of this temple is that for the
construction of the temple no piece of wood has been used, even the
roof of the temple is made of stones. The engravings in the
Puthanangadi Jain temple deserve a special mention here. Along with
the Jain statues, the images of Matsya, Kunna and Varaha images too
can be seen on the walls of this temple.

Jains are the first group who started social life in Wayanad.
Centuries ago they migrated and started living together. The older
name of Sulthan Bathery was 'Hennaredu Bedhi', which means 'twelve
streets'. This is a Kannada name and the migrated Jains were from
Karnataka. History and the name 'Hennerdu Bedhi' tell us that there
were twelve well organized streets and it was the main centre of
Jains. Thus Jains paved the way for the social life in Wayanad.

Important Personalities and Their ContributionsShri.M.K.Jinachandran
is considered to be the founding father of modern Wayanad. He was a
great visionary and he did many things for the development of Wayanad
and its people. He started the first High School in Wayanad,
S.K.M.J.High.School, Kalpetta, which is considered to be one of the
premier educational institutions in Wayanad. He also established
fifteen L.P and U.P, Schools in Wayanad. For the development of the
S.C and S.T sections he started a 'Kanyagurukulam'. Late Shri Ragavan
Master, former MLA of Wayanad was a student of 'Kanyagurukulam'. The
first to introduce telephone in the district is Shri. M K.
Jinachrtdran who also introduced post offices here. He started the
first petrol pump and vehicle service station.

Shri. Maniamkode Krihshna Gowder,a committed freedom fighter, is
another important figure, who has contributed much in the fields of
agriculture. He introduced Robesta Coffee in Wayanad; its seeds were
brought from Africa. He made every endeavour to bring Gandhiji to
Wayanad. As a result of his efforts Gandhiji came to Wyanad on January
14th, 1943. Palukunnu Chandrayya Gowder is another philanthropist,
worked for the welfare of the people. He donated land and building for
the inception of a Government Hospital in Panamaram. He started the
Gandhi Memorial U.P School in Anjukunnu. Presently it is run by
Christian management. Sri.V.K. Vardhamana Gowder started co-operative
societies and banks in Wayanad. He also donated land for the
veterinary hospital in Vardoor. Shri. M.P.Chandranathan, Sri.
Vijayapadman, Shri Mandappa Gowder, Koottamunda Subbya Gowder, Shri.
M. K. Padmaprabha, Shri M. P. Veerendra Kumar, are the other
personalities who dedicated their life for the development of Wayanad.
All these personalities donated a lione share of their money and land
to uplift the people of Way an ad as well as the growth of Wayanad.