Vangaram Shree Appandiarajan - SAMATHI MARANAM

Chitharal Jain Monuments

The Chitharal Jain Monuments are located in a small village situated at a distance of 7 km from Marthandam and 55 km from Kanyakumari. 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 Verman-I (610-640).It was converted into a Bagavathy Temple in the 13th Century A.D. Chitharal hills are locally called Chokkanthoongi Hills. Now this place is famous as Malaikoil. 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.

There are 9 stone inscriptions in Tamil vattezheutthu, sanskrit and Malayalam dating back to 9th Century A.D.

Chitharal - A small village located 55km away from Kanyakumari. The place is well-known for its hillocks and ancient Jain Temples. These temples of Jain Deities' which were considered to be built in 9th century AD, and these sculptures are the main attraction in Chitharal. Also these sculptures are historically known as Thirucharanathupalli, and are situated inside the caves on a very long Hill.

At the foot of the Thirucharanmalai hillock, one can see a stylish Kerala Style Arch made of rocks and is the starting point of your Trek. The atmosphere and the indications at the foot will not give you any indication of a Hard Climb ahead. So be prepared for a hard steep climb of a 800 meters.

It will be better, if you select a day with sun is not too sharp. All over the trekking time one can see several cement benches to sit, but the hottest sun will not allow you to sit on them. Colorful flowers and some trees with red and yellow flowers around these benches complets the picturesque.

Now, a question will arise in you, why we suffer all these...? The answer is, after these steep climb you are going to another era. Because, Chitharal is one of the last few vestiges of Jainism. Some years before, this rock shrine was a pilgrim center for the Jains'.

Around the period of the decline of Jainism during the rule of the Cholas in the 11th Century, it is believed that Chandragupta Maurya, along with a Jain ascetic Badrabhahu, reached Sravanabelagola in 298 BC. Their disciples travelled to this region to spread Jainism and chose the hillock for meditation. It was, however, converted into a Hindu temple in 1250A.D., and an image of Bhagavathy was installed.

The top hill, thus named, Thirucharanmalai, means `the hill holy to the charanas'.

When you reach the top of the hill, you can see or feel the enchanting beauty of Chitharal. The cave which made Chitharal more famous, is also a natural beauty to explore...!

From the top, one can see or enjoy the beauty of winding rivers, lakes, fields, clusters of villages, coconut fields, tall church spires, and the lines of Western Ghat covered with white clouds; and is a mind blowing scenery, which you won't get from anywhere.

Another main attraction at the top hill is two large rocks facing each other, and one can explore whole beauty of the foot through the small window created by these rocks. Also at the top hill, one can see some ruined or parts of ancient temples, which is believed to be of Charanas.

The whole rocky area is carved with Jain deities' images and is also a part of ancient era.

How to get there: Chitharal (also spelt Chidaral) is 55km from Kanyakumari, 36km from Nagercoil and 7km from Marthandam. The approach road is from Kandapuram, leading to Elanthavilas. Chitharal is located exactly 4km North East of Kuzhithurai.

The district administration is busy giving the place a face lift. Many tourists have begun visiting the spot to catch a glimpse of the frescos and the panoramic view of the hills. So please don't miss the ancient beauty, while planning a trip to KanyaKumari...! Chitharal is a small located at a distance of 7 km from Marthandam and 55km from Kanyakumari. The place is known for its hillocks with rock out sculptures of Jain Thirthankaras.

Attractions in Chitharal Chitharal is a small located at a distance of 7 km from Marthandam and 55km from Kanyakumari. The place is known for its hillocks with rock out sculptures of Jain Thirthankaras. Jain deities’ temples are another marvelous attraction in Chitharal. It is believed that these sculptures were built in the ninth century and was historically known as Thirucharanathupalli. The sculptures are present inside the caves on the one and half long hill. The stretch has steps leading to the hilltop. How to Reach Chitharal

Chitharal is having a good access through roads and rails. Airport: The nearest airport is situated in Thriruvananthapuram at a distance of 45km away. Railway station: Marthandam railway station, 10km away is the nearest railway station. Roads: 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 Atoor and reach Chitharal junction. A 2km road will take to the hills.

It is famous for the Rock-cut temple. Hillock at Chitharal has a cave containing Rock-cut sculptures of Thirthankaras and attendent deities carved inside and outside

Cars and Vans can go upto the foot of the hill. One has to walk for about 10 minutes to reach the temple. The Jain images have been preserved Central Archeological Survey of India

How to reach

Thiruvananthapuram / Nagercoil  ----> Marthandam ----> Attoor ----> Chitharal (distance from Marthandam – 7 Kms) ---->Arumanai

Accommodation facilities are available at Marthandam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kanyakumari and Nagarkovil. 

BHOJPUR - SHRI SHANTINATH DIGAMBAR JAIN ATISHAYA KSHETRA

BHOJPUR - SHRI SHANTINATH DIGAMBAR JAIN ATISHAYA KSHETRA

About Bhojpur :

Shri Shantinath Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra Bhojpur is situated at a distance of 30 km from Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, State of India, surrounded by dense forests of Vindhyachal Mountain Range. This Kshetra is famous for miraculous idol of Bhagwan Shantinath (16th Teerthankar) 22½ feet high in standing posture; this was installed here by the consent of ‘King Bhoj’, the famous King of ‘Dhar’ during 11th century. According to the inscription on idol, it was reverenced in year 1100 AD. This Kshetra is related to ‘Acharya Mantunga’, who was the writer of famous ‘Bhaktamar Stotra’. Acharya Mantunga’s place of penance – Siddha-Shila (a flat rock) and his shrine is also here. At the place of shrine, a pair of foot images is reverenced. Acharya Mantunga (an introduction): – King Bhoj seated on the throne of Dhara Nagari presently city of Dhar) in year 1100 AD. Great poet ‘Kalidas’ was one of the members of his assembly – Royal Court. One Jain poet ‘Dhananjaya’ was also becoming famous those days in the city. One day King Bhoj called Dhananjaya in his royal court and get introduced with him and praised him for his poems & wisdom. Shri Dhananjaya told the king very politely that his all wisdom & knowledge was due to his teacher (Guru) Acharya Mantunga – a Jain Muni (Saint), he said that all the knowledge is due to the blessings of Acharya Mantunga. After knowing about the praise worth Acharya Mantunga, King Bhoj desired to meet with Acharya. King Bhoj ordered his servants to bring Acharya Mantunga to his royal court with honor. At that time Acharya were staying at Bhojpur and doing Tapa (Penance) for self – realization – purification. Servants of King Bhoj reached there, prayed Acharya again & again to go with them to city of Dhara to meet their King Bhoj. But ascetic saints have no purpose in meeting with King or any other persons. So Acharya gave no reply to servants and engrossed in deep Tapa or meditation. Servants returned to King and told about their failure. So the King Bhoj became angry and he ordered to bring the Acharya forcefully in his royal court. Servants do the same and thus Acharya were brought before King Bhoj. The king praised  Acharya and requested to give some religious precepts to the audience present there.  But up to that time looking unfavorable situations, Acharya decided to remain silent during  such conditions. So all the prayers & requests of King were all in vain, so King became  angry and he ordered to his soldiers to place the Acharya in prison. Thus Acharya were  placed in prison. In the prison Acharya Mantunga started the prayer of Bhagwan Adinath (the 1st Teerthankar), thus he wrote in Sanskrit language a great poem – the ‘Bhaktamar Stotra’ having 48 Chhanda (Verse), this is very popular Stotra among Jains, daily recited in so many families. It is supposed that every verse (Chhanda) of this Stotra has the power of Mantra and is helpful in getting the dreams materialized. Due to the effect of Bhaktamar Stotra, Acharya Mantunga automatically came out of prison. The watchman saw this miracle, but thinking about the self-ignorance, he again closed Acharya in prison and checked the locks firmly. But after sometime locks of prison again opened and Acharya were free again. Seeing this the watchman hurried to the king and told him about the event. King came there and he ordered the soldiers to tie Acharya firmly with strong chains and kept in the prison having 48 locks. Acharya again recited Bhaktamar Stotra and all the 48 locks with chains broken. Acharya automatically came out of prison. Looking this miracle, King Bhoj felt down in the feet of Acharya, he pardoned for his mistake again & again. After this, Acharya Mantunga entered the city of Dhara, due the effect of preaches & Tapa of Mantunga, so many peoples accepted Jain Dharma (religion). Later on Acharya Mantunga stayed at Bhojpur he practiced for penance & meditation, tried to get rid of worldly affection & aversion. At the end, he accepted ‘Sallekhana Vrit’ and give up his body doing Tapa. Shrine of Acharya Mantunga and his Siddha Shila (a rock where Acharya seated for Tapa & meditation) is also here in Bhojpur. A pair of footprints of Acharya Mantunga are installed on the shrine. At a distence of 13 km from Dhara, in the village ‘Ahu’, ruins of 48 pillars may be seen where Acharya were kept during prison. Later on a huge temple of Bhagwan Shantinath was constructed here by the consent of King Bhoj and 22½ feet high standing idol of Bhagwan Shantinath was installed in the huge sanctum of temple.

Main Temple & Idol :

This huge temple was established in year 1100 AD. The miraculous idol of principal deity Bhagwan Shantinath in standing posture (22½ feet in height) is installed in the huge sanctum of this temple. On the both sides of this idol, 2 standing beautiful idols of Bhagwan Parshvanath & Suparshvanath (7th Teerthankar) 8 feet in height each are installed. Near the feet of B hagwan Shantinath, artistic whisk bearers are carved on both sides. Old Temple

Name : Shri Shantinath Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra Bhojpur Is Atishaya Kshetra (Place of Miracles). Address : Shri Shantinath Digambar Jain Atishaya Kshetra Bhojpur Place & Post – Bhojpur, Taluka – Gauharganj, District – Raisen (M. P.) Phone 07480-262225, Mobile No. – 9425681438, 9425006825

Temple Kind of & Timings :

Digambar : – 6 AM to 8 PM

Other Temples :

At this Kshetra, in the back side of Siddha-Shila, Acharya Mantunga is shown studying in an ancient drawing on a flat rock, this is 9” X 9” in size. Over the Siddha-Shila, idol of Bhagwan Bahubali is installed.

Natural Scenario :

This Kshetra is full of natural attractive greenery. In the east there exists green forests & mountain and the river ‘Betava’ flows in the west.

Annual Gatherings

Jalyatra & Vimanotsava on the first Sunday next to ‘Rang Panchami’

Facilities :

Digambar Jain Dharmashala Shantinagar Bhojpur, there are 72 rooms with all necessary facilities, food & bed etc. Other Restaurants are also available.

Reservation Facility:

Phone No. – 07480-262225 Mobile No. – 9425006825

Means of approach :

Road: – Busses & Taxies are available every time for Bhojpur from Bhopal. Train: – Bhopal & Obedullaganj Railway Stations Airport: – Bhopal – 35 km

கொங்கு நாட்டு சமண தளங்களை தரிசிக்க வாருங்கள்

கொங்கு நாட்டு சமண தளங்களை தரிசிக்க வாருங்கள் -  2016 டிசம்பர் மாதத்தில் --- PLEASE JOIN IN KONGUNADU (COIMBATORE REGION) JAIN HERITAGES TRIP DURING DECEMBER 2016...

சீனாபுரம் எனப்படும் ஜினபுரம் ,திங்களூர் ,விஜயமங்கலம் ,அவல்பூந்துறை ,வெள்ளோடு ,அரச்சலூர் ,ஆனத்தூர் மற்றும் கோவில்பாளையம் உள்ளிட்ட 8 சமண வரலாற்று புகழ்மிக்க கொங்கு நாட்டின் தளங்களை .........

டிசம்பர் 24,25 சனி,ஞாயிறு ஆகிய இரு தினங்களில் சுத்தப்படுத்துதல் - தரிசித்தல் என்னும் விழிப்புணர்வு பயணம் நடை பெற உள்ளது .

சாதி மதங்களை கடந்து தமிழ் மொழிக்கு இலக்கணம் வகுத்த நன்னூல் ஆசான் பவணந்தி முனிகள் கி.பி.13ஆம் நூற்றாண்டில் தோன்றி இங்குள்ள ஆதீஸ்வர பகவனை வணங்கியதான செய்திகளை கொங்கு மண்டல சதக பாடல் வழியாக நாம் அறிகிறோம் .

பாழடைந்த நிலையில் உள்ள கி.பி.10ஆம் நூற்றாண்டை சேர்ந்த ஆனத்தூர் ஜிநாலயம் -- புறக்கணிப்பில் உள்ள அரச்சலூர் இசைக்கல்வெட்டு -- கொங்கு நாட்டின் மிக தொன்மை வாய்ந்த விஜயமங்கலம் ஜிநாலயம் உள்ளிட்டவற்றை ஆண்டுக்கு ஒரு முறையேனும் குடும்பத்தோடு நீங்கள் தரிசிக்க அரிய வாய்ப்பு .....

உங்கள் ஊரில் இருந்தே வாகனம் புறப்பட உள்ளது . இரு நாள் பேருந்து , தங்குமிடம் ,உணவு , உள்ளிட்ட அனைத்துக்கும் சேர்த்து ரூ.1200 மட்டுமே கட்டணம் .

500/- ரூபாய் முன்பணம் கீழ்வரும் தன்னார்வலர்களிடம் செலுத்தி உங்கள் வருகையை உறுதி செய்து கொள்ளுங்கள் :

சென்னை குன்றத்தூர் , சாந்திராஜ் , ----- 9043 6535 27

சென்னை புழல்,சதீஷ் , -------------------------- 9840 343 114
சென்னை புழல் பரத் 98845 99212
சென்னை புழல் நேமிராஜ் 72995 99321

சென்னை ஆதம்பாக்கம் , பாபு ------------ 9500 10 4690

சென்னை ,பம்மல் , விமலசந்திரன் ------ 90032 01 851

சென்னை ,ஸ்ரீவிஜயன் ----------------------------- 9940 4242 87

,ஆரணி ஸ்ரீபால் ---------------------------------------- 9445 243 750

வந்தவாசி ரிஷி -------------------------------------- 94432 94 992

தென்னாத்தூர் தாஸ் ------------------------------- 9677 487 648

கீழ்புத்தூர் பாஸ்கர் -------------------------------- 9597 326 949

காஞ்சிபுரம் , ஜெயக்குமார் ---------------- 9080 165 025

செங்கல்பட்டு,அனந்தகுமார் --------------- 90922 06816

கோயமுத்தூர் ரமேஷ் --------------------------- 9786 024 824

திண்டிவனம் ஜீவேந்திரதாசன் ----------- 9345 1713 42

தி.வ .மலை ,அர்ஜுன் -------------------------- 9442 94 57 16

செஞ்சி ,குமார் ------------------------------------- 8608 9977 97

செஞ்சி ,மோகன் ---------------------------------- 94430 48627

பெருமண்டூர் ,ஜெயவிஜயன் ------------- 9159 290 555

விழுப்புரம் ஆதிராஜ் -------------------- 95 666 25 555

மேலப்பந்தல் , தர்மபாலன் -------- 9751 19 3220

புதுச்சேரி ,பரதன் ------------------- 944 34 280 97

திருச்சி ,ஜீவண்ணா ----------- 94425 02640

உப்புவேலூர் ,சுகுமார் -------------- 90956 18778

மன்னார்குடி தேவகுமார் ---------- 98 650 19 651

மன்னார்குடி மோகன்ராஜ் --------- 99 526 11 847

இன்னும் ஆர்வமுள்ள தன்னார்வலர்கள் தங்கள் பெயரை தெரிவிப்பேன் சேர்த்து நோட்டீசு அச்சிட ஏதுவாகும் .

30-11-2016 க்குள் தங்கள் வருகை குறித்து முன்பணத்துடன் பதிவு செய்து கொள்ள வேண்டுகிறோம்

PAWAPURI JAIN TEMPLE

Pawapuri the most sacred place of the Jains …

Pawapuri was at this place that Lord Mahavira, the twenty fourth Tirthankar attained “Nirvana” or eternal salvation from the cycle of death and birth in the year 527 BC. The Pictures shows the “Charan Paduka” housed in Jal Mandir, one of the 5 main temples in Pawapuri. It marks the spot where the mortal remains of the Lord Mahavira was creamated.

Pawapuri is situated in Bihar, India and its proximity to the capital city, Patna makes it approachable to pilgrims and tourists alike. It is situated on the Patna-Ranchi road and can be approached either from Nawadah or Bihar Sharif.

During ancient times about 2600 year ago, Pawapuri was the part of Magadha Kingdom and was called “Madyama Pawa” or “Apawapuri”, Ajatshatru, the son of King Shrenik who was one of the greatest disciples of Lord Mahavira was the King of Magadh during the lifetime of Mahavir. During the reign of Ajatshatru King Hastipal was the King of Pawapuri. When Lord Mahavira came to Pawapuri he stayed in King Hastipal’s “Rajikshala”.

There are five main temples in Pawapuri – the Jal Mandir,the Gaon Mandir,the Samosaran,the New Samosaran and another temple built by Bibi Mehetab Kumari. Apart from these temples there is a Digamber Mandir near Jal mandir.

Jal Mandir

Jal mandir as the name suggests is a temple in the middle of a lake blooming with lotuses. The main deity of the beautiful temple is a very old “Charan Paduka” of Lord Mahavira. It marks the spot where the mortal remains of Lord Mahavira was cremated. It is believed that this temple was built by King Nandivardhan, elder brother of Lord Mahavira.

Jal Mandir is built in the shape of “Vimana” and there is a stone bridge about 600 feet in length across it from the bank to the temple.
According to the legend, the concourse of the people who attended the funeral ceremony of Lord Mahavira , was so large that the mere act of their taking a pinch of ashes created such a big hollow over the place that it transformed into present tank.

The sheer beauty , along with the peace and tranquility of this temple is a treat to the eyes of the visitors.

How To Reach :

Nearest major Railway Station : Gaya , Bakhtiyarpur

Nearest Airport : Patna (approx 100 kms)

From all three above one can reach Pawapuri by bus or taxi

Boarding & Lodging facilities are available in Pawapuri within the Gaon Mandir and Samosaran.

Contact :

Pawapuri
P.O. Pawapuri
Dist. Nalanda
Bihar – 803115, INDIA
Phone No. : +91 (06112) 294049 / 294008
Email : info@pawapuritirth.org

JAIN TEMPLE - IVAR MALAI, Palani Taluk

IVAR MALAI - PALANI TALUK - DINDUGAL DISTRICT

IVAR MALAI - HISTORICAL PLACE - 12 KM FROM PALANI : This hill is named as Aivar malai and Ayiramalai. At the foot of this hill, a natural cavern is found which served as an abode of Jain monks. On the face of the rock just about the height of 12 ft, portraits of Jaina Tirthankaras are carved out. These sculptures belong to 9th –10th century CE. Accananthi Indirasena, Mallisena and a lady preceptor Avananthi Kurathi carved these bas-relief sculptures. This Jain basthi had close contact with other basthis in Madurai region. These sculptures are assignable to 9th - 10th century CE.

MADURAI - SAMANAR HILLS

MADURAI - SAMANAR HILLS

About:

Samar hills or Samanamalai is an exquisite spot, located 15 kilometers away from Madurai. A small hillock, it is home to caves and carvings, dating back to around 1 AD. The carvern here is believed to have been home to Jain monks about 2000 years ago.

These hills have caves where Tamil Jains resided for over a long period of time. It is also called as Thiruvuruvagam. It is worth if you climb the hills in the early mornings or during the evenings.  It has several inscriptions, stone beds and many sculptures. The two important and famous sculptures are the Settipodavu and Pechipallam, that show images of Jain Tirthankaras made by Jain monks in the 9th century.

The thing about the Jainism is that, Jain devotees think even breathing will cause or hinder another life form such as bacteria or something present in the atmosphere and they die without eating and breathing, which they call it as sallakena (death by fasting).   These are evident from the inscriptions inside here. In the foothills, there lies a temple called as the Karuppasamy temple and a lotus pond. There are some idols present in the temple, which were made by the Jains.

This is the place for one who in interested about Jainism and to know about their Lifestyle! 

Route : Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus to Jain Cave, Sculptures & Inscriptions, Samanar Malai  - 15.5Km

            Central Periyar Bus Stand, Madurai to Jain Cave, Sculptures & Inscriptions, Samanar Malai - 10 Km