Chitharal jain monuments

The unique experience

Come immerse yourselves in the artistic beauty of these ancient Jain monuments which are famed for their intricate carved Jain Tirthankaras. These monuments were constructed by King Mahendra Varman I who followed the Digambara sect. Other noteworthy features that grab your eyes are the beautifully sculpted creatures of Hindu Mythology. Visitors will be left spellbound when they come face to face with the sculpted figurine of Parshavanath as well as Adishesha. The carving of Goddess Durga with a hundred arms is yet another feather to catch your attention. 

About Chitharal Jain Monuments

Do you know that these monuments feature prominently on every list mentioning the top Kanyakumari tourist places? These Jain monuments are nestled in the village of Chitharal and attract Jain monks from all over the country. This is the reason why these are also called the abode or home of Jain monks. Digambara Jain monks used to live in these dilapidated caves for their tutelage in the 9th century. 

These monuments are famous for the hill that houses a cave temple with intricate rock-cut carvings. The deity presiding here is Bali Peetham and animal sacrifices used to be commonly carried out in ancient times. That is why you can find a spot inside the temple meant solely for sacrificial rites. 

Legend

Legend has it that after Jainism dwindled, Chandragupta Maurya together with a Jain hermit named Badrabhahu, arrived at Sravanabelagola in about 298 BC, and it was during this time that their followers arrived at Chitharal for the sole purpose of preaching their faith, and meditated on the hill. 

More about the place

The place is most famous for its nine inscriptions in stone. These inscriptions date back to 9th century AD and are in Sanskrit, Tamil, Vattezheutthu, and Malayalam. There is an inscription in Tamil that says the cave was changed to a temple by Bhagvati, a Hindu ruler in the 13th century. Therefore, it stands out as a significant attraction in Kanyakumari tour packages.

Chitharal Rock Jain temple timings

The temple opens for visitors at 5 in the morning and remains open till 9 in the night. 

Chitharal Jain Temple distance

Kanyakumari is located merely 53. 6 kilometers away from these monuments. The journey time is 1 hour 22 minutes. 

What else?

When you visit these monuments, you will fall in love with Chitharal’s scenic beauty boasting of lakes, green fields, small hamlets, church spires and coconut trees. There are two gigantic rocks that face each other atop the hill with a gap from where you can explore the panoramic view. 

Definitely one of the most enticing places to visit in Kanyakumari, these Jain temples are vestiges of early Jain settlement in Chitharal. Thus, do not give this place a miss. 

How to reach

Marthandam-7 kilometer  and Kanyakumari-54 kilometer