Jain Tirthankaras and Jain monastery, Kalugumalai at Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu,

30^th June 2019.

It was planned to visit Kalugumalai after attending a friend’s daughter marriage at Thoothukudi on 30^th June 2019. It was around 14.30 Hrs when I landed at Kalugumalai and this temple was found closed for Uchi kala Pooja and it was told that the temple will be opened around 16.30 Hrs. Even-though I had been to Kalugumalai when I was in Thoothukudi,  this time want to visit on heritage point of view. At Kalugumalai I was fortunate to Join with the Ramanathapuram Archaeological Research Foundation's Heritage walk, organized by Mr Rajaguru. After visiting the Vettuvan Koil,  trekked up to this Jain’s monument,  steps are provided from the base of the Hill. The Monument is being maintained by the Tamil Nadu State archaeological Department.

  

This monument was carved during 8^th Century Pandya King Parantaka Nedunchadaiyan ( 768- 800 CE ).  A Jain’s School, a monastery  and a Temple are functioned in this Kalugumalai during 8^th Century. There are about 120 and odd Tirthankara bas-reliefs carved in regular order. These Tirthankaras are carved in memory of the deceased Jain monks (Kuravar), disciples,  father, Mother, Sons, daughters, etc. The contributors names are inscribed below the reliefs in 8^th Century Tamil vattezhuthu. From the inscriptions the monks are called as Kuravars and females are called as Kuravadikal.  The bas-reliefs are done by the persons who holds the titles as Etti, Enathi, Kavithi etc. The Jains of the social higher order from about 32 near by Villages, which includes Kottaru, Mizhalur,Venbaikudi are responsible for engraving of these reliefs. The people from various communities like Carpenters, Sthapathis, Velans, who carryout the agriculture, pot makers, Smiths are also lived in the hill area.

In the bas reliefs  consists of individual Tirthankaras and Panels. ( The panels consists of Tirthankara, Yakshan, Yakshi, Samaratharis and mukkudai ) are for Mahavir, Ambika Yakshi, Parshvanath and Bahubali with his sisters and Padmavathy.

 Mahavir Tirthankara 

 Padmavathy Yakshi

 Ambika Yakshi

HOW TO REACH:

The place Kalugumalai is on the Kovilpatti to Sankarankovil bus route. All the buses will stop at Kalugasalamorrthy Bus stop from there this Jain monument is about a KM.

Kalugumalai is about 22 KM from Kovilpatti, 105 KM from Thoothukudi and 70 KM from Tirunelveli.

Nearest railway station is Kovilpatti.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 Mahavir

 Mahavir

 Parshvanath

 Bahibali with his sisters

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---