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Kerala is a spiritual haven for people of many different faiths. This peaceful setting is home to several sacred sites, of which Jain temples in Kerala hold a special place because of their distinctive architecture, calming ambience, and profound spiritual significance. Moreover, Jain temples are essential stops in Kerala if you want to surround yourself in spirituality. These temples not only reflect the rich history and traditions of Jainism but also stand as a testament to the state’s religious diversity.
10 Jain Temples In Kerala
Here are ten of the most famous Jain temples in Kerala, each with its special spiritual significance and cultural heritage:
1. Dharmanath Jain Temple, Mattancherry
Photo: RAMNIKLAL MODI / Shutterstock
This beautiful sanctuary is dedicated to Lord Dharmanath, the 15th Tirthankara and is located in the historic town of Mattancherry in Kochi. Its architecture is a fusion of traditional Kerala and Jain styles, with intricately carved pillars, finely decked ceilings, and a peaceful inner courtyard. In the sanctum is a magnificent idol of Lord Dharmanath, to whom the Jain community is much devoted. It is always a centre of religious activities, especially during festivals like Mahavir Jayanti, when large numbers of devotees congregate to participate in elaborate rituals and prayers.
Major Attractions: Intricate carvings, serene ambiance, annual festival
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Kochi city
Suggested Read: Shiva Temples In Kerala
2. Jain Temple, Alleppey
Photo: Ajeshunnithan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Jain Temple in Alleppey enshrines Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara. It was an important spiritual Center of the Jain community in this region. The architecture is superb and constitutes a great fusion between the traditional Kerala and Jain styles of architecture with its exquisitely carved wood pillars, intricate frescoes, and serene atmosphere. Inside the temple, there is an idol of Lord Mahavira seated in a sanctum that is serene and sacred.
Major Attractions: Traditional architecture and peaceful surroundings
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Alappuzha town
3. Anantnath Swami Temple, Puliyarmala
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Anantnath Swami Temple is dedicated to Anantnath Swami – the 14th Tirthankara and is situated in the picturesque town of Puliyarmala, close to Kalpetta in Wayanad. The architecture of this temple itself is an accumulation of simplicity and grace, with its whitewashed walls and constituents of conventional design. Inside the sanctum is an attractive idol of Ananthanatha Swami, which the locals of this Jain community worship. One of the most famous events of this temple is the annual festival, in which devotees from all parts of Kerala and other states participate in special rituals.
Major Attractions: Tranquil environment, lush greenery, spiritual ambience
How To Reach: Easily reachable by road from Kalpetta town
Suggested Read: Varahi Devi Temples In Kerala
4. Jainimedu Jain Temple, Palakkad
Photo: Thorsten Vieth / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Jainimedu Jain Temple is a holy temple dedicated to Chandraprabha, the 8th Tirthankara in Kerala and is one of the most important Jain temples in Kerala. The temple joins together architectural features of the traditional patterns of Kerala and Jain styles. It is believed to have been built many hundred years ago and dates back to the early period of Jain settlers. The beautiful, serene atmosphere and the spiritual energy that speaks from within the place attracts many devotees and seekers.
Major Attractions: Historical significance, unique architecture, serene atmosphere
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Palakkad town
5. Kallil Temple, Perumbavoor
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
The Kallil Temple at Perumbavoor, near Ernakulam, is an important Jain temple in Kerala. It lies on a hill, making the experience of visiting it unique and spiritually enriching. The temple is carved out in one enormous rock, with a sanctum and other structures carved intrinsically as part of the rocky landscape. The serene surroundings and panoramic views from the temple enhance its spiritual charm. Inside the sanctum, the idol of Parshvanatha is beautifully decorated and serves as the centre of worship. It attracts many pilgrims to this holy shrine to seek blessings and solace in its serene atmosphere.
Major Attractions: Rock-cut architecture, scenic surroundings, spiritual ambience
How To Reach: Well-connected by road from Ernakulam city
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Alleppey
6. Chitharal Jain Monuments, Kanyakumari
The Chitharal Jain Monuments are a series of ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras, located near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Situated atop a hill, monuments here date back to the 9th century A.D. and are surrounded by landscapes that provide a thrilling view. Evidence of ancient Jain culture and customs can be found in these monuments at Chitharal. The major attraction is the rock-cut cave temple with elegantly engraved idols of Jain Tirthankaras. The peacefulness of the place is serene, along with the sacrosanct presence of the monuments.
Major Attractions: Rock-cut sculptures, historical significance, scenic views
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Kanyakumari town
7. Shwetambar Jain Temple, Kozhikode
Photo: Bryce Edwards / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Shwetambar Jain Temple in Kozhikode is also known as Calicut which is dedicated to Lord Mahavira and forms a main spiritual centre among the Jain community. The architecture itself reflects brilliant traditional Jain design, with its meticulously carved-out portions, beautifully decorated pillars, and a serene sanctum. The temple provides excellent connectivity for various religious activities related to daily prayers, special poojas, or gatherings of people at functions from nearby communities. Its decoration with lights and flowers enhances the atmosphere with devotional songs and chanting during festivals like Mahavir Jayanti.
Major Attractions: Traditional architecture, serene ambience
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Kozhikode city
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Munnar
8. Kattil Madam Temple, Palakkad
Photo: Narayanan k / Wikimedia Commons
Kattil Madam Jain Temple in Palakkad holds an important place amongst the Jain population in Kerala. The temple was dedicated to different Tirthankaras and admired for its stunning, tranquil architecture and surroundings. The idols of the Tirthankaras at the sanctum are magnificent and have become the focused entities of devotion of the local Jain community. The peaceful ambience of the temple, along with its traditional architecture, provides an ideal environment to worship, meditate, and contemplate religious thoughts.
Major Attractions: Beautiful architecture, peaceful surroundings, religious events
How To Reach: Well-connected by road from Thrissur town
9. Sultan Bathery Jain Temple, Wayanad
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Jains hold the Sultan Bathery Jain Temple at Wayanad as one of the significant points for worship and is dedicated to Lord Mahavira. The temple structure, in its traditional form, and the peaceful atmosphere represent this temple aptly. Meticulous carvings and sculptures are used to adorn the temple’s premises beautifully, further enhancing its structure. There is a sanctum inside the temple wherein an idol of Lord Mahavira is placed.
Major Attractions: Traditional architecture, serene ambience, beautiful carvings
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Kannur town
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Palakkad
10. Chaturmukha Jain Temple, Kasaragod
Photo: Noeljoe85 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Chaturmukha Jain Temple at Kasaragod is a famous temple in Kerala. This simple yet elegant temple reflects the rich Jain heritage that abounds in this region. Inside the temple, the idol of Lord Mahavira is placed in a sanctum that exudes peace and sanctity. It is a place for various religious activities like daily prayers, special poojas, and community gatherings. The Chaturmukha Jain Temple in Kasaragod stands as the remains of the resultant effect that Jainism had spread in Kerala, offering a peaceful retreat to spiritual seekers and devotees.
Major Attractions: Elegant architecture, serene surroundings
How To Reach: Well-connected by road from Kasaragod town
The Jain temples of Kerala are not just places of worship; they are sanctuaries of peace, offering a respite from the hustle of modern life. Each temple, with its unique character, invites visitors to immerse themselves in a journey of spiritual discovery. So, pack your bags, and set off to explore the most famous Jain temples in Kerala. Discover comprehensive tour packages for a hassle-free experience with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Alex Alderic Jero / Shutterstock
