ANANTNATH SWAMI TEMPLE(PULIYARMALA) KERALA
Contents
. Introduction
. Description of the temple
. How to Reach
. Accommodation
. Conclusion
Introduction
This famous Jain temple is located at Puliyarmala, Kalpetta in the district of Wayanad in Kerala. It is dedicated to Lord Anantnath the 14th Tirthankar. Jainism came to Kerala in the 3rd century BC after Chandragupta Maurya travelled to Shravanabelagola in Karnataka accompanied by the Jain Acharya Bhadrabahu. Many of the followers travelled further South to Tamil Nadu and Kerala in search of places of solitude for meditation and penance. Jainism received royal patronage from some of the Kings which helped in the spread of Jainism.
Description of the temple
The temple is situated on a small hillock and the surrounding acres of coffee plantations give the whole atmosphere a very scenic beauty. In front of the main gate the outer entrance of the temple has a large pillar of carved granite. There are intricately carved panels on the entrance doors. The Stupa has ornate carvings which are colourfully painted and constructed in the traditional Dravidian style. They rise in a pyramid shape to the top where there is a carving of Mahavir. The small steps of the temple’s main shrine have many different Jain symbols and idols made from different materials like brass, stone, ceramic and gold. The largest idol is the brass idol standing straight with no hair and arms. Directly behind it is a large Swastika painted in the wall.
How to Reach
Air- The nearest airport to the temple is the Calicut International Airport.
Rail-The closest railway station is the Kozhikode Railway Station which is a 2 hr drive from the temple.
Road- It is easily accessible by buses and taxis as there is a good road network connecting the various modes of transport to the temple.
Accommodation
There are budget, semi luxury and luxury hotels at Wayanad where pilgrims can stay before they travel to the temple.
Conclusion
Pilgrimage centres act as focal points for devotees to practice the higher values of truth, non violence and love and these holy places which have been hallowed by great spiritual masters create a current of purity and devotion which helps the pilgrims in their quest for eternal knowledge and enlightenment.
