This time, I am taking you all to a Jain temple in Mattancherry, Kochi, my home town . I feel this could be a different experience for all my dear readers as it was for me. As I entered this temple peace enveloped me as I could feel the tranquility inside. This temple is an ideal place to meditate and I could see many were doing so.
The motto of Janisim is AHIMSA . Ahimsa Parmodharma is the greatest law. No violence even in thoughts and action, respecting all the individuals, flora and fauna too and they follow the path of Live and Let Live. GREAT VALUES. Hatred and violence cannot be eradicated by counter violence and counter hatred but by love and spirit of forgetting and forgiving, i.e Kshama I think if every one understands and starts emulating these values it would bring lot of peace on earth. Jainisim believes in equality of man and does not recognize caste , creed and untouchability. It also lays emphasis on Karma theory " What you sow you reap". It is open to all. They also believe in unity and celebrate all the major festivals like Paryushanparva. It is an eight day festival and the community works together to make it a successful one.
The main idol in the temple is of Bhagawan Shri Dharamnath the 15th Jain Tirthankar. This temple was constructed in the year 1904AD. As it has completed a century this has become a JAIN TIRTH.When I visited the temple it was the time of the festival and during this period they eat only cooked and steamed pulses with out using oil or spices known as Ambel . Fasting and meditation is an excellent way to discipline the self.
There is a common belief among many that Lord Mahavir was the founder of Jainism. He was the 24th Tirthankar and was renowned as the apostle of Ahimsa and harbinger of peace. Jainism existed thousands of years earlier to Lord Mahavir. This trip helped me to clarify that doubt I had in my mind too. The first Tirthankar was Lord Rushabdev. There are many shrines inside the temples dedicated to various Tirthankars and Goddesses .Many Jain Tirth Sthans are beautifully depicted on the walls of the shrine.. This was a new experience for me as I was accustomed to visiting only South Indian temples. I have provided the information collected from the temple office which is under the care of Shree Cochin Swetambar Murtipujak Sangh. Those who are desirous of getting more information may log on to http://www.jaintemplecochin.org/
How to reach:
The nearest railway station is Ernakulam Junction which is 10 Kms from Mattancherry.
Nearest airport is Nedumbassery.
Private buses ply from Ernakulam to Mattancherry.
Nearest airport is Nedumbassery.
Private buses ply from Ernakulam to Mattancherry.
One can avail ferry service also from Ernakulam to Mattancherry.
Budget and luxury hotels are available in Ernakulam and Wellington Island which is between Ernakulam and Mattancherry.
Budget and luxury hotels are available in Ernakulam and Wellington Island which is between Ernakulam and Mattancherry.
44 comments:
Thanks for the nice narration about this Jain temple. I was under the impression that Jainism is not that "popular" in Kerala. I was wrong. Will visit this when we come to India next time.
Loved the tour!
It must be great to be there during the festival time.. so colourful and joyous...
I loved how you have beautifully penned down the lessons that Jainism gives!
Chitra,
It is wondeful description. I clicked on the pictures and reached to your Picasa albums and viewed a lot of them again.
SG,
There are lot of spots to visit in Kochi. You would enjoy the trip.
Arti,
I am happy you enjoyed the description. Take care.
A,
Thanks .I am happy you saw my Picasa album and a special thanks to you for commenting on my other post.
I think you have captured the tranquility of this temple perfectly. If only more could live by this motto I'm sure the world could be a better place.
And you should visit Rajgir/Pawapuri - Bihar.
Thanks for the nice write up.There is a beautiful picture of Gaja Lakshmi sitting on the lotus over the gate.Do they worship the goddess?
jain temple looks beautiful...nice to knw abt this one as well
Great post. very nice pictures. I always enjoy reading your posts.
It is a lovely and enlightening blog. You are doing a great job by bloggingg on the various temples. This, on Jain Temple, is a marvellous piece, highlighting a relatively unknown century-old temple.God Bless you all for sharing the details of his Abodes, with all.
PW, thanks
yes, if more would follow these values there would be peace and harmony.
Appu,
Thanks, if possible I would.
KP,
Thanks you and of course,they worship Goddesses in various forms.
Sushama- Thanks
Kiran, I am happy you are enjoying my post.
V. B . Kamath
Thanks a lot Bavaji, I am sure you would have seen this temple as you also belong to the same place.
Thanks for this post!
Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism and now Jainism - Cochin is certainly a diverse place.
This temple is a fine blend of modern architectural techniques and the traditional Jain architecture - see those pillars with curved elephant-trunks-brackets just like at the famous Jain Dilwara Temple at Mount Abu.
Archana,
Kochi (Matancherry and Fort Kochi) is a place where we find a blend of lot of cultures. I am blessed I grew up in such a society which believes religious pluralism.
I haven't been to Mount Abu, I should add that to my list.
Jain temple in Kerala? Im hearing this for the first time; have been ignorant. Thanks for enlightening me. The pictures as usual were awesome.
Insignia,
Thanks a lot. Yes, there is one more.If possible I would post that also.
excellent pics and narration
sm, thanks.
What you sow you reap"..now I days I am reading it every where, and I completely believe in this theory.
Renu, thanks. Your posts also speak of lot of values.
As usual awesome!!, Even I believed that Lord Mahaveera was the founder of Jainism, thanks for the information.
Which camera do u use just for info.
Bhagyareema, Thanks .I just use an ordinary Sony cam.
as always awesome I still say you shud have a travel agency or get a job there you will earn loads .. so much info and such good pics :)
Bikram's
Bikram,
Thanks, thanks... Good suggestion from you. I will start thinking on the same lines.
wow...it looks fabulous. Such good pics and really helpful information. I feel as if I too have visited the place along with you
wonderful description...yes..u r becomg an expert here C..keep the cheers and wishes boss..
VERY USEFUL INFORMATION WE VISITED ERNAKULAM TWO TIMES BUT DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS TEMPLE.NEXT TIME I WILL SEE THIS TEMPLE.NICE PIC
Stranger,
Thanks . I am happy you liked my post. Join me in 'my pilgrimmage'. I am sure it would be a nice change for you.
Ramesh,
Thanks for the encouragement.
Santhosh Bangar,
I am sure you would enjoy the trip.
Chitra the temple looks so empty, did you wait for the crowd to move on or is it a peaceful place?
Interesting pictures.. The temple looks bright and clean. Nice account of the place Chitra.
Sridharan, Thanks. :)
Chitra,
I am so glad that you shared your hometown with us. Over the last year, I have come to know what a lovely spirit you have and now I have some insight into why -- Ahimsa. I shall be teaching my children this.
:-)
Traci
Traci, Thanks a lot. I am sure your children grow into lovely citizens. Happy Sunday!!
Mridula, The temple had just opened but there were many meditating inside.It is a peaceful place indeed. As soon as they visit each shrine they move to the prayer hall.
Inspiring post Chitra - didn't know a lot about Jainism, exept i hears of it in a book of Osho. Sounds like a nice place to go and meditate. Enjoy your time!
Martina, Thanks,Yes.. It is really a wonderful place.
Nice post. Such a wonderful information about Jain Tirth and Jain Religion.
Regards,
Jain Bhajan
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