Jain Temple - Mattancherry,Kochi

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/

Other  Places of Worship in Mattancherry & Fort Kochi, check List of temples .

 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.

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.