Monday, October 25, 2010

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.


44 comments:

SG said...

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.

Arti said...

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!

Amrit said...

Chitra,

It is wondeful description. I clicked on the pictures and reached to your Picasa albums and viewed a lot of them again.

chitra said...

SG,
There are lot of spots to visit in Kochi. You would enjoy the trip.

chitra said...

Arti,
I am happy you enjoyed the description. Take care.

chitra said...

A,
Thanks .I am happy you saw my Picasa album and a special thanks to you for commenting on my other post.

Felicity Grace Terry said...

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.

Anonymous said...

And you should visit Rajgir/Pawapuri - Bihar.

KParthasarathi said...

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?

Sushma Mallya said...

jain temple looks beautiful...nice to knw abt this one as well

kiran sawhney said...

Great post. very nice pictures. I always enjoy reading your posts.

V.B.Kamath said...

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.

chitra said...

PW, thanks
yes, if more would follow these values there would be peace and harmony.

chitra said...

Appu,
Thanks, if possible I would.

chitra said...

KP,
Thanks you and of course,they worship Goddesses in various forms.

chitra said...

Sushama- Thanks

Kiran, I am happy you are enjoying my post.

chitra said...

V. B . Kamath
Thanks a lot Bavaji, I am sure you would have seen this temple as you also belong to the same place.

Reflections... said...

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.

chitra said...

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.

Insignia said...

Jain temple in Kerala? Im hearing this for the first time; have been ignorant. Thanks for enlightening me. The pictures as usual were awesome.

chitra said...

Insignia,
Thanks a lot. Yes, there is one more.If possible I would post that also.

sm said...

excellent pics and narration

chitra said...

sm, thanks.

Renu said...

What you sow you reap"..now I days I am reading it every where, and I completely believe in this theory.

chitra said...

Renu, thanks. Your posts also speak of lot of values.

bhagyareema said...

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.

chitra said...

Bhagyareema, Thanks .I just use an ordinary Sony cam.

Bikramjit Singh Mann said...

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

chitra said...

Bikram,
Thanks, thanks... Good suggestion from you. I will start thinking on the same lines.

Anonymous said...

wow...it looks fabulous. Such good pics and really helpful information. I feel as if I too have visited the place along with you

R. Ramesh said...

wonderful description...yes..u r becomg an expert here C..keep the cheers and wishes boss..

Santosh Bangar said...

VERY USEFUL INFORMATION WE VISITED ERNAKULAM TWO TIMES BUT DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS TEMPLE.NEXT TIME I WILL SEE THIS TEMPLE.NICE PIC

chitra said...

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.

chitra said...

Ramesh,
Thanks for the encouragement.

chitra said...

Santhosh Bangar,
I am sure you would enjoy the trip.

Mridula said...

Chitra the temple looks so empty, did you wait for the crowd to move on or is it a peaceful place?

Sridharan said...

Interesting pictures.. The temple looks bright and clean. Nice account of the place Chitra.

chitra said...

Sridharan, Thanks. :)

StarTraci said...

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

chitra said...

Traci, Thanks a lot. I am sure your children grow into lovely citizens. Happy Sunday!!

chitra said...

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.

Martina said...

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!

chitra said...

Martina, Thanks,Yes.. It is really a wonderful place.

Unknown said...

Nice post. Such a wonderful information about Jain Tirth and Jain Religion.

Regards,
Jain Bhajan