Jainimedu Jain Temple

Tucked away in the western outskirts of Palakkad town lies a quiet monument to a once-thriving Jain community which is the Jainimedu Jain Temple. Modest in appearance but rich in history, this 15th century shrine is one of the few surviving Jain temples in Kerala, standing as a silent witness to the cultural diversity that once shaped the region. The temple was constructed in the 15th century by a family of diamond merchants from Karnataka, led by Inchana Satur. At the time, Jainimedu was home to around 400 Jain families, and the area itself derives its name from this community. The temple’s history is intertwined with waves of Jain migration to Kerala, especially during periods of persecution in Karnataka. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the community faced severe challenges, particularly during Tipu Sultan’s invasion, which led to the exodus of many Jain families and the destruction of parts of the temple. Despite these hardships, the temple has endured, though the Jain population in the area has dwindled significantly.

Architectural Features

• The temple is a modest yet striking granite structure, measuring 32 feet long and 20 feet wide.

• It has no elaborate decorations, showing the simple and plain style of Jain architecture.

• Inside, the temple there are images of several Jain Tirthankaras (spiritual teachers) and Yakshinis (female deities).

• The main deity is Chandraprabha, the eighth Tirthankara, with other shrines dedicated to Vijayalakshmi, Jwalamohini, Rishabhanatha, Parswanatha, and Padmavathi.

• A statue of Kshethrapalan, the guardian deity, is also present.

Cultural Significance

• The temple is one of the last vestiges of Jainism in Kerala, making it a crucial site for those interested in the state’s diverse religious history.

• Renowned Malayalam poet Kumaranasan wrote his celebrated poem Veenapoovu (“The Fallen Flower”) at a Jain house near the temple, adding literary value to the site.

• The temple continues to observe Jain festivals, such as Mahavir Jayanti, and maintains rituals that offer insight into Jain customs and culture.

Current Status

The Jainimedu Jain Temple underwent significant renovation in 2013, which included the performance of the sacred Panch Kalyanak ritual, a traditional ceremony that marked the temple’s rejuvenation and ensured its preservation for future generations. Today, only a handful of Jain families remain in Jainimedu, and the temple is managed by the Manikka Pattanam Sree Chandraprabha Digambara Basti Trust. Visitors are welcome to explore the temple, which is typically open during the early morning and evening hours.

Visiting Information

Location: Jainimedu, about 3 km from Palakkad town center, on the south bank of the Kalpathy River.

Timings: 7:00–10:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM.

Citations:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainimedu_Jain_temple

2. https://www.palakkadtourism.org/jaintemple.php

3. https://www.hearitage.in/2021/08/jainimedu-jain-temple-of-palakkad.html