Chitharal Jain monuments, located 50 km south-east of Thiruvananthapuram, near Marthandam in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, contains relics of a Jain training centre that existed here during 1st Century BCE. It also has rock-cut sculptures and cave temples from 9th Century CE.
800 meter climb through a well-paved track (thanks to ASI) takes us to the top of the hillock where the monuments are located.
Views all around are captivating!
The rock-cut sculptures have Theerthankaras and attendant deities. The cave temple has a mandapa, varandah and kitchen carved into a natural overhanging rock. It has three sanctums housing Mahavira, Parshwanatha and Bhagavathy.
Jain influence in the region got enhanced during the reign of Pallava king Mahendravarman (600 – 630 CE).
A Serene, picturesque place!
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/k3ASaTMDq298mFiaA
#drive #nature #heritage
