Jainism in Kerala
Summary
Kerala’s article states that Buddhism and Jainism were popular in the region during the early centuries of the Christian era; while Buddhist temples have vanished, many Jaina temples survive, some of which have become Hindu shrines. The temples at Kallil near Perumbavur have adopted Hindu rituals, whereas those at Sūltān Battery and Mundur retain Jaina forms. Major centres of Jainism included Citral and Nagercoil (now in Tamil Nadu) as well as sites in Calicut and Palghat districts. Kallil is described in detail: a natural rock cave houses images of Mahavira, Pārsvanātha and Padmāvatī; a half‑finished relief of Mahavira sits on the façade, and inside the cave Mahavira is depicted seated on a lion throne with umbrella and attendants. The article then lists other centres: the Vasti temple near Sūltān Battery, the Devi temple atop Edakkal cave and various settlements in Wayanad and Palghat where Jain communities survive. The ruins at Alattur in Palghat district yielded sculptures of Mahavira and Pārsvanātha and an undeciphered Vatteluttu inscription dated to the 10th century; these finds highlight the antiquity of Jainism in Kerala. The article also mentions the concept of Pallichchandam (grants to Jaina monasteries), recorded in Cola and Pāṇḍya charters from the 9th–13th centuries, and links Jainism in Kerala with neighbouring Kongudesa (modern Tamil Nadu)
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
Kerala preserves significant Jaina heritage despite later assimilation. Caves like Kallil and sites in Wayanad and Palghat house ancient sculptures and inscriptions, and medieval grants show that Jaina monks once enjoyed royal patronage.