About the Temple
Ananthanatha Swami Jain Temple, located in Kalugumalai, Tamil Nadu, is a significant historical and religious site for Jainism. This ancient temple is dedicated to Ananthanatha, the 14th Tirthankara, and is renowned for its intricate rock-cut architecture. Nestled amidst the rocky hills of Kalugumalai, the temple stands as a testimony to the rich Jain heritage and artistic brilliance of the past.
Description and Speciality
The temple features approximately 150 niches carved into the rock face, housing images of Tirthankaras such as Gomateshwara and Parshvanatha. These carvings exemplify the rock-cut architectural style of the early Pandya period and highlight the region's historical significance as a center for Jainism. The site also includes inscriptions that provide insights into the patrons and artisans of that era. The entire temple is carved into a single rock face, showcasing the excellence of ancient Tamil sculptors.
Temple Address and Location
Address: Ananthanatha Swamy Jain Temple (Kalugumalai Jain Beds), Kalugumalai, Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Coordinates: 9.1476° N, 77.7051° E
Temple Timings and Sevas
General Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Morning and evening hours to avoid the peak afternoon heat
Regular pujas and sevas are not performed, as this is primarily an archaeological site. Jain devotees occasionally conduct spiritual prayers and rituals.
Travel and Transport Facilities
Nearest Railway Station: Kovilpatti Railway Station (20 km from the temple), with regular trains from Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Chennai.
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (85 km away), with flights from Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi. Tiruchirapalli Airport is another alternative (180 km away).
Nearest Bus Station: Kalugumalai Bus Stand, with regular services from Kovilpatti, Tirunelveli, and Madurai.
Transportation Routes
By Bus: Regular Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses are available from Kovilpatti, Tirunelveli, and Madurai.
By Train: Trains to Kovilpatti Railway Station are available from major cities. From Kovilpatti, buses or auto-rickshaws can be hired to reach Kalugumalai.
By Air: Flights to Madurai Airport are available from various cities. From the airport, taxis and buses can take you to Kalugumalai.
Accommodation and Food Facilities
Stay Facilities:Budget hotels in Kovilpatti: Hotel Subham Residency, The Chitra Hotel, Lakshmi Lodge
Hotels in Tirunelveli: Hotel Aryaas, Hotel MNH Royal Park, Sri Janakiram Hotels
Hotels in Madurai: The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai, Madurai Residency, Heritage Madurai
Food Facilities:
Local South Indian vegetarian eateries are available in Kalugumalai.
Jain food options are limited but available in nearby Kovilpatti and Tirunelveli.
Madurai has many good vegetarian hotels offering Jain food.
Food Facilities:
Nearby Cities
Kovilpatti – 20 km
Tirunelveli – 60 km
Madurai – 85 km
Nearby Attractions
Vettuvan Koil (1 km) – An unfinished monolithic Pandya-era temple.
Kalugasalamoorthy Temple (0.5 km) – A famous Murugan temple.
Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Tenkasi (40 km) – A large Shiva temple.
Nellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli (55 km) – One of the largest temples in TamilNadu.
Manimuthar Waterfalls (60 km)
Courtallam Waterfalls (50 km)
Papanasam Dam and Falls (75 km)
Best Time to Visit
November to February: Pleasant climate, ideal for exploring.
Avoid peak summer (March – May) due to high temperatures.
Monsoon season (June – September) may have heavy rainfall.
Shopping and Local Specialties
Kovilpatti Jaggery (Karupatti)
Handloom Cotton Sarees from Tirunelveli
Temple Prasadam and Herbal Products
Brass Lamps and Pooja Items
Traditional Snacks like Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai (Peanut Candy)
