Visit Ananthanatha Swamy Jain Temple - A Must Visit Pious Place With Family Near Wayanad

The Jain temples of Wayanad are a chief point of attraction for travelers and vacationers. Jainism first came into in Kerala around the 3rd century BC. The initial immigrants travelled from Mysore in Karnataka and settled at Panamaram on the banks of Kabani River. From there the Jain groups moved to different parts of Wayanad.

Anantnatha Swami Temple is a Jain temple located at Puliyarmala. It is around 6 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district in the state of Kerala. This temple is devoted to Anantnath aSwami, the fourteenth Tirthankara of the Jain faith. It is on Mandavadi road from Kalpetta and should be on top of your list of things to do in Wayanad.

This temple has a beautiful statue of Lord Ananthatha Swami. The statue is in an upright pose, also called Khadasan. And it is very rare to find the Lord Ananthatha Swami statue in a standing position which makes the temple quite different and unique. If you are able to visit this temple on a Sunday morning, you can witness the Mysore style prayer ceremony and rituals which are worth a watch. There is a marriage hall present on site and it is surrounded by lush greenery and vegetation.

What makes the temple unique and special?

The temple is built in old-style Dravidian tradition and the carvings on the entrance doors will capture your attention just as you enter the premises. The huge engraved stonework pillar near the front gate and the decorative carvings of the stupa are other beautiful features of the temple. A carving of Lord Mahavir, other Jain idols and symbols engraved in stone are few of the other highlights of this temple.It is believed that the temple was formerly located at Kalpetta, which was earlier known as Kalpavathy. But Mandappa Gowder, who later took over the supervision of the temple, shifted it to the beautiful hillock, Puliyar Mala in 1931. Since then, the temple is situated on the same small hillock and the adjacent acres of coffee plantations add to its rustic gorgeousness.

Captivating Dravidian-style architecture

The temple’s stone slab roof is supported by numerous engraved square columns sitting on an elevated platform. Elaborate cornices run all along the sides. The inner shrine surrounded by an open veranda embraces a large rectangular granite slab with carvings of Lord Mahavir. Other cues of Jain inspiration include a small Jain temple perched atop a rocky, extension a little way from Kalpetta.

The Ananthanatha Swami Jain temple one of the most important among various historical remains spread across the state of Kerala. These ruins provide affirmation about a duration of strong Jain presence in this region.

During March every year, many devotees scale the slopes to perform pooja in the small shrine. The temples at Punchavayal and Puthenangadi are other significant Jain remnants in Wayanad. In spite of there being so many Jain places of worship in the district, there are only around 1500 Jain families in Wayanad today.

Highlighting the impact of the Jain community, there is another important Jain temple in Sulthan Bathery, which is an ancient religious center, constructed in the 13th century.

Best Places to Visit Near Ananthanatha Swamy Jain Temple in Wayanad 

Edakkal Caves (Distance from Ananthanatha Swamy Jain Temple – 22.7 Km approx.) 

A historic structure, Edakka Caves are believed to be about 8000 years old from the Neolithic era. Located on the Ambukuthi Hills at about 3900 feet above sea level, these caves have stunning carvings on the walls. 

Although reaching the caves requires you to take an ardent 2-hour trek up the hills, once you reach the top, you will surely feel all the pain and effort are worth it. A popular tourist destination in Wayanad, it is a paradise for history buffs and archaeology students. 

Here you can spend a few peaceful hours marvelling at the carvings' beauty and revelling in the beautiful natural surroundings. The best time to visit the caves is between November and March during winter. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant, which makes the trek much more comfortable. 

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Distance from Ananthanatha Swamy Jain Temple – 36.6 km approx.) 

Kerala is known for its exotic flora and fauna, and especially a considerable population of wild Elephants. If you have always wanted to see Elephants in the wild, roaming freely in their natural habitat, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place to be. 

The sanctuary, spread over 345 square kilometres, is home to many wild animals like deer, bison, tiger, panther, sambar and a variety of snakes. You can go on a thrilling safari ride inside the sanctuary and get up close and personal with these wildlife species. 

The thick deciduous forest is repleted with many trees, including eucalyptus, bamboo, teak, and oak, making the weather inside cool and pleasant and adding more charm to the safari. 

Banasura Sagar Dam (Distance from Ananthanatha Swamy Jain Temple – 23.7 km approx.) 

One of the best places to visit in Wayanad, Banasura Sagar Dam, is located on the foothills of the Banasura hills and is surrounded by lush greenery. It is a popular picnic and weekend getaway spot for the locals, who come to spend peacefully and relax in nature. 

You can also go boating on the lake nearby or hike up to the Banasaura peak through the thick forest. The trail to the top is easy, and once you reach the top, you get a mesmerising view of the valley below and the gushing waterfalls nearby. 

Also, during your trek up the hills, you may come face to face with the local wildlife. Make sure to carry a camera during your trip to the dam to capture the view of the surroundings and the scenic sunset. 

Kuruva Island (Distance from Ananthanatha Swamy Jain Temple – 29.3 km approx.) 

The stunning Kuruva Island, located in the Kabini River, is one of the most popular places to visit in Wayanad for couples. The locals call it Kuruva Dweep, and it is home to the evergreen forest that is replete with exotic flora and fauna. 

As you explore the island, the thick cover of green fills your heart with utmost peace and a sense of calmness. The cool breeze and the view of the pristine water and the forest around will take away all your worries and make you feel thankful for being present in that moment. 

While you explore a significant part of the island on foot, you may have to take a boat ride to see the other parts. A trip to this island is a great way to spend a quiet date with your beloved one. 

Best time to visit Ananthanatha Swamy Temple, Wayanad 

The weather in Wayanad remains pleasant and constant almost throughout the year. But the time to visit Wayanad is during the winter season, between October and May. During this period, the temperature in the region ranges between 15-25 degrees Celsius, allowing you to explore the various tourist attractions comfortably.

You can also consider visiting Wayanad during the monsoon season between June to September. The place receives just the right amount of rainfall, and the whole region gets covered with a thick green cover. Also, the rains adorn the hills with beautiful waterfalls. If you are a nature lover, monsoon is the best time to visit Wayanad.

Where to stay in Wayanad?

If you are planning to visit Wayanad, you can put up at Vythiri Village resort, a Club Mahindra affiliate property in Wayanad. This resort doesn’t just provide comfortable & spacious rooms but it also offers indigenous delicacies of Wayanad for you to try out at the in-house restaurant. So don’t way any further. Going through Club Mahindra reviews, you will realise that the best Wayanad resort is the Vythiri Village Resort, a Club Mahindra affiliate.