Jain Circuit In Madurai

05 Days / 04 Nights

Pay homage to the ancient Jain caves in Madurai dating back to 2,200 years old. The oldest religious practice exiting from the 2nd century BC.

One of the ancient cities of the world, Madurai has also been the place where Jainism got flourished during the 3rd and 4th Centuries. The remnants of the Jain culture and their life styles can be seen even today in and around the places of Madurai. The abodes of Jain monks are the rock hills and the caves where they used to meditate and preach the principles to the followers.Some of the main Jain caves found in and around Madurai are Mangulam, Anaimalai, Arittapatti, Alagarmalai, Keelavalavu, Thiruvathavur, Varichiyur, Karungalakkudi, Thirupparankundram, Muthupatti, Kongarpuliangulam, Mettupatti, and Vikramangalam.These are the caves situated at a radius of 30 kms enriched with the authentic evidences for Jainism practises and settlements. Here we can find the sculptures for Mahavir Tirthankara and Brahmi is the text format and Vallezhuthu – the early text forms in 2nd BC to 4th AD.

Detailed Itineary

Day 1 : Arrival in Madurai

On arrival at Madurai International Airport you’ll be met and assisted by our Indian Panorama tour executive followed by a transfer to hotel. Check into your hotel. Relax and acclimatize yourselves. Evening - Make a visit to the Meenakshi Amman Temple, the icon of Tamilnadu Temples and a Torch Bearer of Tamilnadu Tourism. Overnight stay at Madurai.
Day 2 : Madurai - Keelakuilkudi - Thiruparankundram - Madurai

Morning - Post breakfast drive to Keelakuilkudi, 12 kms from Madurai city. Visit the Samanar Hill. The monastery atop the hill where you find the statues of Mahavir, the last monk of the Jainism and Bahubali also called as Gommateswara. History says there was a school for the monks here.

Afternoon - Post lunch drive to Thiruparankundram, 11 kms from Madurai city to its South-West. The Jain cave at Thiruparankundram dates back to first century B.C. this shows the earliest practise of Jainism from Tamil Brahmi inscription and also the abode of Digamber Jaina monks since 1 century BC. Also visit the Anaimalai Cave Temple at Thiruparankundram before leaving to Madurai. Evening - Drive back to hotel and relax.
Day 3 : Madurai - Keelavalavu - Arittapettai

Morning - Post breakfast drive to Keelavalavu, a village in Melur Taluk. There is a granite mountain called Panchapandavar Malai, on the Melur – Thirupattur road. Here we can see the Jain beds, sculptures of Mahavir and Bahubali also known as Gomatheeswarar since 9th – 10th Century AD.

Afternoon - Post lunch, drive back to Madurai, on the way make a visit to Arittapatti. The hill is also called Thirupinayanmalai, having the Jain monks’ sculpture since 1st Century BC. Later drive back to Madurai Hotel. Overnight at Madurai.
Day 4 : Madurai - Mangulam - Varichiyur

Morning - Post breakfast drive to Mangulam. Magaulam is home to ancient Jain caves where the monks used to meditate. The ruins of two Chaitya Grihas or Jain Prayer halls have been excavated here. It is said to be 2200 years old belonging to Tamil Sangam age. You could see lot of Jaina Beds cut out of the rocks where the monks used to rest.

Afternoon - Post lunch drive to Varichiyur. Visit the Varichiyur Cave Temple. Evening - Drive back to hotel and relax.
Day 5 : Madurai

Morning - Post breakfast, as per your departure schedule you will be transferred to the Madurai International Airport to board your flight back home. You will be met by our Tour Executive at the airport to ensure your smooth departure.

FAQ

This Jain Circuit Tour to Madurai, Tamil Nadu, for 5 days, will take you through various ancient Jain caves, temples, and other historical sites. The itinerary often includes exploring locations like Samanar Hill, Tiruparankundram, Mangulam, and more. You will also have opportunities to learn about Jain philosophy, history, and its cultural significance in Tamil Nadu.

Jain history in Tamil Nadu traces back to the 3rd century BC and flourished as early as the Tamil Sangam period. This place was a centre for Jain monks and scholars, as found from archaeological sites, ancient caves, and inscriptions found throughout Tamil Nadu but particularly in Madurai.

While the exact number of Jain temples in Madurai can vary, there are several significant historical sites, including caves and remains of temples. The most notable attractions like the Tiruparankundram, Samanar Hill, Mangulam, Arittapatti, and Keelavalavu demonstrate the once-thriving Jain community in the area.

Tamil Nadu has a small yet fair Jain population. They have been residents of the region for centuries and are known as Tamil Jains. They are mainly concentrated in northern districts like Kanchipuram, Vellore, and Thiruvannamalai and form around 0.12% of the population of the state, according to the 2011 census.

Key Jain landmarks in Madurai include Samanar Malai, Tiruparankundram, Mangulam, and Arittapatti. These sites are rich in history, featuring Jain inscriptions, meditation beds, and cave temples.