Kolanupaka Temple: A Landmark of Jain Faith

Introduction:

Kolanupaka Temple, nestled in the village of Kolanupaka in Yadadri district, Telangana, is a revered Jain shrine. It is home to three main idols: Lord Rishabha, Lord Neminath, and Lord Mahaveer. Located about 77 km from Hyderabad on the Hyderabad-Warangal Highway, this temple is a significant pilgrimage center for the Svetambara Jains of South India. The temple’s name, derived from “Kolanu” (lake) and “Paka” (hut), reflects the area’s history of lakes and huts.

The temple features eight idols of other Tirthankars on both sides of the main temple, along with a remarkable 130-cm-tall statue of Lord Mahaveer made from a single piece of jade, known historically as “Manikyaswami” and “Jivantasvami.“. Idols of Lord Simandar Swami and Mata Padmavati are also installed here.

History:

Dating back over two thousand years, the Kolanupaka Temple, in its current form, is more than eight hundred years old. Before the fourth century, Jainism was widely practiced in Telangana, and Kolanupaka was a well-known Jain center from the beginning. The original idol of Lord Adinath, also called Manikya Deva, has long made Kolanupaka its abode. The temple flourished as a Jain center during the Rashtrakuta period.

Over 20 Jain inscriptions have been found at Kulpak, including a manastambha inscription from 1125 AD and a 12th-century inscription mentioning Meghachadra Siddhantadeva. There is also a 151-line Kannada inscription by Someshvara III of the Western Chalukya Empire from 1125 AD. According to Svetambara legends, the main temple was built by Bharat Chakravartin and was recently renovated by over 150 artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Significance:

The temple is significant due to its association with figures like Sri Bharat Chakravarty, Ashtapad Parvat, and King Ravana. Every year, a festival is held between Chaitra Sud Teras (13) and Poornima, attracting thousands of devotees. The temple is believed to be a place of miracles, with sweet and enchanting sounds of ringing bells and anklets often heard. The temple’s exterior and interior are crafted from red sandstone and white marble, adding to its majestic appearance.

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Also read: An Ultimate Guide to the Kakatiya Architecture Thousand Pillar Temple

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Location:

Address: Shri Shwetamber Jain Tirth Kulpakji, Village-Kolanupaka, District – Nalgonda (Telangana)

Village/Town: Kolanupaka, Tahsil: Alair, District: Nalgonda

State: Telangana, Country: India, Pincode: 508101

Timings:

Open daily from 5:30 AM to 9 PM

Accessibility:

Bus: The bus stand is just 400 meters from the shrine, with a tar road leading to the temple.

Rail: Aler Railway Station is 6 km away.

Air: Hyderabad Airport is 80 km from the temple.

Other must-visit places along with Kolanupaka:

District Museum:

Located in the historic town of Kolanupaka, once the capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas in the 11th century, the District Museum is a treasure trove of Hindu and Jain artifacts. The museum, situated within the Someswara Swamy Temple, is near the renowned 2000-year-old Jain Mahavira Temple. It houses an impressive collection of sculptures from the 6th to the 16th centuries AD, including depictions of Mahavira, Chamundi, Nandi, and Matsyavallabha. 

Managed by the Department of Heritage, Telangana, the museum boasts over a hundred images and calligraphy pieces from the Chalukya and Kakatiya periods. Key artifacts include statues of Ganapathi and Nataraja from the 12th century Chalukya period, a Nandi statue from the 13th century Kakatiya period, and a Kosthapanjara with Uma Maheswara from the 12th century Kalyani Chalukya period.

Someshwara Temple:

The Someshwara Temple, established by the Chalukyas about 800 years ago, is another prominent pilgrimage site in Kolanupaka. Located approximately 82 km from Warangal and in close proximity to Kulpak Ji, a significant Jain religious site, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Someshwara Temple is revered for its historical and spiritual significance, drawing devotees from across South India.

Conclusion

Kolanupaka Temple, a revered Jain shrine in Yadadri district, Telangana, is a jewel of Jain heritage. With its ancient roots, exquisite idols, and rich history, it stands as a significant pilgrimage center for the Svetambara Jains of South India. The temple’s architectural beauty, combined with its spiritual significance, makes it a must-visit destination. Nearby attractions like the District Museum and Someshwara Temple further enrich the cultural and historical experience of visiting Kolanupaka.

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