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THE GROWTH OF JAINISM IN KERALA
From Karnataka and Tamil Nadu through North Kerala Jainism entered and spreas itself. The Jain ritual "Vadakkirikkal" - facing the north, renouncing life through fasting was practised by the Chera King Perumcheralathan with the title 'Athan'. Other Chera Kings followed the same. All these were followers of Jainism meaning "Arhathan". During this period Tamil was the language of Kerala and Tolkapiam, a work of Tamil grammar, is believed to have been authored by jain ascetics, the term "padimayyon" mentioned in its preface details the preparations of becoming a Jain ascetic. Hence there is enough scope to say that the authors were Jain ascetics. This is the opinion of Vayyapuri Pillai. Viewed at from this point we can see the substantial contribution of Jain Munis to the development of Tamil and Sanskrit. IN KERALA STATE
The first royal family that appears in the ancient history of Kerala is that of Cheravamsha. They ruled in the first part of second century AD. They are addressed as "Kerala Puthra". When we keep in mind the ancientness of Jainism and royal patronage, the raja became "Senguttavan". There are description of this person Shilappathikaram and Patirupattu - great works. Senguthavan who was Shaivite is famous as a person tolerant of all religions had great esteem for Jainism. Chera administration ended in 8th century. Several branches established supremacy here and there and continued as Samantha Kings, (subordinate Kings) under Pallava and Chola Kingdoms.
Jain philosophy principles found in Thirukkaral. "Malar mishai Yekinan", 'Yan Kunathan' in Jainism means "Arhatha". Hence there is no doubt that Thirukkural is a Jain work. The author of the classic Tamil work "Shilapathikaran" is ilankovadigal. This was written in the Jain temple "Thrukkanamatilakum". 'Vanjikandam' discussed in "Shilapathikaran" argues about Kerala. The king of this place Shengutuvan pathini had the idea of erecting a Theerthankara statue and hence it can be seen as an evidence of the relationship this work bears with Jainism.
Kerala abounds in Jain temples and have continued as Hindu temples. The chief temples are Kootal Manikyam of Irinjalakuta, Bhagavati temple on the peak of iddakkal Hill, and Kallil temple of Perumbavoor. Thirukkanavai near Kodungalloor, Thiruvannur near Calicut, Kinalur near Perambra. These are main centers of Jainism and were Jain temples. The inscriptions found under Parshuvanatha statue in the Jain temple of Thirukunnathu is according to lipi and was done by the King Pathani Patharar Chattan varaguna. He was a devotee of goddess Padmavathi and had great reverence for Jainism. The several relics of Jain statues, carvings, engravings, pillars edicts temples in different parts of the state reveal the evidence of the influence of Jain saints and their dharmic influence.
in Wynad district in Kerala, but for the immigrants from Kerala and Gujarat who have come for business, Jainism had entirely disappeared from this area. It is important to note that in terms of nature and culture Wynad is similar to South Canara in Karnataka. Because of the influence of Sankaracharya and Muslims and Christians who came via the Sea, Cheraman Perumal, Kulasekhara Alwar and Nayanar of the Bhakti cult Jainism began to wane. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF WYNAD DISTRICT
When we examine the development of Jainism in Kerala we find that Wynad district has a
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