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JAIN JOURNAL
literature of the Sangam Era, when the rulers reportedly patronised Jainism. The religion itself is believed to have made its appearance in Kerala during the reign of Candragupta Maurya.
An interesting feature of the temple figures is that they are carved facing the north. Manmadhan Nair, an epigraphist at the languages institute explained: 'This is because of the vadakkirikal custom of sitting facing the north. Jain monks would do so to attain samadhi. It is said that Perumcheralathan, the Cera ruler during the Sangam Era, attained samadhi by sitting facing the north.
In the 12th Century, the temple was taken over by Hindu votaries who carved an image of the goddess Padmavathi and a series of Brahmanical figures, mainly on some of the pillers on the mandapa. Presently, the deity worshipped in the temple is the goddess Bhagavathi. Nearby is a spring whose waters, according to local villagers, have never dried up.
Much of the temple, though officially designated a protected monument of national importance, is in a dilapidated condition. Its brick gopuram, which bears an unmistakable stamp of Jain influence, shows considerable damage probably from lightning strike.
Nevertheless, temple's lofty site gives it a majesty that is still impressive and captivating, even though it is visited only occasionally these days by a priest who toils up a stone-strewn path to pay homage to the past.
from Indian Express, March 8, 1992
Remains of the brick Gopuram and a profile of the Hillock Temple
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