Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/ODMxUS6IiUc
Location: “Kolanupaka Swetamber Jain Mandir, Shri Shwetambar Jain Tirth, near Shiv Mandir, Aler Mandal, Kolanupaka, Telangana 508101”
Reference:
https://yadadri.telangana.gov.in/tourist-place/kolanupaka-temple/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kulpakji
Kulpakji also Kolanupaka Temple is a
2,000 year-old Śvetāmbara Jain temple in
the village of Kolanupaka in Aler City, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana.
The temple houses three deities: one each of Lord Rishabhanatha,
Lord Neminatha,
and Lord Mahavira.
The image of Lord Mahavir, carved of a green stone has been historically famous
as "Manikyaswami" and Jivantasvami. The
temple is about 80 km from Hyderabad on the Hyderabad-Warangal Highway NH 163. The temple is about 77 km from
Hyderabad on the Hyderabad-Warangal Highway.The Kolanupaka Temple is said to be
more than two thousand years old. In its present form, is more than eight
hundred years old. It is believed that Jainism was prevalent in Telangana
before the 4th century, and Kolanupaka was one of the prominent centres of
Jainism from early times. Lord Rishabha, popularly called Adinath Bhagvan, was
the first Tirthankars in the Jain religion. It is believed that the original
idol of Lord Adinath, known locally as Manikya Deva, has made Kolanupaka its
abode.
The temple is a living example of the architectural
marvel of Jain temples across the country with rich sculptures and
iconographies all through its walls. There is the main temple at the center
when you enter through the main gate (recently built) and on each side there is
a small temple each.
Kalchuri ruler Shankaragana had
donated 12 villages to support the temple. A number of Jain antiquities
have been discovered in Kulpakji. A grant mentioning a gift to a basadi during
the rile of Sankaragana (9th century) has been found at Akunur. Kolanupaka
flourished as a Jain center during the Rashtrakutas period.
The name Kolanupak is derivced from Kolanu means a
Lake and Paka means a Hut. There used to be lots of lakes and huts and this caused
to get this name.
Although photography is not allowed, the main
attractions of Kulpakji are the Adinath Bhagwan’s statue (locally known as
Manikya Dev) commissioned by Bharat Chakravarty, the son of Lord Adinath, the
Mahavir Swami’s Unique Tortoise statue, Lord Neminath’s statue, and various
other statues like eight Tirthankaras, Padmavati Devi, Lord Parshvanath,
Pundrik Swamy, Adishwar Swamy etc.
Legend
and History:
The Manikyasami image was originally worshipped by
Mandodari, the wife of Ravana. It was brought here by the ruler Sankar of
Kalyana according to Vividha Tirtha Kalpa (14th
century) of Jinaprabhasuri the sections Kulyapak Rishabhadeva Stuti and
Kollapakamanikyadeva Tirthakalpa.
According to Śvetāmbara legends, the main temple is said to have been built by Bharat
Chakravartin. Jainism was prevalent in Andhra
Pradesh before the 4th century, and
Kolanupaka was one of the prominent centers of Jainism from early
times. The temple was recently renovated by employing more than 150
artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat.
In April 2022, during renovation in
Someshwara Temple near the Kulpakji, two 4 by 1.4 feet (1.22 by 0.43 m)
sculpture of 'Maha Jaina Pada' (foot) of Jain Tirthankara was discovered.
About
the temple
The interior of the temple is made by red sandstone
and white marble. There are eight idols of the other Tirthankars on both the
sides of the main temple. The statue of Lord Mahaveer is 130 centimetres (51
in) tall and is said to be made of a single piece of jade. Idols of Lord
Simandar Swami and Mata Padmavati are installed on either side of the main
temple. Kulpakji is an important pilgrimage center for Svetambara Jains of
South India.
How to reach
By
Road: The temple is situated around 1.5 KMs from Kolanupaka
Bus Station. Bus stop at Kolanupaka road is the nearest bus stop from where
both the Jain temple and the Shiva temple are easily accessible by a local
transport. A diversion at the Aleru town (which lies on the Hyderabad Warangal
Highway) would take one to Kolanupaka. Self is the best option with no issues
with parking and easy access to the location.
By
Rail: Aleru is the nearest railway station from where
passenger trains are available.
By
Air:
Hyderabad is the nearest airport which is around 90 KMs
Parking
and Photography
For normal visitors there is no dedicated parking,
they can park their vehicles outside the temple. For special Jain yatris,
parking is available inside the temple and they can take their vehicle inside.
Outside also there is no problem in parking though.
Photography is strictly restricted and limited photos
can be clicked from outside the main sanctum house.
Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 6 AM to 7 PM
Nearby
Places to visit:
·
Someshwara temple,
Kolanupak
·
Veeranarayana temple at
Kolanupak
·
Warangal fort, Warangal
·
Hanamkonda Thousand
pillar temple, Warangal
·
Padmakshi temple at
Warangal
·
Ramappa Temple, Palampet
Apart from these there are numerous temples at
Warangal worth visiting