ABOUT

One of the most important among the many Jain temples in Kerala, the Bathery Temple in Sulthan Bathery is believed to have been built during the 13th century. Its design is strongly influenced by the architectural style of the then reigning Vijayanagar Dynasty. Another unique feature is the rather checkered history of the temple which first served as a shrine, next as a centre of commercial trade and finally, as the ammunition store or battery of Tipu Sulthan’s army. The town, Sulthan Bathery, derives its name from that use. This Temple is one of the most important amongst a series of ruins spread across the state of Kerala that testify to a period of a strong Jain presence in this region. With their beautifully carved pillars now partly ruined, and the area rather derelict, these sites exude a peculiar airomystery. The temple is 24 Kms. away from kalpetta, 12 Kms. away from Sulthan Bathery and 41 Kms. away from Mananthavady. The Jain influence in the culture and life of Sultan Bathery is very obvious and the history of Jain migration to the region starts from 12th century. In the 16th century too there was a major migration of the Jain community to the region and they came here mainly as traders, managing the cash crops. Now there are only a few Jain families which remain here and they belong to the Digambar sect, locally known as Gowdas. The architecture of the temple has strong influences of the then Vijayanagar architectural style and it is made wholly of granite.