Bhagavati Chitharal

Bhagavati Chitharal is a Jain Cave temple located on a hilltop. The shrine of Bhagavati was added later as an extension without creating any modification to the existing structure. The walk up to the temple starts a kilometer downhill. Gradual winding steps go up to the top. At the top are the remnants of a gopuram which was apparently struck by lightning and destroyed. It has been renovated to the base level. On one side of this structure is a small passage through rocks that goes down to the Cave Temple. On the north side of this cave are bas reliefs. The main carvings are that of Parshwanatha, Padmavati in standing posture next to each other, Mahavira in a sitting posture under a three-tiered parasol with a tree above and a standing figure of Ambika. Distributed in between and on top in rows are the images of many of the 24 Thirthankaras. The cave facing west comes next. Below the cave in front of it is a beautiful pond. Steps lead up to the cave from the pond. The cave temple has three entrances, and three sanctums inside, one each for Parshwanatha, Mahavir, and Padmavati. Padmavati was also revered by the Hindus and considered as part of the Hindu pantheon of gods. Thus this came to be considered a Bhagavati Temple. This is clearly a Jain Temple that has not been converted into a Hindu Temple, as no changes have been done except the addition of the Bhagavati shrine, a Balipeeda, and a Madapalli (kitchen) on the south side. The two faiths of Jainism and Hindusim have co-existed in the past in the erstwhile Travancore region and this is an example of such harmonious co-existence. While the Hindus have been visiting and worshiping Goddess Bhagavati (Padmavati) the Jains also continued to add bas reliefs to the existing carvings on the north side and continued their worship. In front of the sanctums is a pillared hall common to all sanctums.