Kolanupaka Jain Temple

The Kolanupaka Jain Temple, also known by the name Kulpakji, stands as a significant Śvetāmbara Jain temple located in the village of Kolanupaka, within the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana, India. With a history stretching back approximately 2,000 years, it is recognized as one of the important Jain pilgrimage centers in South India. The temple is situated about 80 kilometers from Hyderabad, conveniently accessible via the Hyderabad-Warangal Highway NH 163.

History and Establishments

The temple's establishment is recorded as the 9th century, though legends suggest an even earlier origin, with some traditions attributing its initial construction to Bharat Chakravartin. Historical accounts indicate that Kolanupaka flourished as a prominent center of Jainism, particularly during the period of the Rashtrakutas. The Kalchuri ruler Shankaragana is noted for having donated villages to support the temple, and numerous Jain antiquities have been unearthed in the vicinity.

Over twenty Jain inscriptions have been discovered at Kulpakji, providing valuable insights into its past. These include a 12th-century inscription mentioning Meghachadra Siddhantadeva and a 151-line Kannada inscription from 1125 AD issued by Someshvara III of the Western Chalukya Empire. These findings suggest that Kolanupaka was a major center for the Kanur Gana of Mula Sangh.

Temple Features and Deities

Kolanupaka Temple is dedicated to three principal Jain Tirthankaras: Lord Rishabhanatha (also known as Adinath Bhagvan), Lord Neminatha, and Lord Mahavira. The central image of Lord Mahavir, carved from a green stone, is historically renowned as 'Manikyaswami' and 'Jivantasvami.' This statue is approximately 130 centimeters tall and is believed to be crafted from a single piece of jade. Alongside these primary deities, the temple houses images of eight other Tirthankaras, as well as deities of Lord Simandar Swami and Mata Padmavati.

The temple's interior is constructed using red sandstone and white marble. Recent renovations have been undertaken, preserving the old sanctum (garbhagrah) while constructing a new temple structure around the existing tower. The temple complex also features a dharamshala for pilgrims.

Archaeological Discoveries

In April 2022, during renovation work at the nearby Someshwara Temple, two significant sculptures of 'Maha Jaina Pada' (foot) of a Jain Tirthankara were discovered. These findings, measuring approximately 4 by 1.4 feet, further underscore the historical and religious importance of the Kolanupaka region for Jainism.