Facelift for Ilavanchikulam, Jain temples

Thrissur: Dating back  to the sixth century, these monuments that throw light to the legacy of Jainism in Central Kerala are all set for a major facelift. The Kerala State Department of Archeology will soon initiate steps to conserve the famed Ilavanchikulam and the Jain temple in Mathilakam, Thrissur.

“We  plan to start a trial excavation in the premises in search of a huge cave on  one side of the property,” said G. Premkumar, Director, State Archeology Department.   

According to him, the department has already conducted inspection of the site and a trial excavation will be followed by  a major conservation project  expected to begin in April or May.

The archaeological evidence found on  the spot shows that it was a flourishing centre of Jainism  and  calls for a detailed study, he added. Documents show that the temple had come under attack twice in the 16th century from the Portuguese and the Dutch in 16th century, who plundered  the valuables and demolished the temple.

In 1795,  Gowda Brahmins constructed a new temple at the location with the help of the British  but it failed to stand the test of  time.

In 1967, the Archaeological Survey of India had conducted an excavation at the site and found a basement of a Jain temple and a wall, which also suggested that there could be an ancient town in the place.