Jaina vanam' soon in Warangal

Warangal: The state government is working towards developing each and every historic aspect in Warangal. Though Warangal is synonymous with the Kakatiya rulers, the place was once a thriving spiritual centre for the Jains, much before the Rashtrakuta period, about 2,000 years ago.

Evidence of Jainism can still be found here at the Padmakshi hillock in Hanamkonda and the Aggalaiah hillock right opposite it.

On the Aggalaiah hillock, a 35-fot-tall rock carving of 3rd Thirthankar of Jainism, ‘Sambhavanatha’, in Kayotsarga posture can be seen on a huge boulder. Just a few steps away, a 13-foot tall carving of 23rd thirthankar Parshvanatha can be seen along with a half-done carving beside it.

A carving of seven thirthankars can be found on another boulder below this one. With the rock carving of Sambhavanatha at its core, the state government is taking steps towards creating a ‘Jaina Vanam’ here on the lines of ‘Buddhavanam’ located in Nagarjuna Sagar.

Warangal West MLA Dasyam Vinay Bhaskar has been working extensively for developing this site as a tourist and spiritual hub. The project was included in HRIDAY and the KUDA is also working towards its development.

“We are developing a Buddhavanam in the state, in the same manner, the Jaina vanam would be constructed here in Warangal. The project has been placed under HRIDAY scheme and '50 lakh has already been sanctioned. KUDA will also be providing about '30 lakh. In the first phase, steps will be built for tourists and devotees to climb the hillock,” he told Deccan Chronicle.

To make sure the Jaina vanam is developed according to the Jain beliefs, Mr Bhaskar consulted monks to take their suggestions. One of the monks also paid a visit to the site a few months back. The MLA said the construction would soon begin and the state government intends to turn the place into another tourist and spiritual spot.