Chathurmukha Basti, Kasaragod : http://www.neelaearth.com The remnants of Jainism that once flourished here at Manjeswaram - a major pilgrim centre with scores of temples, churches, mosques and Jain temples - in Kasaragod are major attraction for visitors in north Kerala. The Chathurmukha basti here is an old Jaina temple. The advent of Aryan religions like Jainism, Buddhism,and Hinduism from north changed the Dravidian way of life existed in ancient Kerala. Jainism was the first to come. The Koodalmanikyam temple in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur district, is believed to be originally a Jain temple. Jainism started declining in Kerala around the eighth century A.D and nearly disappeared around the 16th century A.D. Jain shrines still survive in Wayanad, Kasaragod, Alappuzha and Kochi. This Jain temple where the presiding deity is Vardhamana Mahaveera has four idols of the deity facing four directions in the sanctum sanctorum. And one can see all these four idols through the four doors. Hence the name Chathurmukha (means four faces) and basti (temple). Getting there: Manjeswaram is about 30 km from Kasaragod town. Nearest railway station: Kasaragod station on the Kozhikode - Mangalore - Mumbai route. Nearest airports: Mangalore about 50 km from Kasaragod and Kozhikode international airport about 200 km away. For more details please visit http://www.neelaearth.com
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