Tirthankaras at Nerkunam, Chengalpattu District and Ongur, Viluppuram District, the remains of Jainism, Tamil Nadu.

05^th February 2018.

When I was reminded of the details of this February 2018 month’s Ahimsa Walk, Mrs. Sasikala sent the invitation to these two places. She also told me that the walk would be over around 11.00 hrs and the group would be proceeding to Thirunarungundram, Sri Parshwanath cave temple for Narpali thiruvizha. Wanted to learn more about Jainism, so decided to continue the journey with the group, even though I had some important work to attend to in the Evening.   

As usual started our journey from Adambakkam Jain Temple, around 06.00 hrs in a van. Reached our first destination, Narkunam, which is on the way to Chunambedu from Thozhupedu (bridge). The devotees who are proceeding to Thirunarungundram also joined us.

தொண்டை நாட்டின் சமணத்தடையங்களைத்தேடி ... 50வது மரபு நடை...

NERKUNAM (Chengalpattu District).

The Golden Jubilee Ahimsa walk was led by Mr. Thanajayan. The walk went through two streets of the Village with slogans praising Jainism and the people of the village for protecting the Tirthankara. Finally, Mr. Thanajayan explained the importance of preserving heritage monuments and sculptures.

The Tirthankara sculpture was unearthed under a tamarind tree. Now the Tirthankara is kept near a compound wall of a private house. Except face the other portions of the sculpture are found in good condition, including squatting lions on the base.  The sculpture has both samaratharis and Yakshan & Yakshi, which are the unique features of this sculpture. The identification of the Tirthankara could not be done, since the lanchanam / symbol is not clear.

LOCATION OF THE JAIN TIRTHANKARA: CLICK HERE

 The place where the sculpture was unearthed

 Ahimsa walk 

A Temple was constructed, and the Tirthankara was installed. Regular poojas are also conducted. The photos given below were taken on 6th April 2025, 105th Ahimsa walk at Sirumadurai. 

ONGUR (KARIKAMPATTU - Viluppuram District)

The second destination to Ongur (Karikampattu, a village on the way to Tindivanam). This Tirthankara sculpture is installed in front of a Shiva temple by the side of the National Highway, before Tindivanam. Hope this sculpture is unfinished and there is no proportion to the mukkudai and the Tirthankaras. There are no samaratharis, and even the base is not visible due to the concreting of the floor.

LOCATION OF THE TIRTHANKARA: CLICK HERE

The Tirthankara was moved to the left side of the Shiva Temple and installed on a round platform. Construction of a new temple was stopped by the local land brokers. This photo was taken on 06th April 2025, after the 105th Ahimsa walk at Sirumadurai. 

A ray of Hope

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---