Parshwanath Tirthankara, Valathi malai Digambar Caves, Valathi / Valathy, Viluppuram District, Tamil Nadu.

17^th November 2019.

The visit to this Jain cave was a part of the Thirumukkudal temple visit scheduled on the 16^th and 17^th of November 2019. It was not on our agenda. After Devikapuram, Sri Periyanayaki Amman Temples Visit our next plan was to visit Gingee Fort. On the way after seeing the yellow board, Mr. Gandhi Rajan suggested visiting the Jain Cave and Parshvanath Tirthankara. Since we didn’t visit earlier, Mr. Gandhi Rajan guided us to this natural Cave, which can accommodate about 10 persons, where Parshvanath Tirthankara was carved. The locals call this Parshvanath “Ammana katta Samy – அம்மனகட்ட சாமி" (in Tamil, Ammanam means a person without dress) or Nainar Samy, since Tamil Jains in these areas are called Nainars. (Understand there are some caste-like sections in Tamil Jains also.)

 

The cave is a smooth and naturally formed one. The Parshvanath bas-relief is carved about 3 feet above the ground level, facing east. The Tirthankara bas-relief is about 4 feet high and 2 feet wide. The 5 hooded snakes' hoods are shown above his head. A platform with steps was constructed in front of Parshvanath to do pooja and abhishekam. The cave flooring was also done on 22^nd April 2004. As per the inscription tablet, this Parshvanath bas-relief is 1925 years old, and the cave was once used by the munis. It was said that a Jain school also functioned during the 7th to 8th century. 

It was observed that Jains are doing pooja once in a while and offering rice. Ahimsa walk was also conducted to this cave.

LOCATION OF THE CAVE: CLICK HERE

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---