Bhagavan Sri Parshvanath Tirthankara Jinalaya at Thirunarungundram / Thirunarungondai, Thiruvannamalai / Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

05^th February 2018.

அருகன் திருவடி வாழ்த்து

திருமா மகளுறை கின்றசெந்

    தாமரை யொன்றதன்மேல்

வருமா மலர்க ளிரண்டுடை

    யான்மதி போல்நிழற்றுங்

குருமா மணிக்குடை மூன்றுடை

    யான்குண நான்கமைந்த

    பெருமா னறுங்கொண்டை யென்னவல்

லார்க்கில்லை பேரிடரே

பூவும் புனலும் பொழிந்தொரு

    மூன்றுபுவ னத்தெல்லாத்

தேவும் புகழ்ந்தமை யாத்திருத்

    தீ பையிற் செய்தவத்தோர்

மேவுந் திருப்பா ழியிற்றிரு

    மேற்றிசை வீரனை யென்

நாவும்  பரவுமென் றாலென்

    சொலாரிந்த நாட்டவரே

வரந்தருந் தீபையுண் மேற்றிசை

    யானை மதியுடையோர்

நிரந்தர மாக நினைக்கிற்

    குறையே நினைந்தொருகால்

கரத்தரு சென்னிய ரானபின்

    யாவருங் கைதொழுவார்

புரத்தர ராகுவார் பூவும்

    புனலும் பொழிந்து நின்றே

….. திருமேற்றிசையந்தாதி. 

After the 50^th Ahimsa walk at Ongur, our planning was to go to Thirunarungundram / Thirunarungondai Sri Parshvanath  also called as  Sri Appandai nathar Jinalaya on a small hill. The Thirunarungundram was mentioned as Thirunarunkondai in the inscriptions and hymns sung by Appar and Sambandar (  both are not the Saiva Nayanmars ). This Jinalaya and the pond or the reservoir has the connection of Chozha kingdom.

ஜோதிமூன்றினு ளெழுதருதுகளறு ஜோதிதுளங்க

வெந்துயர் களைந்திடும் வளங்கெழுதுணையே

காதிவெவ்வினை புறங்கண்டகரு ணையங்கடலே

கடலின்மேல்வருங் கருங்கடல் வண்ணவொண்கதிரே

போதிநாதனே பூரணவாரணத்தலைவா

பொங்குசாமரிமாரு தத்துடனெழும்புயலே

ஆதியேதிருநறுங்கொண்டை வட திருமலை

மேலப்பனே யடியெனையுமஞ்சலென் றருளே

…. சம்பந்தர்

வந்துவந்துபிறந்துழலா மனையுமில்லை

மற்றுமினிமுலையருந்தா மாந்தரில்லை

சந்ததமுமிப்படியேநாயேனிந்தச்

சாகரதிலேமூழ்கித் தயங்கலாமோ

எந்தையேமுக்குடைக்கீழாதிநாதா யினிமையும்

பிறப்பொழிந்தீ டேற்றவேண்டும்

நந்த்துலவும் நறுங்கொண்டையரு காவுன்னை

நம்பினேன்பததை நல்குவாயே

…. அப்பர்

Moolavar : A Bas-relief of Sri Parshvanath

Some of the important details are as follows...

Sri Parshvanath is also called as Appar, Appaandaar, Appandai nathar. Devotees also called as Appa, Aandai, Nathaa ( அப்பரை ஆண்ட நாதர் ).

At the beginning of steps on the right is the Virusha TirthanKara, which was brought from a village called Pavandoor. Alter and Dwajasthambam are at the entrance of the front mandapam. In the inside mandapam sannidhi for Sri Chandraprabha.

The main deity is a bas-relief of Sri Parshvanath in standing posture between two boulders. Hands are in hanging position. A 5 hooded snake is above the head of Sri Parshvanath. On the left, Urchavars are kept under lock and key.  Vimanam was built above the boulder. There is a separate sannadhi for Saraswathi.

 Moolavar Sri Appaandainathar 

There is also a cave before the Jinalaya with beds for Jain monks. It is a evidence that Jain monks stayed in this cave and they taught and extended medicinal services also to the local villagers.

HISTORY & INSCRIPTION

The temple was maintained during the three rulers and their officers of Chozha, Pandiya and Vijayanagara periods. Rajarajan-I, Rajendran-I, Kulothunga-I, gave donations to this jinalaya for burning perpetual lamps. ( SII –VII -1011 to 1017 ). As per the inscriptions this place was called as Rajaraja Valanattu Thirumunaipadi Thirunarungondai, Rajaraja Vallanattu Kundrathur Nattu Thirunarungondai,  and Tirthankara was called as Narpaththonnayira Perumpalli Thevar.

 

Kulothunga Chozha’s 9^th reign year inscription records  the gift of Taxes from Punsei & Nansei of Enathimangalam, Thari, ThattarPattam and all other taxes by Araisa NarayananAlapiranthan alias Veerasekara Kadavarayan.

 

During Rajaraja’s 9^th year rule his officer Malaiyaman Adhi Chokkan Rajakambeera Sethirayan of Kiliyur  gave donation   to this temple for naivedyam.

 

Thiribhuvana Chakravarthi Konerimai Kondan period inscription records the gift of land the paddy yielded after exempting taxes, the inscription was written by Kulothunga Chozha Gangarayan.

 

Rajaraja-‘s 13^th reign year inscription records the endowment of ‘s burning a sandhi lamp at Yakshi sannidhi by Oppilathan of Kolliyur. For the same 6 kasu was gifted. This was handed over to Adhi battarakar Pushpasenar.

 

Thirubhuvana Chakravarthi Konerimai kondan’s period inscription records the gift of land for the celebration Vakasi month festival and a festival called Irasakanayan Thirunal ( In the name of the donor ) in the Thai month.

 

Another inscription records the gift of Gold 15 Kalanju  for the Keela Perumpalli ( Foot hills ) by one Sridharan.

 

A much damaged Rajaraja-I’s 10^th reign year inscription starts with mei keerthi, mentions the rectification of Kunthavai Periri, since the lands which are irrigated from the Pereri, was not yielding nothing. After rectification the yield was gifted to this perumpalli poojas and naivedyam.   

 Pandya’s inscription

LEGENDS

As per the legend, the trees were grown between the two boulders and Parshvanath was not visible. A Hunter and his wife came to the hill in search of Kabilai root and they found between the two boulders. While the hunter digging the Kabilai root the crowbar hits Sri Parshvanath feet and blood was oozing out at the same time he lost his eye sight. His wife cleared the area and found Sri Parshvanath. Both  worshiped and the hunter got back his eyesight. While sleeping at home Sri Padmavathi Amman came in their dream and advised them to inform to Sri Kundavai, the sister of Sri Rajaraja. Kundavai also visited the hill and worshiped Sri Parshwanath and built this temple.

A painting of Sthala puranam

POOJAS & CELEBRATIONS

One day festival of Narkatchi is celebrated in the month of Tamil Thai and 7 days festival also celebrated during the month of April - May.  In addition to the festivals devotees used to Circumambulate the hill and pray Sri Parshwanath for fulfilling their wishes.

HOW TO REACH:

Nearest city is the Ulundurpet and Thirunarungundram / Thirunarunkondai  is about 10 KM distance   towards Thiruvennainallur.

Town bus is available from Ulundurpet.

LOCATION OF THE CAVE JINALAYA :CLICK HERE

The entrance arch with first and 24^th tirthankara's vahana

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA--- 

Bhagwan Sri 1008 Adinath Digambar Jain Temple, at Koliyanur, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu.

05^th February 2018.

After visiting the Thirunarungundram Sri Parshwanatha Hill cave temple, many people wished to go to this Jinalaya, since this place Koliyanur , is on the way to Chennai. I was little hesitant to visit this temple, since it is a newly constructed Jinalaya. Since I was an odd person and do not have any choice, so went along with them. After visiting this Jeenalaya, I was very happy to know that the Jinalaya has got a historical value.

Deity : Sri Adinatha

Some of the details are as follows...

It was told that Mr Ananda Kumar, BDO of this area belongs to Jain community identified on this place / land,  once existed  a Jinalaya. Portion of the land was recovered from the encroachments and this new Jinalaya was built under the head of Sri Vishveshwar Maharaj.

During the earth excavation fragments of old Jinalaya pillars, inscription tablets, statues were unearthed and installed. Manasthambam and alter are at the front. The Jinalaya was constructed  with sanctum, antarala and maha mandapam.  It was told that the Adhinathar was similar to Mel Sithamur  Jinalaya moolavar. Since size was big, sanctum was built after positioning Moolavar Sri Adinatha. 24 Tirthankaras marble statues are installed in the mandapam.

 An unearthed inscription Tablet.

Sannadhi for Kashta Nivaran Shethrabalakar, Sri Adinatha ( this statue is of 1500 years old and the same was unearthed during expansion of Chennai Meenambakkam airport) and Sri Padmavathy.

 This statue is of 1500 years old and the same was unearthed during expansion of Chennai Meenambakkam airport

LEGEND

It was surprised to note that the devotees believes  like hindus worshiping Kashta Nivarana Shethrabalakar to relieve from problems in life and to get rid of those problems, special poojas are offered on Ashtami thithi day which occurs during descending moon.

HOW TO REACH:

Koliyanur is on the way from Villupuram to Pondicherry, about 10 KM from Villupuram

Koliyanur is also on the route From Chennai to Panruti.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

 An unearthed Statue

 An unearthed Statues

 Sri Padmavathy amman

Kashta Nivarana shethrabalakar 

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Tirthankaras at Nerkunam and Ongur, the remains of Jainism, Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai Districts, Tamil Nadu.

05^th February, 2018.

When I reminded for the details of this February 2018, month’s Ahimsa Walk, Mrs Sasikala had sent the invitation to these  two places. She also told that the walk will be  over around 11.00 hrs and group will 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 in the Evening.   

As usual started our journey from Adambakkam Jain Temple, around 06.00 hrs through 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 with us.

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

NERKUNAM.

The Golden jubilee Ahimsa walk was lead by Mr Thanajayan. The walk went through two streets of the Village with slogans praising of Jainism and the people of the Village for protecting the Tirthankara.  Finally Mr Thanajayan explained the importance of preserving the 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 is 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 : CLICK HERE

 The place, where the sculpture was unearthed

 Ahimsa walk 

ONGUR ( KARIKAMPATTU )

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 is no samaratharis, even The base is not visible due to concreting of the floor.

LOCATION: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---

Tirthankaras of Enathur, Asanellikuppam, Uppukulam ( Arakkonam ), Arumbakkam and Kavanur, Kanchipuram District, Ranipet District, Tamil Nadu.

07^th January 2018.

I was fortunate to join with the Jain community Ahimsa walk scheduled on 7^th January 2018.  The places visited are  on the route from Kanchipuram to Arakonam in Vellore District. The Ahimsa walk was planned to visit the heritage sites related to Jainism, where Tirthankaras statues  are un earthed and installed. We know that in and around Kanchipuram Jainisam was flourished once.  Many Jain temples were constructed, when it was in peak. After 9^th century Jainisam started diminishing due to raise of Saivam.

Started our journey from Chennai Adambakkam around 06.00 hrs through a van. Picked up friends on the way and reached our first stop of Enathur near Kanchipuram. In addition to us Heritage enthusiastic Jains also joined in 4 cars. Though this visit to Enathur Mahaveer temple was not planned, covered on the way to Asa Nellikuppam.

ENATHUR

This Mahaveer was unearthed near this place. Originally it was a tirthankara  and reworked on face and mukkudai. The Simha also added at the base of the statue. The Statue was little eroded condition. On the top both side only samaram was carved without samaratharis. After rework the Mahaveer was installed in a newly constructed temple and Kumbhabhishekam was also performed. We are happy to worship on the 48^th day ..ie final day of mandala pooja.

ASANELLIKUPPAM.

It was told that this Tirthankara was found in a thorny bush & knee deep sludge. It was brought to the Vinayagar temple  of the village, on the previous day of our visit. After breakfast, Started our Ahimsa Walk up to the temple. Villagers also joined in the walk and Children joined at the temple. The purpose of the walk was explained to the Villagers and a interactive story was told  by our Nivedita Louis, the writer and blogger. Note books were also distributed to the students.

The Tirthankara's mukkudai, legs and hands are found damaged. In this statue samaratharis are also shown on the top of the statue, both are also damaged to some extend. It was told that the statue  may be of 1000 years old.

ARUMBAKKAM.

After the visit to Asanellikuppam we headed towards Arakkonam. In the mean time, it was came to know that a Jain sculpture is kept in a Shiva Temple at Arumbakkam. After making confirmation we reached the Arumbakkam Shiva Temple.

The Tirthankara is kept under the Bodhi tree along with Nagar and Vinayagar. The tirthankara statue is in a very good condition. The Mukkudai, Thorana, Samaratharis with their ornaments , hair style & dresses are clearly shown. It was learnt that efforts are on to construct a separate sannadhi exclusively for this tirthankara.

UPPUKULAM ( ARAKKONAM)

This place uppukulam is part of Arakkonam Town. The Tirthankara statue is behind a Perumal temple with a narrow access from the main road. This tirthankara is under open sky and it was learned that Arakkonam Jains worship this tirthankara. The statue is slightly eroded condition. This statue also has the Mukkudai and samaratharis. 3 Squatting lions are shown on the base of the statue.

In front of Tirthankara a manthira kal is also installed. This manthira kal is engraved with symbols on both side. Also it has some epigraph inscriptions, which we could not read. The purpose is not known.

KAVANUR

Reached our final stop of our Ahimsa Walk. A Parshwanath  statue is kept in the Kava Narayana Perumal Temple. This statue was taken from a dilapidated temple, which is in the midst of ground nut field. ( encroached ) The statue is in excellent condition. Parshvanath is in standing posture with 5 headed snake hood. The attendants are on both side. Visited the dilapidated temple site also. In a brief meeting at the temple, new participants were introduced  and  a book on Jain temples in Nadu Nadu was also presented.

It was learnt that this statue was stolen and was waiting in a ship to export. Three days the ship was stranded  in the port with a huge sum as demurrage   and moved after the Statue was taken out of the ship.
   

Had our lunch hosted by the owner of the Balaji bus service.  After our lunch  started out return journey to Chennai. I sincerely extend my thanks to Sasikala devi who organised this wonderful Ahimsa Walk and the participants.

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---