JINAGIRI TIRTH

Categories : All Jain Tirth

JINAGIRI TIRTH

SHRI JINAGIRI TIRTH

PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :

Shri Parshvanath Bhagwan in a standing posture in a shrine on a small mountain near the village of Tirunarukondai (Dig) .

ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :

Here in ancient caves, places to sleep are cut out on rocks and according to archeologists they belong to a period between the 3ed and the 5th centuries. IT appears that these caves were made to be used by Jain saints for their residence and practices of austerities. There is a reference that after these caves were made, numerous Jain temples were built here by different kings.

In scriptures, this place is described in remote past by various names such as Jinagiri, Uchchandvalmalai, Vadapali, Vadatirumalai, Tirumetrisai, Narpattirandu Perumpalli etc., Inscriptions from the period between 9th and 16th centuries A.D. are still found here. By these it is learnt that in the development of this shrine efforts were taken by Rajrajchol the first, Rajendrachol the first, Kulottungchol the first, and rulers and successors of Pandya and Vijaynagar empire. Rajkumari Sri Kundavai, sister of a Chola king built a large reservoir of water here near the shrine. Even today it is known by that name.

The people of this area call Parshvanath Bhagwan by the name of Appandanadar. This place is of great significance because of austerities practiced here by numerous saints and holy men. The spot from where steps for ascent to the small mountain begins is marked by a single room shrine wherein the idol of the Guardian Deity of the area is installed. Devotees commence their ascent only after first offering prayers to this Deity. This tradition is being followed from the ancient time.

Many groups of saints have used this area near the shrine for their residence , one of them being a group of the great teacher of Nandi Sangh, Sri Viranandi Acharya. From here Munis were being sent to different places, provinces or states to spread the teaching of Jain religion. As a result of discourses by Muni Pungav of this place, a temple was built by Tirunandikarai of Kanyakumari district. A reference is available of the invaluable services rendered by Jain Munis in spreading Jain teachings by establishing a Jain University on Tirucharan Mount. Those Munis’ arrival here was made possible only because of the “Vir Sangh” which had settled earlier.

Sri Gunabhadracharya, Guru of “Vir Mandal Purush” and composer of Tamil volume entitled “Chudamani Nigandu” founded a Sangh here which was involved in touring activities here and there in the area throughout Tamil Nadu for propagation of Jain religion. He was honored with the title of “Virsangh Pratishthacharya” and all this is found in the inscription available here of the 16th century A.D.

Every year between Vaishakh Sukla Dasami and Poornima, a festival fair is herd here when hundreds of Jains and Non-Jains of this area as well as from areas nearby and outside participate. This is believed to be a place extraordinary for miracles. By visiting here , devotees say, all their wishes and ambitions are fulfilled.

This temple of three shikars appears extremely attractive from a distance of tour miles. All the three shikars symbolize the best specimen of the art of the period of Chola Kings. The idol of Sri Chandraprabhu Bhagwan in this temple is also very impressive. The carved images of gods, goddess, nymphs and fairies on all the temple shikars are indeed a sight to see.

Except this temple, there is no other temple nearby.

APPROACH – ROUTE :

The nearby railway station of Ulunderpet is located in Chennai-Tiruchi rail line and road from where the shrine is 16Kms away. From Ulunderapet on Tiruvennainallur road, the shrine is at a distance of 5 Kms from the village of Pillaiyarkuppam. In Ulunderpet buses and taxis are available. From the city of Chennai, this shrine is 200 Kms away.