SHRI JINAKANCHI TIRTH

PRESIDING DEITY AND LOCATION :

Shri Mahavir Bhagwan seated in semi-lotus posture and of height 150cms in a shrine in the middle of a walled compound village of Tiruppatikundrum 3.5 Kms away from Kanchipuram City (Dig).

ANTIQUITY AND SALIENT FEATURES :

This temple is believed to have been built during the period of Pallava Rulers in the 7th century A.D.. In the year 640 A.D. the Chinese traveler Hu-en-sung has noted in his travel diary that here there existed about 80 Jan temples and lived a very great numbers of Jains.

There is a reference available about raja Mahendra Varma having donated large sums of money for the building of this temple in 7th century A.D.. Thereafter different kings donated different sums of money for the construction of different additions to the temple. Raja Kulottung Chola the first, presented several acres of land for this temple in year 1116 A.D and named the temple as :Pallichandain:. The present name is also believed to be of that period.

Adjacent to this temple, there exists today an older temple of Sri Chandraprabu Bhagwan which reminds one of the more gorgeous and magnificent temples of a still earlier period.

A reference is available about the construction of a great hall of twenty large pillars by minister commander Irugappa of Nayak Harihar of Vijaynagar empire only about 600 years ago.

The temples referred to by the Chinese traveler Hu-en-sucg are no more existent today but this one is the only ancient temple still existent in which prayers are offered and worship practiced according to Jain rites and rituals. In the adjacent temple where the idol is in a broken state no such prayers and worship are offered. The management of the temple is at present under the authority of Government Archeological Department.

This is the place of austerities of Shri Vaman Acharya, Guru of Pallava Kings. In the circular path around the temple, on the back side there is an ancient tree called “Kora” under which it is said Vaman Acharya had practiced his austerities. (Mallisen Acharya is stated to be Vaman Acharya). Nearby are Foot-Prints of Sri Pushpasen, the disciple of Sri vaman Acharya and a rock of which an ancient “Shloka” (verse) has been inscribed.

A reference is available about Shri Chandrakirti Guru having lived here in the year 1199 A.D. . The seat has since been removed to Melchattamur 30 Kms from Tindivanam, which even today is known by name of “Jinakanchi Jain Math “ .

This temple is also known as the temple of Shri Trailokyanath Bhagwan. In Government documents, it is still described by this name. In the hall of this temple on the ceiling are painted ancient pictures in color. All the Kalyanaks of Shri Adhinath Bhagwan, erection of the “Samosaran” various incidents of the life of Lord Mahavir, and the past incarnations of Sri Neminath Bhagwan etc., are painted here which are extremely beautiful and worth seeing.

APPROACH – ROUTE :

The railway station of Kanchipuram is 5 Kms away from the shrine where taxis and autos are available. From Chennai, this shrine is 80 Kms away. Cars and buses can go upto the temple

AMENITIES FOR JAIN PILGRIMS :

There are no arrangements for lodging here at the present time.

MANAGED BY :

Shri Trailokyanath Swami Jain Mandir
P.O. Tiruppatikundrum
Sevilimedu – 631 501
Dist : Kanchipuram , Tamil Nadu