Thiruparuthikunram Jain Temples- Kanchipuram

Address

Thiruparuthikunram Jain Temples- Thiruparuthikunram, Pillaiyarpalayam Putheri, Kanchipuram District, Tamilnadu – 631502

Deity

Lord Mahaveer

Introduction

• Location: Thiruparuthikunram, a suburb of Kanchipuram.
• Historical Significance: Testimony to the glory of Jainism in the region, historically known as Jinkanchi.
• Deity: Presiding deity is Lord Mahaveer in this Jinalaya.
• Historical Construction: Originally commenced by the Pallava dynasty; expanded during the reigns of Chola and Vijayanagara emperors.
• Temple Complex: Includes two Jain temples: Trilokyanatha Temple and Chandra Prabha Temple.

Puranic Significance

• Deity’s Idol: Mahaveerar idol made of bright pink stone; currently managed by the Tamil Nadu Archaeological Department.
• Jain Heritage: Once a center of Jainism with a Jaina mutt, now relocated to Melsithamur near Gingee.
• Legends: Attributed to Jain sages Vamana and Mallisena or to King Simhavishnu and his wife, who donated the land.
• Inscription Records: The temple received significant land grants from Parakesarivarman Chola and Kulottunga Chola.
• Gopuram Construction: Built by Sage Pushpasena Vamanarya; contributions by Pallava kings like Alagiya Pallavan.
• Vijayanagar Contributions: Kings like Krishnadevaraya donated land and renovated paintings in the 16th-17th centuries.

Special Features

• Temple Complex Structure: Comprises two sections: Thrailokianathar Jinalaya and Thirukooda Basdi.
  • Trilokyanatha Temple:
    • Construction Date: Built in 556 AD by King Simhavishnu Pallava; later renovated by Kulothunga Chola in the 10th century.
    • Sanctum Features: Features Gajabrushta style; wooden statue of Mahaveerar installed due to erosion of the original stone idol.
    • Architectural Style: The ardhamandapam and muhmandapam reflect Chola temple art.
  • Thrikooda Basdi:
    • Construction Date: Built in the 12th century and renovated by Chola kings.
    • Sanctums: Contains idols of Shri Padmapraba, Shri Vasupoojyar, and Shri Parshwanathar.
    • Pavilion: Features a Sangeethamandapam (pavilion for concerts) with 24 intricately designed pillars.
    • Additional Structures: Includes a shrine for Brahmadevar, five saint chambers (Munivasam), and a holy tree (Kura).
    • Stone Inscriptions: Historical inscriptions preserved in the temple complex; now managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Festivals

• Mahavir Jayanti:
  • Celebration of the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara.
  • Observed on the 13th day of the month of Chaitra in the Jain calendar.
  • Festivities include:
    • Rituals: Special prayers and offerings at Jain temples.
    • Processions: In some regions, processions are held with the idol of Lord Mahavir.
    • Cultural Events: Discourses on the teachings of Mahavir, including non-violence and truth.
    • Community Involvement: Activities promoting community service and charity, reflecting Mahavir’s teachings.
    • Celebratory Feasts: Distribution of sweets and meals among devotees and the needy.

Century/Period/Age

6th century CE.

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of Tamilnadu (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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