Arikamedu Jain Temple, Puducherry

Address

Arikamedu Jain Temple Ariyankuppam, Puducherry 605007

Diety

Tirthankara

Introduction

A Jain temple at Kakayanthope near the archaeological site of Arikamedu is facing threat of destruction due to encroachments and overflowing drainage. The temple has two statues of Manian Azhagappa Mudaliar, a devotee of Jain Theerthankaras, and his wife situated on a land (temple) spread around 12 acres. The sculptures were discovered by French astronomer Guillaume Le Gentil in 1769 while on a travel to Puducherry. Gentil placed the statues that could give an insight into the early historic civilization, at Kakayanthope on Brahman Koil Street of Ariyankuppam and since then it is revered as Jain temple by locals. However, the temple is being encroached upon and overflow of drainage in the area is spoiling its sanctity. Being a land, people are gradually occupying the land, says a&nsbsp; resident of the area, C Virappan, also a retired Hindi teacher, who has petitioned the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to bring this ancient site under its protection.