Sri Idayamadam jain temple, Thondi

Address

Sri Idayamadam jain temple Muthukuda Rd, Marungur, Thondi, Tamil Nadu 623406

Diety

Parshavanath

Introduction

A ninth century Jain temple with sculptures and bas relief image of ‘Parshavanath’ has been discovered at Idaiyamadam in SP Pattinam, between Mimisal and Thondi, by the Ramanathapuram Archaeological and Historical Conservation Centre.. It is in a forest of ‘kaattukaruvai’ trees. The temple has three composite parts – a sanctum sanctorum, mandapam and a flag post, all in ruins.The sculptures and the ‘Parshavanath’ image indicated that it was a ninth century structure. The Parshvanath carved out on stone on the wall with 27 cm by 17 cm frame was similar to one found in Pechipallam, near Keelakuyilkudi. This pointed to the temple possibly dating back to the ninth century, he says. Local people told that they had seen an idol (Thirtankara) in the sanctum sanctorum of the 9th century temple, and that it had gone missing four years ago. The sanctum has a flat roof with no ‘vimana’, resembling the Pandya style of architecture. There was an image of Sidda Chakra, sculpted on the outside wall.