Kattumalaiyanur Sri Mahaveerar Jain Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Thiruvannamalai Taluk,

Thiruvannamalai District,

Tamil Nadu 606755

Moolavar

Sri Mahaveerar

Introduction

Sri Mahaveer Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk of Thiruvannamalai District was believed to be constructed before 1000 years ago. This temple is located near Kattumalaiyanur Village of Thiruvannamalai Taluk Town. Here one can see the Idol of Mahaveer, the 24th and the Last Thirthankars of Jainism in India carved on a Marble Stone.

Puranic Significance

Kattumalaiyanur is a hamlet at a distance of 17 kms from Thiruvannamalai in the Vettavalam road. Despite the Jains are in single digit number, they have constructed a beautiful Jinalaya in the last century and dedicated to Shri Mahaveer Jinar. But they are worshipping a thousand years old Jinar statue in the Jinalaya. The mutilated no-lanchan Thirthankar sculpture was brought from the nearby river bed. The Jinalaya has an opening on east side and surrounded by compound wall. A small Kudakarai with iron grill gate and an altar in the open corridor were visible while entering the temple. The top of the main block has Shri Parshwanathar idol in a gallery and two lion specimens at the corner.

The rectangular vedi-block was bifurcated by sanctum and a pavilion. Inside the sanctum sanctorum Shri Mahaveerar stone plate, latest carvings, was installed on plinth. It has tri-umbrella canopy, Yazhi with circular ornamental top edge carvings and two whisk maids on either side of the deity. A lion with thick mane is etched as lanchan at the bottom. A simple Vimanam has Shikhara, padmam and Kalasha is crowned on the top. Four Jinar mortar images in sitting posture are decorated along the griva section. A paved open corridor is surrounds the temple. However very few Jains are living; the poojas, rituals and festivals are conducted regularly.

Festivals

Fastings and other religious practices are also undertaken at this Jain Math like Full moon days Chaturdashi (14th day of the fortnight), Ashtami (8th day of the fortnight) are days chosen for fasting and religious observations. Women take food only after reciting the name of a Tirthankara five times. People undertake such practices as a vow for certain period of time – sometimes even for years. On completion, Udhyapana festivals (special prayer services) are performed religious books and memorabilia are distributed. People who take certain vows eat only after sunrise and before sunset.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2016/03/sri-mahaveerar-jain-temple.html