Thirunarungondai (Thirunarungundram), Villupuram
Thirunarungundram is a town located in Villupuram
district of Tamil Nadu at a distance of 160 kms from Chennai city.
Thirunarungundram Appandai Nadhar temple is situated
between Ulundurpet – Thiruvennainallur near kalamarudhur. This temple is one of
the oldest Tamil Jain temples. The Appandai Nadhar is sculptured in the rock
inside the cave. The Moola gopuram is built on top of the same rock.
Thirunarungundram is one of the important sacred Jain centers
situated 16 km north – west of Ulundurpet and 21 km east of Thirukkoilur, in Villupuram
District of Tamil
Nadu. This unpolluted village is blessed with numerous
trees, extensive green lands and hillocks.
Hillock at the village contains a Jaina cave and two temples
dedicated to Parsvanatha and Chandraprabha. Cave served as the monastery
of the monks of Virasangha in the 8th - 9th century A.D.
Rich collection of bronze images found in the
temple. Annual festival (Jan-Feb) celebrated on a grand scale and attended
by Jains from all over Tamilnadu.
