Ennayira Malai (Ancient Jain cave, beds and
inscriptions), Ennayiram
Another attractive feature of this village is the
presence of Ennayira malai or Ennayiram hill with Jain cave and beds, which is
now called as Koodalur hill. The 23rd Thirthankarar of Jainism, Parshavanathar,
was nicely carved on the rock. There are 35 stone beds, a natural cave and five
Tamil inscriptions.
Among the five inscriptions, one belongs to the period
of the Pallava king
Nirubathunga Varman (850 to 882 CE), while the remaining four belong to the
period of Chola King Parantaka
Chola I (907 to 953 CE). Near the hill, broken black and red
painted pots from 1st to 2nd centuries CE were found in large numbers.
Ennayiram Malai is located 3 kms from the
Villupuram- Gingee road at Mattaparai turn to S.Kunthur village near Gudalore. It
is also called as Ivar malai and Panchapandavar malai. It has historical
importance for Jain beds and Cavern temple, identified as 9th Century AD
or before.
Approximately 100 feet height and long wide rock has
more than 35 stone Jain beds, had been lived by Jain sadhus in ancient
times. They preached the Jain principles and also treat the ailments of
the people of the surrounding villages. It is evidenced by the stone-seats and
medical-pits, used for gridding herbals, on the surfaces of the rock.
Five stone inscriptions belong to 9th Century AD i.e
the period of King Paranthaka Chola is there. It reveals that some
subsidies are granted for lighting to the nearby temples during that
time. In olden days the holy place is called as Senthamangalam (in
Panaiyur administration). So the cavern and the stone beds are carved
before the period of inscriptions.
An engraved Statue of Shri Parshwanathar, the 23rd Thirthankar,
in a standing posture on a lotus with five-headed snake above the head and Shri
Dharanendhar, Yakshan on right side, having a 9th century
fashion; on one of a rock facing south with roof of a crowned rock that
is supported by another one in front. Wonderfully, they made a shelter to that
place. In front of the Shri Parshwanathar statue the Jain monks has been
done the worshipping and meditations.
Shri Lakshmisena Swamiji and Shri Dhavalakeerthy Swamiji
and several donors / volunteers took effort for promoting this holy place. They
covered the Statues with iron grill and paved flooring in front of that rock.
Raising steps from the bottom to the cavern also constructed for easy
approach to the holy place. And, also, mud-road was paved from the
village to hill.
Frequent visit to the place will preserve the old
monuments and prevent the use for evil purposes by some miscreant.
Local Contact: Mr. Rajendran. Mobile: +919488456327