Shri Arugar Cavern Temple, Thiyagadurgam, Villupuram
Thiyagadurgam is a panchayat town near to Kallakurichi and
23 Kms from Ulundurpet in Villupuram district. At the centre of the town a
small range of mountain called as Thiyadurgam range. Moreover it is in small
range but it has more rocks. At the moderate height and beneath of a
huge rock a natural cavern with canopied by another rock.
Before 7th Century AD Jain saints had been living
there. In the 9th Century AD a Thirthankar idol and Shri
Kooshmandini idol were installed by the living Jains during the period. Now no Jains
are there. But the Hindus in the town are worshipping the idols without making
any changes on its original carvings.
Daily poojas and offerings are made with help of Hindu
priest (Mr.Saminatha kurukkal). Broad and paved footsteps with hand walls are
constructed to reach the cavern temple with the donations offered by the local
devotees. They called as Mamalai Amman temple, which has two shrines on the way
to reach, one is Shri Vinayagar and Shri Ayyappan is another.
The no lanchan Jinar statue was carved on a stretched
triangular shape granite stone. It got singathana at the bottom with lotus
podium, two whisks deep-drawings, Prabha with burns and tri-umbrella above the
head. The design belongs to 6-7th century AD fashion because no
ornamental designs on it.
Another Shri Kooshmandini having three bends on its
standing posture. A simple crown, ear studs, close neck ornament, bangles and
thandai were carved. It also influences the same period design. Apart from
two girl children, one servant maid and arecanut tree on the back witnessed as
Shri Dharmadevi. Additionally a male figure with food vessel also engraved on
it. So they are calling as Annapoorani matha. (The male figure carving is
missing afterwards.)
Inside the cavern glazed tiles are paved on the walls
and floorings. It secured tightly by tow iron grill gates. Either side of
the entry two demi-goddess statues is exhibited in standing posture. Regular
poojas are conducted with help of the devotees in the surroundings.
Every Jains must visit the place for worshipping the
legend Jain idols without alterations.