Theerthangarargul (Thirunathar Kundru), Gingee,
Villupuram
In olden days Gingee, in Villupuram district, was called
as Simmapurinadu. In and around the place has got rich Jain heritages. The town
is composed by three parts called Chakrapuram, Krishnapuram, and Sirukadampur.
Thirunathar Kundru rock is in the Singapuram alias Sirukadampur area. It is
about 2 kms from the centre of the town. Anciently it was a forest area.
Thirunathar Kundru has its importance due to bas-relief
work of 24 Thirthankars carvings (same is influenced in Kazhugumalai relief
work in Madurai district) and two stone inscriptions one in Tamil Brahmi and
another in Tamil letters. A Sculpture of Shri Adhinathar at the bottom in
sitting posture and Shri Mahaveerar on the top north side in Standing posture.
Tamil Brahmi inscriptions belong to 4th (or 6th)
Century scripts and reveal the event of Holiness. Chandranandhi, Jain monk has
been took Sallekhana (fastings) for 57 days before death. The next one in Tamil
letters recording the matter i.e Holiness. Elayapattarar, Jain Muni observes 30
days fasting before getting demise.
And the bas-relief sculptures are carved to commemorate
the fasting up to death of Jain monks. There are 24 Jinars carved on a big rock
forehead near the natural cave. Thirthankaras are arranged in two rows in
sitting posture. These carvings contain two kshamaras (whisks) on both side of
a Thirthankara in cross style and tri-umbrella protrudes, with limit, over each
sculpture. The unique feature of this place rarely found.
Every year nearby Jains celebrate the holy rock with
special Pooja and anointed the carvings in the month of Chithirai or Thai.
It is 2 kms north of Gingee town. The hillock on
the western side of the road has two Jaina caverns and a huge boulder
containing sculptures of all the 24 Theerthankaras 9th Century
style. It is only place where all the 24 Theerthankaras are shown in a
single large composition. The pathway leading to the caves at the ground
level has an image of Adhinathar and at the top of a figure of Mahaveerar.
References