Sri Mahaveerar Jain Temple, Kattumalaiyanur,
Thiruvannamalai
Sri
Mahaveer Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk of Thiruvannamalai District was
believed to be constructed before 200 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 belong to 15th Century AD. Sri Mahaveer
Jain Temple located in Thiruvannamalai Taluk Town is surrounded by excellent
greenery and peaceful environment.
The
Temple
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 five hundred 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.
Poojas &
Festivals
The
following festivals and special poojas are conducted in Jain Temples;
· Akshaya
Tritiya commemorates the first Tirthankara, Rishabha, and partaking food after
many long years of penance
·
Jinaratri
commemorates Rishabha’s moksha
·
Mahavir
Jayanti celebrates Tirthankara Mahavira’s birth
·
Diwali
commemorates Mahavira’s moksha
·
Vasanta
Panchami honors the Jain Agamas
· Upaakarma
commemorates the Chakravartin Bharata, son of Rishabha, acknowledge the true
scholars by awarding them the Upanayanam
·
Karthikai
Deepam at the onset of the month of Karthikai
Fastings
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.
Contact
Sri
Mahaveer Jain Temple,
Thiruvannamalai
Taluk,
Thiruvannamalai
District,
Tamil
Nadu 606755
Route
Tindivanam→
Gingee → Pennathur → Karungalikuppam → Kattumalaiyanur = 65 kms.
Kanchipuram
→ Vandavasi → Chetpet → Pennathur → Karungalikuppam → Kattumalaiyanur
= 112 kms.
Villupuram→
Vettavalam road→ (before) Konalur
right turn→ Kattumalaiyanur = 53 kms.
Thiruvannamalai→
Villupuram road → Konalur (after) left turn → Kattumalaiyanur = 19 kms.
Gingee →
Pennathur → Karungalikuppam → Kattumalaiyanur = 34 kms.
Connectivity
By Bus:
Sri
Mahaveer Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk is well connected by road from
all places in Tamil Nadu. This Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk is 20 km
away from Thiruvannamalai Town. One can reach Sri Mahaveer Jain Temple in
Thiruvannamalai Taluk by private taxis or buses from Thiruvannamalai Town.
By Train:
Nearest
Railway Station is Thiruvannamalai Railway Station, which is 20 km away from
Sri Mahaveer Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk. One can reach the Sri
Mahaveer Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk by Private taxis or buses from
Tindivanam Railway Station.
By Air:
Nearest
airport is Chennai International Airport, which is 164 km away from Sri
Mahaveer Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk. One can reach Sri Mahaveer Jain
Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk by private taxis or buses from Airport.
References