Shri Adhinathar Jain Temple, Kolappalur,
Thiruvannamalai
The
ancient Jain temple is located in Kolappalur, Thiruvannamalai district of Tamil
Nadu. This Jinalaya is dedicated to Lord Adinathar Swamy.
History
Kolappalur
is a village which is located at about 12 Kms from Chetpet in the Arni road and
takes a diversion at the branch road towards east. Many Jain families had been
living in this place from ancient times. So they built a Jinalaya and dedicated
to Shri Adhinathar before 14th century AD. The antiquity of the temple is
known by a stone inscription incised in the outside wall, belongs to King
Sambuvarayar ruling time. And no-Lanchan carving of main deity stone idol also
a very old art design.
Temple
Architecture
Opposite
to Jinalaya a standing rounded pillar is called as Deepakkal, which was used
for lighting purpose during the festival time, like Karthigai Deepam. An Ahimsa
flag mast is erected adjacent to that. East facing entranceway (Kudavarai) is
isolated because the attached compound wall was demolished recently.
Shri Adinatha
Thirthankar, a stone plate with eight features carving, is installed upon a
plinth. A three tiered Vimanam is covered over it. Thirthankar mortar idols are
in meditative posture along with Chamara maids at the bottom, without maids in
the middle, in standing posture at the top of Griva portion.
The ardhamandapam
chamber consists of daily pooja dais at the center, on either side stepped
platforms have metal Idols like Shri Parshwanathar, other Thirthankar for
special pooja purposes, Navadevatha, Mahameru, Pancha Parameshti, Rathnathraya
Jinars, Yaksh, Yakshies are arranged upon.
A Brahmma
Yakshan stone statue having Thirthankar on the head placed at south and Shri
Kooshmandini idol at north over a pedestal individually in the pavilion. Bhagawan
Bahubali in standing state with bunch of hair and also a Chadurmugi model Vimanam
are placed. The chamber is secured by collapsible iron-gate.
A
Mahamandapam porch also fitted with grill and doors securely. It has Stone idol
of two Thirthankars granite carvings, (one was taken from nearby village and
another from the river), and Bhagawan Bahubali in standing state with bunch of
hair (a unique design) and also a Chadurmugi model vimanam are placed. A
separate shrine chamber without god can also be found in the premises.
Poojas &
Festivals
All
poojas, daily, quarterly and annually has been conducted recurrently. Apart
from that, an Urchavam for Shri Adhinathar Urchava Murthi, with street
procession, also celebrated on Akshayathrithiyai day and the third day of Thai
month every year.
Fasting
Fasting
and other religious practices are also undertaken at this Jain Math like Full
moon days, Chaturdasi, Ashtami are the 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. On completion, Udhyapana festivals are performed. Religious books and
memorabilia are distributed. People who take certain vows eat only after
sunrise and before Sunset.
Contact
Shri
Adinathar Jain Temple,
Periya Kolappalur,
Thiruvannamalai
district, Tamilnadu
Connectivity
Periya
Kozhappalur is located exactly 2 kilometers east from the state highway SH-4 in
between Arani and Chetpet, 14.2 km from Arani, 40 km distance from
Vandavasi, 10.8 km from its Taluk Main Town Chetpet. Kolappalur is
47 km from its District Main City Thiruvannamalai. It is 132 km far
from its State Main City Chennai.
By Road:
Bus
services are available from all major places in Tamil Nadu. Nearest town is Arani
which is 14 kms away from Shri Adinathar Jain Temple.
By Train:
Nearest
railway station to Shri Adinathar Jain Temple is Arani Railway Station which is
14 kms away. Bus and auto services are available to access the Jinalaya.
By Air:
Nearest
airport to Shri Adinathar Jain Temple is Chennai Airport which is 132 km away.
References