Saturday, May 21, 2016

Adhinathar Jain Temple, Arani Palayam, Thiruvannamalai

Adhinathar Jain Temple, Arani Palayam, Thiruvannamalai
Jain Temple in Arani Palayam was said to have built during the last 200 years or so. Jain Devotees of various places in Tamil Nadu will come to this place regularly during the auspicious ceremony days. Aranipalaiyam is a part area of Arani town.



There is an ancient temple in the Dharmaraja Street but the huge one is in degenerated and depreciated condition. So the natives had been decided to construct a new Jinalaya in less maintenance in the same lane. But it has all essential aspects of Jain temples.




The Temple
Inside the sanctum Shri Adhinathar, rectangular granite plate carving with all features of Jinar, was established on a plinth. The fine polished statue has a beautiful vimana on the top. The vimana has four Thirthankars, in the sitting posture, seated on each direction and also shikhara with kalasha on the peak. 




Next to sanctum, metal idols of Thirthankars, Yaksha, and Yakshi are arranged on a platform along the passage. In the front porch have two curved box structure with Shri Brahmadevar and Shri Kooshmandini, stone idols are established. The whole block is secured tightly by iron grills.




And a separate shrine was constructed for Shri Padmavathy in the open corridor. An altar is also in the corridor. North entrance way was attached with all-round wall.




The compact and nice Jinalaya was well maintained and all the Jain poojas and rituals are conducted in the appropriate times. 




Special 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 Karthika
Fastings
Fastings and other religious practices are also undertaken at this Jain Math like Full moon days Chaturdasi (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
Shri Adhinathar Jain Temple
Arani Palayam, Arani Taluk,
Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu
Mobile:  +91 9442424001
Connectivity
By Bus:
Jain Temple in Arani Palayam of Arani Taluk is well connected by Road to all places in Tamil Nadu. This Jain Temple in Arani Palayam is 60 km away from Thiruvannamalai District and can be reached by buses or private taxis.
By Train:
Nearest Railway Station is Arni Road Railway Station located at Kalambur, which is 10 km away from Jain Temple in Arani Palayam. This Jain Temple in Arani Palayam can be reached from Arni Road Railway Station by Private taxis or buses.
By Air:
Nearest airport is Chennai Airport, which is 133 km away from Arni. Jain Temple in Arani Palayam of Arni Taluk can be reached from Chennai Airport by private taxis or buses.