Adhinathar Jain Temple, Kunnathur, Thiruvannamalai
Adhinathar
Jain Temple is located at Kunnathur Village in Thiruvannamalai District of
Tamilnadu. Kunnathur is a small village about 2 kms from Polur in the Arani
road in Thiruvannamalai district. It was called as Rajagambira Nallur during Sambuvarayar
period and Kundrathur then Kunnathur now. Under the rule of Devarayar II,
during 1441 AD, a beautiful Jinalaya was built by the native Jains dedicated to Shri
Adhinathar Thirthankar in the village. Then it was under the patronage of Arcot
Nawab.
The
small Jinalaya consists of Garbagriha, Antaralam and Prayer Mandapam. The
temple is surrounded by compound wall. Shri Adhinathar, black stone plate
carving has eight feature of Samavasarana Jinar, having no Lanchan at the
bottom, denotes as old sculpture, and was established on the vedi-dais. The
garbagriha is crowned by small vimanam comprises of Thirthankar statues in
sitting posture, on each directions. Lions mortar idol are placed at the corner
of the statues.
A small
altar is also in the front porch. The Temple is completely renovated now. All
Jain poojas and rituals are conducted regularly. The nearby Hindu people also
participate in the temple festivals. The Temple is located at about 25 kms
from Arani, 28 kms from Chetpet and 37 kms from Thiruvannamalai. Nearest
Railway Station is located at Thiruvannamalai and Nearest Airport is located at
Chennai.
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