Chandraprabha Nathar Jain Temple, Kilsathamangalam,
Vandavasi, Thiruvannamalai
Chandraprabha
Nathar Jain Temple is located at Kilsathamangalam Village near Vandavasi in
Thiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu. This Temple is located at about 4 Kms
from Vandavasi on Chetpet – Thindivanam Route. There was reference to a Jain
Temple located in this village before 745 AD, in the inscriptions located on
the Perumal Rock near this Temple.
A
subsidy was granted by the then Pallava king Nandi Varman for the maintenance
of the temple and in AD 876 another grant was served for repair work done in
the Jinalaya. Later in the Chola regime; they adorn the temple and named as
Vimala Shri Arya Thirthapalli. It has a separate Shri Dharmadevi goddess shrine;
it is a unique during that period. Since the design is adopted by all the
temples afterwards.
Moolavar
is Shri Chandraprabha Nathar, white marble statue fully engraved, and in the
sitting posture resides upon a plinth under a decorated vimana. In front, bifurcated
chamber houses the Stone Idol of Shri Chandranathar. On both side of the Arthamandapam
all the metal idols, like important Thirthankars, Navadevatha, Panchaparameshti,
24 Thirthankars cluster, and Navagraha Thirthankars are arranged beautifully.
And the Mahamandapam was protected by iron grill and doors.
There is
a Mugamandapam at the courtyard corridor level. A three tier Vimana crowned
over the sanctum with 24 Thirthankar statues, six numbers on each side. The
Vimana is very tall than the height of Manasthampam and it is a unique feature.
Thought the vedi block of the temple facing east, the entranceway is on the
southern side. A tower with Thirthankar statues in sitting posture of 5 tiers
with five Kalashas is built upon it in recent years.
The open
corridor of the temple was surrounded by high wall. An altar and a stone
pillar of Manasthampam with four Thirthankar engravings are located on four
directions in top and bottom of it. On the north side of corridor Sammed
sigarji miniature layout, Shri Jwalamalini, Shri Kooshmandini, and Shri
Padmavathy and Navagraha Thirthankar shrine are also located.
Daily
pooja, Nantheeswara pooja, special pooja and rituals are conducted regularly.
Akshaya thirithiyai Urchavam for Shri Rishbadev and Audi Friday festival for
Shri Jwalamalini and Shri Padmavathi is celebrated annually.
This
Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Vandavasi on Chetpet – Thindivanam Route.
The Temple is located at about 36 Kms from Thindivanam, 45 Kms from Arani and
45 Kms from Kanchipuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Thindivanam and
Nearest Airport is located at Chennai.
References
