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Sunday, February 12, 2017

Chandraprabha Nathar Jain Temple, Kilsathamangalam, Vandavasi, Thiruvannamalai

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.
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