Kunthunathar Jain Temple, Karanthai, Thiruvannamalai
Kunthunathar
Jain Temple is located at Karanthai Village in Thiruvannamalai District of
Tamilnadu. Karanthai Village is located at about 21 Kms from Kanchipuram. It is
believed to build in the 9th Century AD. This place was called as
Munigiri, as many ascetics and celibacies lived in this holy place. The various
shrines and porches of this elegant temple are built in different centuries.
The east
facing Jinalaya consists of entranceway crowned by three tiered tower with shikhara
and five Kalashas and high wall surrounds the complex. Main sanctum comprises
of Lime mortar sculpture of Shri Kunthunathar, in gold colour with eight
features of Jinar resides on a plinth and figurines of Indira, devas, Shamaradharis
are fitted on the interior wall of hollow vimana. It has closed inner corridor
with two walls.
Then an Arthamandapam,
on the entranceway Yaksha Gandharva and Yakshi Jaya are engraved on the wall.
This chamber was built in the 9th century AD; a stone inscription is
there to attest this. The Mahamandapam and the Mugamandapam were built in the
12th Century AD. The Portico has two side staircases. A Dwajasthambam
pillar and an altar are established. The pillars were ornamented and engraved
sculptures at the bottom.
An
inscription refers that this Jinalaya was called as Veera Rajendra Palli. All
the metal idols of important Thirthankars, Navadevatha, Yaksha and Yakshis are
stored in safe chamber. A Santhi Porch, Shri Mahaveerar shrine and Shri Brahmadevar
shrine is located on the southern side. Initially the Mahaveerar sanctum was on
the plain, and then it was mounted on a deck. It is also built on 12th
Century AD.
On the
western side, back of main sanctum wall cell, Shri Parswanathar lime mortar engraved
idol was dedicated in 9th century AD. It has a portico and few steps
to reach. North side of open the corridor, Rishabhar Thirthankar shrine with
sanctum embraces a stone idol. But the whole block was shifted from nearby
village Aalankattamalai in the 15th Century AD. It has a magnificent
look, like a back of a sleeping elephant (design).
Then in
the northern side one more shrine for Shri Kooshmandini with shikhara and Kalasha
on the top. Inside sanctum lime mortar sculpture of Shri Dharmadevi with female
Shamaradharis figurines are reside on a plinth. Another stone made idol also in
front of the deity is for daily pooja purpose.
Next on
the portico, Acharya Agalangar, ascetic footprints are on a pedestal was built
at the same time. All Jain rituals and Poojas are conducted regularly at the
appropriate times. A Pramaurchav also celebrated for 10 days annually is one of
the famous festivals in Tamilnadu.
Karanthai
Village is located at about 21 Kms from Kanchipuram. One has to travel
southwest of Kanchipuram on Kalavai Road for 19 Kms and take a turn at
Ayyangarkulam and travel for another 2 Kms to reach this place. It is located
at about 47 Kms from Vandavasi and 44 Kms from Arani. Nearest Railway Station
is located at Kanchipuram and Nearest Airport is located Chennai.
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