Parswanathar Jain Temple, Vengundram, Thiruvannamalai
Parswanathar
Jain Temple is located at Vengundram Village in Thiruvannamalai District of
Tamilnadu. Vengundram is situated very near to Vandavasi towards north. A
hillock Thavalagiri Alias Vengundram lies in the locality. The hamlet has got
ancient Jinalaya built by the natives after the period of Salukkai Jinalaya,
the nearby 11th century Jain Palli. In the yesteryears many Jain
ascetics had been lived in the caves of the hill. They wrote many religious
books in the name of Thavalam.
Originally
the temple was dedicated to Shri Neminathar subsequently it was dedicated to
Shri Parswanathar. The Temple follows Chola architectural style. Jinalaya has
east facing Vedi-block and North facing entrance-gate with a tower on the top.
It got all features like Sanctum, passage, Arthamandapam, Mahamandapam, Mugamandapam
and three pavilions in the open corridor.
North side
of Mahamandapam pavilion got a Shrine with Shri Kooshmandini stone statue in
sitting posture. Two Dwalabalagars stone statues in standing posture are
located in the pedestal and are located on either side of the aisle in Mugamandapam
section. At front a Manasthampam of moderate height with four different Jinar
bas relief at the bottom and four at the top of Mini-vimana and an altar were
also located.
The
entrance, lean-structured three-tier, tower got legendary features from Adhitanam
to sthupi like Sala, Karnakoot, Kapothas, Padmam, Mahanasi and five Kalashas on
the top. Six Jinar mortar idols in sitting postures are along every tier. And
supporting idols and Kandarvas also decorated around the tower. The sanctum got
a marvelous Shri Parshwa Jinar; white marble absolute-carving, sculpture was
installed on a plinth.
A nine
headed snake in dilapidated state is canopied the head of the Jinar. At the
back end of the Arthamandapam daily pooja platform consists of metal idol 24
Thirthankar copper mold with brass prabhai and a black stone plate (rare model)
Shri Parshwanathar flanked by two Ganadhars and the bottom pedestal has Yakshi,
Yakshas, Indira and devars. And the Ashtamangala specimens are arranged on a
separate stand.
The
womb-chamber is crowned by a sleek two-tier Vimana with Padmam and a Kalasha on
the peak. Four Jinar mortar statues are in standing posture at the bottom stage
and in sitting state at the top tier along four directions. Also other
Supporting idols are also exhibited on all direction of the traditional Vimana. In
front of main entrance a pavilion is secured with tight grill doors.
Inside
all metal idols of Thirthankars with prabhas, Rathanathraya, Shruthaskanth,
Meru and some Yaksha, Yakshis are preserved on a platform. At the center of
pedestal Shri Dharanendrar and Shri Padmavathy metal idols are placed. On
either side pedestal granite statues of Shri Brahmadevar and Navadevatha stone
plate are seated. A small altar is also in the opening of the corridor.
On the
north-east, 16 pillar pavilions was converted into two shrine room. One is for
Shri Padmavathy Devi, stone statue with five headed snake on its back and
another is for Navagraha stone idols platform. A Kalasha pavilion at the east
side of the complex has an old Shri Rishabha Devar stone plate carvings, in
triangular shape, is a unique model; might belong to 5 - 7th
Century AD. It is believed to be taken from the village near Vandavasi town.
Regular
poojas and rituals are conducted at the appropriate time. All Jain festivals
are celebrated on the relevant dates. Vengundram is situated very near to
Vandavasi towards north. It is located at about 41 Kms from Kanchipuram and 82
Kms from Thiruvannamalai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Kanchipuram and
Nearest Airport is located at Chennai.
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