Jain Temple, Chettipatti, Pudukottai

Jain Temple, Chettipatti, Pudukottai

Jain Temple is a dilapidated ancient Jain Temple located in Chettipatti Village in Kulathur Taluk in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu, India. This temple is locally called Vattikoil. Chettipatti is also known as Samanar Kundu. Chettipatti was a flourishing medieval Jain center.

History

This temple is believed to be built in 7^th century CE. An inscription dated in 10^th century can be seen on the basement of this ruined temple. It records names of two persons namely Dayapaiar and Vadiraya as two disciples of Matisagaracarya. It might be inferred that Matisagaracarya was the principal monk looking after the administration of the temple.

The Temple

The temple is completely in ruins. Only, the base structure remains intact. The other components of the temple were completely lost to the vagaries of time. The temple might have consisted of sanctum and mandapa. Both these structures might have been enclosed by a prakara wall. Sculptures of Mahavira, Parsvanatha and chauri-bearers which once adorned the niches of the temple can be seen in the temple premises.

There are two pillars with a lion base that might have supported the roof of the mandapa can be found in the temple premises. Some of the notable sculptures found in the temple premises are Mahavira and head of Parsvanatha. There are also three partially carved individual sculptures of chauri-bearers and lion, the mount of Ambika Yakshi can be seen among the ruins.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Sooriyur Bus Stop, 13 Kms from Keeranur Railway Station, 15 Kms from Thuvakudi, 17 Kms from Kulathur, 20 Kms from Trichy Airport, 29 Kms from Trichy and 39 Kms from Pudukkottai. The temple is situated at about 4 Kms to the east of Sooriyur Bus Stop on the Kulathur to Thuvakudi route.

Location