Saturday, March 26, 2016

Sri Mahaveerar Jain Temple, Kattumalaiyanur, Thiruvannamalai

Sri Mahaveerar Jain Temple, Kattumalaiyanur, Thiruvannamalai
Sri Mahaveer Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk of Thiruvannamalai District was believed to be constructed before 200 years ago. This temple is located near Kattumalaiyanur Village of Thiruvannamalai Taluk Town. Here one can see the Idol of Mahaveer, the 24th and the Last Thirthankars of Jainism in India carved on a Marble Stone belong to 15th Century AD. Sri Mahaveer Jain Temple located in Thiruvannamalai Taluk Town is surrounded by excellent greenery and peaceful environment.




The Temple
Kattumalaiyanur is a hamlet at a distance of 17 kms from Thiruvannamalai in the Vettavalam road. Despite the Jains are in single digit number, they have constructed a beautiful Jinalaya in the last century and dedicated to Shri Mahaveer Jinar. But they are worshipping a five hundred years old Jinar statue in the Jinalaya. The mutilated no-lanchan Thirthankar sculpture was brought from the nearby river bed.






The Jinalaya has an opening on east side and surrounded by compound wall. A small Kudakarai with iron grill gate and an altar in the open corridor were visible while entering the temple. The top of the main block has Shri Parshwanathar idol in a gallery and two lion specimens at the corner. 



The rectangular vedi-block was bifurcated by sanctum and a pavilion. Inside the sanctum sanctorum Shri Mahaveerar stone plate, latest carvings, was installed on plinth. It has tri-umbrella canopy, Yazhi with circular ornamental top edge carvings and two whisk maids on either side of the deity. A lion with thick mane is etched as lanchan at the bottom.



A simple Vimanam has Shikhara, padmam and Kalasha is crowned on the top. Four Jinar mortar images in sitting posture are decorated along the griva section. A paved open corridor is surrounds the temple.
However very few Jains are living; the poojas, rituals and festivals are conducted regularly. 
Poojas & Festivals
The following festivals and special poojas are conducted in Jain Temples;
·  Akshaya Tritiya commemorates the first Tirthankara, Rishabha, and partaking food after many long years of penance
·        Jinaratri commemorates Rishabha’s moksha
·        Mahavir Jayanti celebrates Tirthankara Mahavira’s birth
·        Diwali commemorates Mahavira’s moksha
·        Vasanta Panchami honors the Jain Agamas
·   Upaakarma commemorates the Chakravartin Bharata, son of Rishabha, acknowledge the true scholars by awarding them the Upanayanam
·        Karthikai Deepam at the onset of the month of Karthikai
Fastings
Fastings and other religious practices are also undertaken at this Jain Math like Full moon days Chaturdashi (14th day of the fortnight), Ashtami (8th day of the fortnight) are days chosen for fasting and religious observations. Women take food only after reciting the name of a Tirthankara five times. People undertake such practices as a vow for certain period of time – sometimes even for years.
On completion, Udhyapana festivals (special prayer services) are performed religious books and memorabilia are distributed. People who take certain vows eat only after sunrise and before sunset.
Contact
Sri Mahaveer Jain Temple,
Thiruvannamalai Taluk,
Thiruvannamalai District,
Tamil Nadu 606755
Route
Tindivanam→ Gingee → Pennathur → Karungalikuppam → Kattumalaiyanur = 65 kms.
Kanchipuram → Vandavasi → Chetpet → Pennathur → Karungalikuppam → Kattumalaiyanur = 112 kms.
Villupuram→ Vettavalam road (before) Konalur right turn→ Kattumalaiyanur   = 53 kms.
Thiruvannamalai→ Villupuram road → Konalur (after) left turn → Kattumalaiyanur   = 19 kms.
Gingee → Pennathur → Karungalikuppam → Kattumalaiyanur = 34 kms.
Connectivity
By Bus:
Sri Mahaveer Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk is well connected by road from all places in Tamil Nadu. This Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk is 20 km away from Thiruvannamalai Town. One can reach Sri Mahaveer Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk by private taxis or buses from Thiruvannamalai Town.
By Train:
Nearest Railway Station is Thiruvannamalai Railway Station, which is 20 km away from Sri Mahaveer Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk. One can reach the Sri Mahaveer Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk by Private taxis or buses from Tindivanam Railway Station.
By Air:
Nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, which is 164 km away from Sri Mahaveer Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk. One can reach Sri Mahaveer Jain Temple in Thiruvannamalai Taluk by private taxis or buses from Airport.

References