Saturday, April 23, 2016

Shri Adhinathar Jain Temple, Kolappalur, Thiruvannamalai

Shri Adhinathar Jain Temple, Kolappalur, Thiruvannamalai
The ancient Jain temple is located in Kolappalur, Thiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu. This Jinalaya is dedicated to Lord Adinathar Swamy.




History
Kolappalur is a village which is located at about 12 Kms from Chetpet in the Arni road and takes a diversion at the branch road towards east. Many Jain families had been living in this place from ancient times. So they built a Jinalaya and dedicated to Shri Adhinathar before 14th century AD. The antiquity of the temple is known by a stone inscription incised in the outside wall, belongs to King Sambuvarayar ruling time. And no-Lanchan carving of main deity stone idol also a very old art design.



Temple Architecture
Opposite to Jinalaya a standing rounded pillar is called as Deepakkal, which was used for lighting purpose during the festival time, like Karthigai Deepam. An Ahimsa flag mast is erected adjacent to that. East facing entranceway (Kudavarai) is isolated because the attached compound wall was demolished recently.




Shri Adinatha Thirthankar, a stone plate with eight features carving, is installed upon a plinth. A three tiered Vimanam is covered over it. Thirthankar mortar idols are in meditative posture along with Chamara maids at the bottom, without maids in the middle, in standing posture at the top of Griva portion.



The ardhamandapam chamber consists of daily pooja dais at the center, on either side stepped platforms have metal Idols like Shri Parshwanathar, other Thirthankar for special pooja purposes, Navadevatha, Mahameru, Pancha Parameshti, Rathnathraya Jinars, Yaksh, Yakshies are arranged upon.




A Brahmma Yakshan stone statue having Thirthankar on the head placed at south and Shri Kooshmandini idol at north over a pedestal individually in the pavilion. Bhagawan Bahubali in standing state with bunch of hair and also a Chadurmugi model Vimanam are placed. The chamber is secured by collapsible iron-gate.




A Mahamandapam porch also fitted with grill and doors securely. It has Stone idol of two Thirthankars granite carvings, (one was taken from nearby village and another from the river), and Bhagawan Bahubali in standing state with bunch of hair (a unique design) and also a Chadurmugi model vimanam are placed. A separate shrine chamber without god can also be found in the premises.




Poojas & Festivals
All poojas, daily, quarterly and annually has been conducted recurrently. Apart from that, an Urchavam for Shri Adhinathar Urchava Murthi, with street procession, also celebrated on Akshayathrithiyai day and the third day of Thai month every year.
Fasting
Fasting and other religious practices are also undertaken at this Jain Math like Full moon days, Chaturdasi, Ashtami are the 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. On completion, Udhyapana festivals are performed. Religious books and memorabilia are distributed. People who take certain vows eat only after sunrise and before Sunset.
Contact
Shri Adinathar Jain Temple,
Periya Kolappalur,
Thiruvannamalai district, Tamilnadu
Connectivity
Periya Kozhappalur is located exactly 2 kilometers east from the state highway SH-4 in between Arani and Chetpet, 14.2 km from Arani, 40 km distance from Vandavasi, 10.8 km from its Taluk Main Town Chetpet. Kolappalur is 47 km from its District Main City Thiruvannamalai. It is 132 km far from its State Main City Chennai. 
By Road:
Bus services are available from all major places in Tamil Nadu. Nearest town is Arani which is 14 kms away from Shri Adinathar Jain Temple.
By Train:
Nearest railway station to Shri Adinathar Jain Temple is Arani Railway Station which is 14 kms away. Bus and auto services are available to access the Jinalaya.
By Air:
Nearest airport to Shri Adinathar Jain Temple is Chennai Airport which is 132 km away.
References