Jaina Archaeological Heritage of Tamilnadu

SR No.: 006578
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: A Ekambarnathan
Publisher: Bharat Varshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha
Publication Year: 2005
Total Pages: 178
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 24 MB

Page 102

PROTECTED JAINA MONUMENTS 101
art materials, by way of records, carvings and paintings, dating from the Rastrakuta times to the late Vijayanagar period. The hill is called Vaigaimalai, presumably from the name Vaigavur to the Jaina village at the foot of the hill. Even works like that of the building a sluice to the tank nearby was done at the times of Rajaraja I, by a certain Gunavirama munivan, and was named after his teacher Ganisekhara maruporchurian. (golden Surya Ganisekhara). Another record of the time of Rajendra Chola dated in his 12th year records gift to the temple called Kundavai Jinalaya, apparently named after Rajaraja's sister and thus of his time itself. Inscriptions of different periods engraved here give ample information of the endowments that were made to this temple. Even renovation works carried out in this temple are mentioned here.
The remains on the hill comprise a large monolithic image of Neminatha on the hill top and a series of caverns converted into abodes, with paintings of various geometrical and other designs. Besides these, of the two structural temples, one of them, with an intact gopura entrance, at the lowest length, has painted panel scenes displayed in the sanctum on the drum-like circular zone above the wall proper and at the base of the sikhara shell. These two temples dedicated to Vardhamana and Neminatha respectively are typical southern vimana types of the later Chola and early Vijayanagara period respectively. A large prakara wall skirts the whole complex at the foot of the hill. The Vardhamana temple rises in tritala with a circular grive and sikhara at the top. The interior plan is that of grabhagriha, ardhamandapa, mahamandapa all closed and an open mukhamandapa with a common flat roof terrace.