Jain Journal 1991 10

SR No.: 520104
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1991
Total Pages: 58
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

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Jayavira perilamaiyan could have been a monk or an official looking after the temple and the monastery at Kayampatti. The temple seems to have been built by the members of the Tisai Ayirattu-Ainurruvar, a merchant guild of the medievel period, as its name indicates. It may be said in this connection that mercantile groups like Nagarattar, Narpattennayiravar, Ainurruvar etc., had made liberal contributions to many of the Jaina temples in Tamilnadu.
11. Annavasal
Annavasal, a hamlet near Sittannavasal, was also a Jaina centre in ancient time. Though the Jaina temple of the village has disappeared incourse of time, two images representing a Tirthankara are found on the western side of the local tank. The first is a headless one, shown seated on a pedestal in dhyāna posture, flanked on either side by flywhisk bearers and surmounted by scroll design. The other image, said to be of Mahavira, possesses almost identical features of the former icon, but smaller in size,87
JAIN JOURNAL
12. Kannangudi
A fine sculpture of Mahavira is reported to have come from the village Kannangudi. The Tirthankara is seen seated on a simhasana in yoga posture. Decorative features like the semicircular prabhāvalī, creeper design and triple umbrellas are beautifully depicted in this bas-relief. The contemplative calmness of the face, the half-closed eyes suggesting dhyana, broad shoulders, the sturdiness of the torso etc., exhibit the style of the 11th century A. D.98 But unfortunately its lips, lower part of the chin and the right palm are partially damaged. (fig. 4)
13. Sempattur
Sempattur, a village 2 kms away from Puttambur, had a Jaina temple built by the side of the local tank called Palliyurani. The structure got dilapidated due to the passage of time and many of the stone blocks from this ruined edifice had been used in the construction of the Chokkanachchiyar shrine at Puteambur. Besides, three of the
37 MPS, p. 1018
38 C. Sivaramamurti, op. cit., pl. 62