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during the Cola times. The Cola queen Kundavai was credited with the commissioning of two Jain temples, one at Dadapuram and the other one at Tirumalai. The former could not withstand the ravages of time and had disappeared completely, but, the Tirumalai one which stands at the foot of the hill, has undergone extensive renovations and repairs over a period of time. However, the pillars of the interior mandapa and the original image of Neminatha bear the best of Cola workmanship. During the same period, the neighboring rock-shelter was commissioned to carve exquisite relief represented by Ambika, Bāhubali, Adinātha and Pārsvanatha. By the twelfth century, a colossal image of Neminatha, who is locally known as Sikhamaninatha, was carved measuring sixteen feet in height. The later temple dedicated to Mahāvīra was constructed within the complex.
Presently, there is only two or three Jain families in Thirumalai.
Tirupanamoor is 19 km from Kanchi and 20 km from Cheyyar. It is an ancient Jain village boasting a 14th century temple which is dedicated to Tīrthankara Puspadantha. According to an inscription, the village is well connected with ācārya Akalanka, whose picture is found in the Kunthunatha temple of Karanti.'
Akalnaka's association with this village is illustrated by his foot-prints in the mandapa located on the bank of the local tank. An annual float festival is an highlighted activity of the Jains here. More over, the village boasts of the births of two celebrated Jain saints - Dharmasagar and Sudharmasagar.
Veliyanallur is an ancient village about 5 km east of Cheyyar, and has 30 Jain families. The ancient temple is dedicated Mahāvīra.
Vangaram is located at about 8 km southwest of Wandawasi and lies close to Ponnur hills. It has a recent Jain temple built over 120 years ago. The temple is dedicated to Rsabha. The Jain population is about 30 families.
Vellai is located 6 km southwest of Cheyyar. It has a temple dedicated to Rşabha and is about 170 years old. There are about 11 Jain families.
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| SR No. | 524017 |
| Book Title | Jinamanjari 1998 04 No 17 |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Jinamanjari |
| Publisher | Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication |
| Publication Year | 1998 |
| Total Pages | 96 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Magazine, Canada_Jinamanjari, & Canada |
| File Size | 6 MB |