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The Jaina Antiquary
(Vol. XIV
5. The environment of THIRUVEDIPURAM, the most ancient spot Pataliputra, can be verified fully and satisfactorily on the strength of the Tamil works, 10 which deal with information regar" ding the existence of ancient Pataliputra, in the heart of the Tamil country, from the very beginning of the Christain Era to the period of King Mahendravarman 1, who was converted from Jainism to Saiva Sect at the instance of Saint Appar, who himself was a convert from Jain religion. The Visnu temple in Thiruvendipuram has a very lofty Gopuram and large Sabhamandapam, Garbhagraham, etc, about which it is said that Muni Vyagrapad worshipped Siva under the tree of "PADARI" or Padali or Patali and since then
it
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got this name.
From Cuddalore the town of Panruti is nearly 15 miles away, which can be conveniently visited by railway train on main line. A straight road goes to THIRUVADIKAI, an ancient suberb of the city of Pataliputra, nearly 1 mile from the town of Panruti. This is a small village now a days having a most ancient temple, which originally belonged to Jain Religion. The temple is famous by the name "GUNADHAR ECCHARAM" which might have been worshipped by a great Jain Acharya GUNADHARA or GUNA. BHADRA; or the idol in the temple might have been installed by him; or the temple might have been built at his instance. Besides it, can not give a sound interpretation by calling so. The temple is under utter ruins. In the Mulagraham there is Siva Lingam of a very large size, made of black granite with shining polish and Shalunka the Yonipitham below it is very beautifully and artistically carved. There is also a Visnu image in sabhamandapam nearly 5 ft. high. The original Jain Tirthankar idol which was in the Mulagraham of the temple, on the main Vedisthanam, has been thrown away and placed just out side the temple, under the Neem tree by the side of the main-road. The image is nearly 3 ft. high in Padamasan posture. Its original pedastal and upper portion of the head and face has been damaged badly. There is no inscription and Lanchanam on the pedestal of the image, but from the artitecture it can be assigned to the Pallava time.
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10. Tamil "Periya Puranam", "Sthal Puranam", and "Thevaram Rhims" II. South Arcot District Gazettier of the Madras Government.
