Jain Journal 1969 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 50

OCTOBER, 1969
The very names Gunaveera and Kamalavahana mentioned in the temple inscriptions are reminiscent of Jaina nomenclature. The terms palli and pallicantham inscribed therein are clear proof that this was not a Hindu temple originally. The word palli even today indicates temples other than those of Hindus. Pallicantham means royal gift of lands to the deities of other religions while manyam represents the gifts made to Hindu temples.
On the pillars of the temple are the images of Jaina Tirthankaras. The image in standing pose under the hood of a five-headed serpent is Parsavanatha. The seated figure in the pillar is undoubtedly of Mahavira, for, at the bottom of the seat are seen sculptural figure of lions, the totem peculiar to this Tirthankara. Over the head of the image is the triple umbrella, one of the characteristic features of Jaina iconography. The image of a lady under the hood of a serpent is that of Padmavati. From one of the inscriptions found in the temple we can say that the temple passed into the hands of the Hindus at the time of its reconstruction and renovation in the year 696 M.E. (1520 A.D.). The archaeoligists to the Government of Kerala remark that the remmants of a large colony of Jainas are seen in the temple vicinity.
Tiruchcharanathumalai
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Tiruchcharanathumalai which means 'the hill holy to the caranars' is situated near Chithral, a village four miles north-east of Kuzhithurai. The Cudamani and Divakara Nigandus say that the word caranar represents Jaina monks. According to the Tamil Lexicon, the word means Jaina or Buddhist sages who have obtained supernatural powers. The hill was a sacred centre for all devout Jainas and thousands came yearly on pilgrimage.
The inscriptions of this place disclose that the hill was peopled by the Jainas in the ninth century A.D. so as to attract Jaina monks and pilgrims from distant places like Tirunarungondai in South Arcot district and Kudavasal in Tanjore district. They visited this hill and left votive images cut on the rock with inscriptions under each of them, giving the name and address of the donors.
The cave temple at the place is divided into three chambers. The presiding deity in padmasana posture under a triple umbrella in the central chamber is Mahavira. The nude image standing under the canopy of a hooded serpent to the left of Mahavira is Parsvanatha and on his right stands Bhagavati in the place of Padmavatidevi. It is