Jain Journal 1978 04

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

Page 17

APRIL, 1978
123
is known as Dharmadevi temple. In this temple there is also a rockcut panel of lord Gommateswara (Bahubali) (9th Cent. A.D.). (Plate 5) Next to this temple on the eastern side is the way leading to what is known as Araikovil (Cellular temple). On the ceiling of this temple there are beautiful paintings. (Plate 6) Major portion of them are not clear. Some of these paintings depict Samavasarana, (Plate 7) Lokasvarupa, etc. Water-springs are seen inside. From the remains on the raised platform in one of the three rooms of this Araikovil, one may perceive a mortar idol. On the western side behind these temples lie steps leading to the top of the hills. It is here that the tallest image of Lord Neminatha stands. This image is about 161' high. (Plate 8) The image is carved on the outer surface of a big boulder. Later a mantap was built (11th Cent A.D.). (Plate 9) On the right side of this temple inscriptions are seen. This image, Jainas of this part believe, was carved out by the Panca Pandavas, when they camped at this hill, for their daily worship. (Here the author likes to point out that most of the hill dwelling places of Jaina ascetics which are usually far away from the towns or villages are commonly referred to as Panchapadava Malai and their stone beds as Pandavar Irrukkai.) According to the Sthalapuranam as found in Srisaila Mahathmium 8.000 Jaina monks once spent their cāturmāsya in this hill after migrating from Ujjain due to famine. At still higher elevation there is a small temple of Lord Parsvanatha. Near this temple there is a small spring which remains filled with the cool water throughout the year. At the topmost point near the Lord Parsvanatha temple, footprints are seen below a small tree, Plumiera Alba. According to the local tradition a pair of footprints represent that of Varathathacharya, the Ganadhara of Lord Neminatha.
Every year in the month of January, on the 3rd day of Pongal Festival, the anointing ceremony of the image takes place. On Jainas from nearby villages, gather in large numbers to worship the deity and to witness the anointing ceremony.
There is a big tank on the western side of the hills. Near the tank facing the direction of the image of Lord Neminatha there are two sculptures. In the centre of one of them is a tall figure with Chola type of hair style, and in the other many ladies' figures. (Plate 10) It is believed that the tall figure is that of a person who was responsible for the temple atop the hills. Till recently pūjās were performed for these images also by the hereditary 'Upadyas' of this temple. Now they lie uncared. There is a Tamil work that sings the praise of Lord Neminatha of Thirumalai. It is known as Sigamaninathar Anthathi. (Full text is not yet published)