Jain Journal 1994 04

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

Page 15

166
JAIN JOURNAL
Jaina Panditas, Kamalavāhana and Guņavira, in whose favour paļli. chchandam lands were endowed by Travancore Mabātājas in the 16th century A.D.25 This temple got converted into a Hindu shrine, probably in 1588 A.D., with the installation of the images of serpent deities such as Adisesha (Tiruvanantalvår) and his consort (Nāga).26 Hindu devotees from Kerala as well as Tamilnadu continue to offer worship to these Näga deities even to the present day.
d) Nārttāmalai Vișnu Rock cut Temple :
Nārttāmalai near Pudukkottai has two rock-cut temples, one dedicated to Siva and the other to Vişņu. The latter was originally a Jaina foundation, but got transformed into a Vişņu temple around 1228 A.D.a? At the time of its conversion, structural additions were made in the temple and the idols of Vişou and his copsort were consecrated therein. Thereafter it came to be known as Patineņbhūmi Viņņagar temple. 28
e) Kalugumalai Cave Temple :
Kalugumalai in Chitambaranar district is one of the celebrated Jaina centres in medieval times. The local hill has a natural cavern containing exquisitely carved sculptures of Tirtbankaras in three rows on its facade. The interweaning space is studded with images of Ādinátha, Bāhubali, Pārsvanátha, Mahavira, Padmavathi and Ambikā of excellent early Pandya workmanship. This place of Jaina worship lost its importance after the 11th century A.D. Later on, the local Hindus converted the cave into a temple of Aiyyanār, one of their favourite village deities. The interior of the cave was suitably altered and structural additions were made in front so as to have a rectangular shrine chamber. Except the original cave, the other parts remain unaffected conveying the legacy of Jaina culture of bye-gone days.29
The 7th and 8th centuries A. D., also witnessed occupation of some Jaina hill resorts by Hindus Hindu shrines, particulary rock.cut temples, came to be scooped out in places like Mámaņdar, Dalavānür, Siyamangalam, Trichy, Ādaimalai, Tirupparankuppam, Kuņşakkuļi
25 Ibid, Vol. IV, Nos. 115-118 26 Ibid, Vol. IV, No. 122 21 Pudukkottai State Inscriptions, No. 281 28 Journal of Oriental Research, Vol. 8, pp 25. 26 29 A. Ekambaranathan. Jaina vestiges of Kalugumalai, pp. 52-54