Jain Journal 1996 10

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

Page 27

NEWS ON JAINISM AROUND THE WORLD
has been used, and it has taken about 13 years to complete the temple, the foundation for which was laid in 1983 under the auspices of Acārya Navin Sri Surishwarji Maharaj Saheb. Acharya Vikaram Suriswarji Maharaj, Acharya Padmasagar Suriswaraji Maharaj and Acharya Rajesh Suriswaraji Maharaj have been the guidance forces.
69
To commemorate the 'pratiṣṭhā', various pūjās, bhaktis and navkarsi had organised from May 13 to 24. The main idol measuring 41 inches is of Sri Sambavanatha Bhagavan, the 3rd Thirthankara. Twelve more idols will be installed in the temple, which has been built on two levels.
Acarya Śrimad Kalpūrṇa Suriswaraji Mahārāj performed the Anjansalaka and Prathista mahotsava.The Anjansalaka depicting the various facets of life of the Tirthankaras were portrayed through dramas and cultural shows from may 17 to 23.
A traditional procession of the Lord decorated in a silver chariot was taken out on May 22.
From Indian Express, May 12, 1997.
Sittannavasal paintings endangered
The famous Jain cave temple, Arivarkovil (the temple of the Tirthankara), at Sittannavasal, 14 kms off Pudukottai, is fast losing its pristine glory and charm due to bureaucratic apathy.
The Sittannavasal paintings carry on the tradition of the wellknown Ajanta frescoes of the first seven centuries A.D., the Ceylon Sigiriya frescoes of the fifth century and Gwalior's Bagh frescoes of the sixth and seventh centuries A.D. Sittannavasal paintings are an early example of the Ajantan or post-Ajantan period and in merit are comparable to Ajanta and Sigiriya. Such a marvellous paintings and the cave temple are on the verge of decay owing to the indiscriminate granite quarrying around the cave temple.
This rock-cut temple is believed to have been done by Pallava king Mahendravarman-I circa 640-670 AD. Though the king was responsible for many more cave temples, this is the only Jain temple, with all others having been dedicated to Hindu gods.
The whole cave, consisting of the walls, ceilings, cornice, beams and pillars was originally covered with plasters and paintings and