Jain Journal 1997 07

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

Page 19

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JAIN JOURNAL : Vol-XXXII, No. 1. July 1997
This tradition revolves round the establishment of the Jaina Matha at Chittamur by Virasenācārya between 15th and 16th centuries. This tradition is further supported from paintings that exist in the Jaina basadi at Perumandur near Tinchivanam. The theme of the paintings depict the establishment of a Jaina Matha at Chittamur-and Virasenācārya addressing the Jaina community gathered encircled around him. The paintings are stated to have been executed in about 18th century A.D. But it appears that, after the renovation of this basadi the paintings are now scarcely visible.
Sravana Belgola attracts pilgrims from Tamil Nadu
In the middle of the 19th century A.D. a disciple of Sri Charukirti Bhattāraka of Sravana Belgola Sanmati Sagara Varni exerted striking influence on the Jains of Tamil Nadu. They came to Sravana Belgola in groups and made gifts of Tirthankara images, attended the holy festivals and ceremonies celebrated at the Kshetra to fulfil the desire of their guru Sri Sanmati Sagara Varni. The unusual influx of Jaina pilgrims from Tamil Nadu during this period is detailed in a number of inscriptions, mostly in Sanskrit or Tamil engraved in the Grantha characters.44
The images donated by these pilgrims include those of the Tīrthankaras, Navadevata, Pañcaparameşthins, Ganadharas, etc. The
their master. The latter, however, had just had a child born to him, was in good temper and let the accused go free; and Virasenācārya sobered by his narrow escape from death, resolved to became an ascetic, went to Sravana Belgola, the great Jain centre in Mysore District, and thus studied the holy books of that religion. Meanwhile, another Jain of the Gingee country, Gangayya Udaiyar of Tayanna in the Jindivanam Taluk had fled to the protection of the Zamindar of Udaiyarpalaiyam in Trichinopoly, who befriended him and gave him some land. Thus assured of protection, he went to Sravana Belgola, fetched back Virasenācārya and with him made a tour through the Gingee country to call upon the Jains who remained their to return to their ancient faith. These people had mostly become saints, taken off their sacred threads and put holy ashes on their foreheads, and the name Nirpusi Vellalas or the Vellalas who put on holy ash is still retained. The mission was successful and Jainism revived. Virasenācārya eventually died at Velur and there, it is said, is kept in the temple a metal image of Pārsvanātha, which he brought from Sravana Belgola. The descendants of Gangayya Udaiyar still live at Tayanar; and in memory of the services of their ancestors to the Jaina cause, they are given the gift betel and leaf on festive occasions and have a leading voice in the election of the high priest at Chittamur in the Jindivanam Taluk. (Madras Gazetteer, South Arcot, pp. 77-78, 1906).