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PROTECTED JAINA MONUMENTS
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umbrella with chowrie bearers on a pedestal supported by Yalis and a stone lying by its side have been preserved in situ.
Mangatevanpatti: Two Jain temples have been preserved upto the adhisthana level only, while one is a stone temple the other is a laterite temple. The stone temple faces east and has a sanctum 12 ft. square and an ardhamandapa. Near the laterite temple base are preserved two Jaina images of a Tirthankara identified as Adinatha and a Yakshi. The Tirthankara image, 5ft. in height, has a halo with flames with the usal triple umbrella. The yakshi is seated in Virasana pose, her left hand is placed on the thigh while the right holds the flower. There is a figure of a lion cut on the pedestal, below which are two male and one female.
Conservation carried out by the Chennai Circle in these monuments.
The natural caverns with inscriptions and bas relief's protected by the Circle are found in rocky areas and hence do not require much conservation as they are naturally protected. However, since most of these monuments are situated in granatoid areas which are susceptible to quarrying, care is being taken to prevent such activities. ASI, Chennai circle has been constantly monitoring and taking legal remedies as and when required. Since most of the caves are situated in hillocks which require an ardous climb, they have been provided with proper approach pathways and steps have been hewn in the natural rock so as to make the climb easy. Such approach pathways have been laid at Sittanavasal, Vallimalai, Sirukadambur, Tirupparan kunram to name a few. At these sites, hand railings have also been provided, as can be seen at Sittanavasal
(Eladipattam). Jain Education International
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