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JAINA MONASTERIES
There is a local tradition comparing this centre with Chidambaram in the form of a proverbial saying, "Thillai Moovayiram Thirunarungkondai Ennayiram".
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Sithamoor
The Jaina monastery in Sithamoor, near Gingee, in Villupuram district, is a prolific ancient Jaina centre. This monastery was called as THIRUVOORAM PALLI or KATTAMPALLI. These names appear in the inscriptions datable to 888 A.D. and 1173 A.D.
`Singapuranattu Sittramoor' referred to in the inscription of the village, (presently this Jain centre is called melsithamoor) was an important one and now, it is the headquarters of the Digambara Sect in Tamilnadu with a monstery headed by a Pontiff. Ancient palli tradition has given place to modern Bhattara tradition. We have continuous dated history but for the integrrnum of a two centuries. Sithamoor monastery is named "JINA KANCHI" math after the one at Thiruparuthi Kundram. The inscriptions at Sithamoor datable from 9th century to 12th century indicate the existence of Palli tradition. In the 15th century it was transferred as a Chaturvedimangalam and given to Brahmanas.
Jain Education International
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Jainism and the Jainas were subjected to oppression and persecution during 15th cent. A.D. There was a local tradition that relate to the beheading of the Jainas. "sumandham Thalai Pattu" ie., The head of the one who carries is the 10th one" to be cut. Nine Jainas heads will be cut and the 10th Jaina carry them on his head and he will also be beheaded. Fear of the persecution drove the Jainas away to different areas. One of the leaders went to Udayarpalayam near Tiruchy and took shelter with the local chieftain. One of the survivors of the persecution
went to
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