Jaina Archaeological Heritage of Tamilnadu

Author(s): A Ekambarnathan
Publisher: Bharat Varshiya Digambar Jain Mahasabha

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JAINA TEMPLES
Dr. A. Ekambaranathan
Professor & Head Dept. of Ancient History & Archaeology,
University of Madras, Chennai-5
Jainism had taken deep roots in the Tamil country as early as the 3rd century B.C. Recluses of the Jaina order inhabiting natural caves and pious lay followers providing support to them are borne out by contemporary scriptal records in brahmi characters. Jainism continued to gain currency in the subsequent centuries also. The kings of the Sangam age were liberal in their religious outlook and hence all religious creeds coexisted amicably and harmoniously. The subversion of their political power by the Kalabhras had also not affected the growth of Jaina religion as the Kalabhras lent support to heretical sects. Jainism, thus, emerged into a vital religious force in Tamil Nadu till about the 6th century A.D. But the Bhakti movement spear-headed by the Saiva Nayanmars and Vaishnava Alvars in the 7th century A.D., coupled with the brahmanical temple-building activities of the Pallavas and early Pandya kings led to the decline of Jainism as well as Buddhism. However, Jainism soon recovered from adversities and regained the support of the ruling class and public.