Jaina Archaeological Heritage of Tamilnadu

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

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JAINA ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE OF TAMILNADU
face of a huge boulder known as 'karuppannasamy' rock. The western end of the rock has two beautiful images of Adinatha and Mahavira, while the remaining part of the rock is studded with eight versions of Parsvanatha sheltered by a snake hood. Interestingly, the eighth specimen is provided with a seven hooded serpent canopy, convering like an aureola around the head of Parsva. These images were consecrated by great asceties like Ajjanandi and Arishtanemi, besides some lay followers whose names are lost."
SCULPTURES IN STRUCTURAL TEMPLES:
Structrual temples, built in different parts of Tamilnadu since medieval times, have either disappeared completely with the passage of time or the surviving ones have lost their original architectural style consequent to extensive repairs and renovations. However, historically important temples in places like Tirupparuttikunram, Tirunarungondai, Tirumalai, Chittamur, Karantai, Perumandur, Ponnur, Pundi etc., have some sculptures belonging to the Pallava, Chola, Pandya and Vijayanagara schools of art. Some specimens, which escaped the wrath of human vandalism, are preserved in modern temples as at Venkunram, Thiyagadurgam, Chettippatti and Puduppedu. Besides, the Government Museums have also acquired quite a good number of stray images from various places. Select examples representing the different schools of art are described hereunder.
An archaic image of a Tirthankara (Mahavira) from Valuvur is now kept in the Jaina temple at Venkunram near Vandavasi. It is a low relief shown seated in dhyana posture, having a slender body, flexible arms, loosely arranged legs and discular
trichatra above the head. Fly-whisk bearers and