Jaina Archaeological Heritage of Tamilnadu

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

Page 96

PROTECTED JAINA MONUMENTS 95
groups over the whole surface of the cavern. The biggest measures 8' 7" by 3' 1", while the smallest is 6' 4" by 2' 4". Neither are they cut deep into the rock nor are the pillow lofts appreciably raised. There are holes for wooden posts by the side of the narrow steps. Bigger pits in the rock are believed to have been mortars used by the resident mendicants for pounding medicinal herbs. The Brahmi inscription reveal the name of the different craft persons. A little below the cavern containing the stone beds is a huge boulder with the beautiful image of a seated Tirthankara and a vatteluttu inscription of the 9th century A.D. inscribed by its side. It records the work of having carved this sacred image was that of Jaina teacher Ajjanandi.
Uttamapalayam
A small rock outcrop called Karuppanaswami rock here with a tarn below, occurring outside the village was selected for Jaina carvings and records. The carvings represent Adinatha Mahavira, Parsvanatha's recurrent versions. The cave beds and carvings around Madurai, the capital of the Pandyan country form the most important group, historically and for the bas-relief sculptures.
Karadipatti (Kilakuyilkudi)
Kilakuyilkudi is about 12 kms. from Madurai. Here is a group of carvings on the inner face of a hemispherical cavity caused by an exfoliation and fall of the rock on the slopes of the hill and has Yakshi Ambika on her lion mount, Adinatha, Neminatha, Mahavira and a seated form of Ambika. Outside, on the brow of the scarp is another and larger figure of Mahavira which has been fully carved with pitha,