Jinamanjari 1998 09 No 18

Author(s): Jinamanjari
Publisher: Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication

Page 72

such centre was Tirumalai in Tamilnadu, where saint-scholar Akalanka had founded an Jain educational centre.
Tirumalai which flourished as a Jain centre during the Cola times when the queen Kundavai commissioned the temple dedicated to Lord Neminatha, a colossal image measuring sixteen feet in height. at the foot of the hill bears best of the Cola workmanship. During the same period, the neighbouring rock-shelter was commissioned to carve exquisite relief of yaksi Ambika, Bahubali, Adinatha and Parsvanatha. Later, another temple dedicated to Mahavira was commissioned within the temple complex.
Jain shrine of Tirumalai hill in Polur village situated in Tiruvannamalai district of Tamilnadu lies in the Bangalore and Hosur axis towards Madras. History notes that Tirumalai hill was the place where last Srutakevalin Bhadrabau I had spent some time with his penance.
Jaina community of Tamilnadu recently revived and reestablished Arhatgiri Jaina matha at Tirumalai on Sunday, February 1, 1998. Kșullaka Dhavalakirti who has M.A. and Jainadarşanācārya degree has been chosen to become the Bhattaraka of the matha.
The coronation ceremony was attended by Bhattarakas - Carukirti of Sravanabelagola, Laxmisena of Jinakanchi and of Kolhapur, and Bhuvanakirti of Kanakagiri, which was founded by saint scholar Pujyapada.
There was a large attendance of over 5000 people at the ceremonies. S. Adirajan, President of Tirumalai Jain community, Rajendran, President of Tamilnadu Jain Priests, Mahendra Kumar Jain of Madras Jain Association, Padmachand Jain of Tamilnadu Jain Mahasabha, Rajendran, Tamilnadu Legislature and film star Rajan were some of the dignitaries who participated in the ceremonies.
- Gommatavani, 1 February 1998.
DISCOVERY OF JAIN CAVERN IN KARNATAKA Tirthahalli, a town in Shimoga district in Northwest Karnataka, is located at about 30 kms from Humcha, ancient capital of Jain dynasty - Sāntāras who reigned from Seventh century to Sixteenth century. From this town, B.K. Devaraj Swamy and Raghuvira Hegde have reported the discovery of natural Jain caverns with inscription and carvings of Tirthankaras.
To the Northeast of the town is small mond, locally known as Jogi gudda - mond of the ascetics. The mond lies within the
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