This temple was built in honor of the Eighth Tirthankara, Chandra Prabha. Along with the nearby Trilokya Nathar temple, it stands as a testament to the prominence of Jainism in Kanchi. During the 11th century, under the reign of Rajendra Chola, the temple is believed to have received donations, although the original sources of this information have been lost.
Location
Tirupparuthikkundram Village is located 2 kilometers from the Kanchipuram Collectorate. The road to the village is easily identifiable near the Collectorate.
Architecture
Although this temple dates back to the Pallava period, it no longer reflects Pallava architecture. The temple is modest in size, featuring a shrine and a small Mandapam in front. The original shrine was later closed for unknown reasons, and the first floor was converted into a shrine housing the image of Tirthankara Chandra Prabha. Over time, repairs and renovations have altered its original architectural style, giving it a more modern appearance. However, the Yali (a mythical figure with the head of a lion, the tusks of an elephant, and the tail of a serpent) images at the corners of the shrine are reminiscent of the style of Narasimha Varman II.
Mythology
Chandraprabha, also known as Chandraprabhu Swami, is regarded as the eighth Jain Tirthankara of the current Avasarpini era according to Jain belief. He was born to King Mahasen Raja and Queen Lakshmana Devi in Chandrapuri, within the Ikshvaku clan. In his divine realm of Anuttar Vijay, he chose to descend into the womb of Queen Lakshmana. During her pregnancy, the queen once gazed at the luminous full moon and suddenly desired to drink its radiant light. The king cleverly fulfilled this unusual craving. On the thirteenth day of the dark half of the month of Paush, the queen gave birth to a son who was fair and radiant like the moon, and he was named Chandraprabha, meaning “glow of the moon.”
Chandraprabha showed little interest in worldly pleasures and royal splendor. His reign was brief, as he renounced his throne in his youth to become an ascetic. After just three months of intense spiritual practices, he achieved omniscience. He spent a significant time teaching and spreading the true religion. As his end neared, he went to Sammetshikhar, where he fasted and meditated for a month before attaining Nirvana. According to Jain beliefs, he became a Siddha, a liberated soul free from all Karma.
Religion : Jainism
Timing : 8 AM to 11 AM.
Deity : Eighth Tirthankar Chandra Prabhu Swami
Built By : Narasimha Varman II
Period : 8th Century
Category : Temple