In historical religious classifications, Kanchipuram has been divided into four areas: Shiva Kanchi, Vishnu Kanchi, Jina Kanchi, and Buddha Kanchi. The village of Tirupparuthikkundram, located on the outskirts of Kanchipuram, is known as ‘Jina Kanchi’ due to its Trilokya Nathar Jain temple and the nearby Chandra Prabha Jain temple. Since the 6th century AD, this Jina Kanchi has been home to a lineage of highly learned Jain scholars and monks who have dedicated themselves to teaching Jainism. It is one of the four Jain Vidya Sthanas in India. Originally constructed during the reign of Pallava King Simha Varman (556 AD), the temple was gradually expanded under the subsequent Chola and Vijayanagara rulers.
Location
Tirupparuthikkundram village is located 2 kilometers west of the Kanchi Collectorate.
Architecture
The Trilokya Nathar temple comprises two sets of sanctum sanctorums, each containing three sanctums. The first group features the sacred idols of Mahavira (the twenty-fourth Tirthankara), Pushpa Danthar (the ninth Tirthankara), and Dharma Devi. The second group includes the idols of Padma Prabha (the sixth Tirthankara), Vasupujya (the twelfth Tirthankara), and Parshvanatha (the twenty-third Tirthankara).
The first group is known as the Trilokya Nathar Temple, while the second is referred to as Trikooda Basti. In Sanskrit, ‘Tri’ means ‘three.’ Each group has its own Mandapam, Ardha Mandapam, and Mukha Mandapam, but they share a common Maha Mandapam, Bali Peetam, and Mana Sthambam. Additionally, there are separate shrines for Brahma Deva and Rishabha Nathar (the first Tirthankara), as well as a Munivasa Mandapam (a space for five monks) and a grain warehouse. The temple also features a three-story Gopuram at the eastern entrance.
The sanctum sanctorum housing Mahavira, along with its adjoining Ardha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam, is among the oldest structures. Originally built during the reign of Pallava King Simha Varman (556 AD), the temple was initially dedicated to Mahavira and called ‘Vardhadmaneeswaram.’ Constructed from bricks, it suffered damage over time. Later, during the reign of Chola King Kulothunga I (1070 – 1120 AD), the temple was reconstructed. The sanctum sanctorum now has a Gaja Brishta (elephant-back) structure made from bricks and limestone, while the Ardha Mandapam features a granite foundation and sandstone roof. The temple stands today as an example of Chola architecture.
Sculpture
The temple features idols of Brahma Deva, Dharma Devi, and several Tirthankaras: Rishabha Nathar (the first), Padma Prabha (the sixth), Pushpa Danthar (the ninth), Vasupujya (the twelfth), Parshvanatha (the twenty-third), and Mahavira (the twenty-fourth). Additionally, one of the pillars in the Sangeetha Mandapam is carved with the figure of Vijayanagara Minister Irugappa.
Painting
The ceiling of the Sangeetha Mandapam features numerous paintings. While most of the 14th-century Vijayanagara period paintings have faded over time, 17th-century Nayaka period paintings were added to depict scenes from the lives of Rishabha Nathar, Nemi Nathar, Mahavira, and Dharma Devi. This results in two distinct layers of paintings from different eras. Additionally, the Nayaka period paintings include scenes such as Krishna lifting the Govardhana Hill, defeating the serpent Kalinga, battling the elephant Asura, and confronting Kamsa. Short Tamil labels below the paintings provide descriptions of these events.
Inscription
The renowned Pallan Koil copper plate inscription is the earliest epigraphical record related to the Jain temple in Tirupparuthikkundram. It documents that Pallava King Simha Varman (556 AD) granted the village of Amansekkai in Perunagar and some lands in Tamar village to the esteemed Jain monk Vajra Nandi of the Nandi Sangha at Vardhamaneeswaram for the worship of Lord Jina (Mahavira). The inscription refers to Tirupparuthikkundram as a sacred site associated with Mahavira. Perunagar and Tamar (Damal) are two significant places that have preserved their ancient names in the Kanchipuram district. The inscription also indicates the presence of the Nandi Sangha in the area at that time.
Jaina recluses organized themselves into various Sanghas to promote Jainism. Among the Digambara Jains of South India, four major Sanghas were prominent: Nandi Sangha, Sena Sangha, Deva Sangha, and Simha Sangha. The Nandi Sangha was particularly well-known in Tamil Nadu. Additionally, numerous inscriptions from the Chola and Vijayanagara periods have been discovered within the temple grounds. The Chola inscriptions primarily detail land grants to the temple, referred to as Pallichandam. During the reign of Chola King Kulothunga I (1116 AD), Jain monks in the village acquired 3,000 Kuzhi of land for irrigation purposes. In the 14th century, Jain monks Mallisena Vamanasuri and his disciple Pushpasena Vamanacharya constructed the temple’s Gopuram. Epigraphical records in the temple honor these two sages who led the Jain Mutt at that time.
Religion : Jainism
Timing : 8 AM to 11 AM; 4 PM to 6 PM.
Deity : Mahavirar, Pushpa Danthar and Dharma Devi.
Built By : Kulothungan I
Period : 11th Century
Category : Temple