Tirumalai Tirth

 

Mulnayak:Two temples of Bhagwan Mahavir and Bhagwan Neminath.

How to reach: This Tirth is in arani circle, half way between arni and polur.From Pollur Taluka towards north-east at a distance of 12 km., there is ‘Vadmadimangal’ and from here at a distance of 5 km. this village is situated.   From here 18 feet high statue of Bhagwan Naminath visible on a small hill.Students are being educated here and boarding and lodging is provided. 

Art and architecture:  Temple darshan Bhagwan parsvanath    Shri neminath temple   Paintings             Bhagwan bahubali   temples Yakshi ambika

Historicity: This Tirth is 2000 years old. One temple dedicated to Bhagwan Mahavir is in the foothills and the other temple dedicated to Bhagwan Neminathis called ‘Shikhamani Nadar’. The Hill is 350 yards high and is known for its caves and images in the caves. It si stated that acharaya kundkund had done tapasya at this place.  The name of the ruler Kundeva Ginalayan is inscribed.  Kundeva was a sister of king Chol.  It is believed that this is the highest statue in Tamil Nadu.  Below this hill there are two temples.  In the caves, paintings of king Chol exists but are slightly damaged and some carving of idles on rock.
            One Ruler says King Pallav’s wife Elay Manimagge had denoted sixty Gold coins and land for Ananda deep (Akhand deep) of this temple.  The other Ruler says Arishtnami Acharya             disciple of Tirumelly Parvadimall had installed this statue.
            Neminath Bhagwan is also known as ‘Shikhamaninather’.      In this temple there are number of metal idles along with sasan Devi-Devtas’.  There is small water fall, its water is used for the prayer of God.  On the top of it, there is one small Pashvernath Jinalaya.   There is rock on which three footprints are inscribed.  It is believed, they are of Shri Veshbhacharaya, Sree Samantbhadracharaya and SreeVardutt Gandhar.  This is a holy place.  Thousands of Saint and Sadhus meditated here.  It is believed, Pandav came over here, due to which idle of Bhagwan Neminath was built.  It is also said, this fourth kalen atishya holy place.
            This is under and looked after by Archelogical Department of India.   This is holy and worth seeing place.  Climate is good.  Every year, 3rd day after Sankranti, Bhagwan Neminath is decorated and thousands of Jaine people participate in programme, although there are no Jaine inhabitants.   Just two years ago, Sharvanbelgolla’s bhatarak Sree Charukirti Maharaj established a Muth and installed his disciple Dhavalkirti Ji on this seat after awarding Diksha.  Bhattakar Dhavalkirti ji is well conversant in Sanskrit, Hindi, Tamil, Kanard etc.  He is very good Astrologer, Vastukala, Respectful  and good orater.  10 Acre land has been purchased. 

Trust:Sri kshetra arahanthagiri digamabara jain mutt- thirumalai, tamilnadu- phone 04181-44325 and   44433