Seeyamangalam Jain cave temple

Seeyamangalam Jain cave temple
Seeyamangalam Jain cave temple
Religion
AffiliationJainism
DeityMahavira
Location
LocationSeeyamangalam, Tiruvannamalai
Architecture
CreatorRachamalla II
Established9th century
Temple1

Seeyamangalam Jain cave temple is a historic Jain site at Seeyamangalam in Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India. The site contains a natural rock shelter associated with Jain monastic activity, inscriptions and rock-cut sculptures. An inscription dated to Śaka 815 (892–893 CE) records the establishment of two Jain temples on the hill during the reign of the Western Ganga ruler Rachamalla II.[1]

History

The Jain establishment at Seeyamangalam is documented by an inscription dated to Śaka 815 (892–893 CE). The inscription records that two temples dedicated to the Jina were established at the hill, which it calls Vidyadri, during the reign of the Western Ganga king Rachamalla II.[1]

The inscription also records a Jain monastic lineage associated with the site. The Arungal-anvaya mentioned in the record belonged to the Nandi Sangha.[1]

A second inscription at Seeyamangalam records the construction of a flight of steps by Vajranandi Yogindra, a disciple of Gunaviradeva.[1]

Sculptures

Mahavira, Parshvanatha and Bahubali

The rock at Seeyamangalam contains a group of Jain relief sculptures. The principal figures represented in the group include Mahavira, Parshvanatha and Bahubali.[1]

The Jain remains are situated on the hill opposite the better-known Seeyamangalam cave temple. The Tiruvannamalai district administration also records the presence of Jain beds and sculptures on this hill.[2]

Inscriptions

The principal Jain inscription at Seeyamangalam is written in Sanskrit and Grantha characters and is dated to Śaka 815 (892–893 CE). It records the establishment of two Jain temples and provides information about the Jain monastic organisation associated with the site.[1]

Another inscription contains Sanskrit and Tamil portions. It refers to the Arungal-anvaya and records that Vajranandi Yogindra caused a flight of steps to be constructed.[1]

See also

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References

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Venkatesan 1984, pp. 21–24.
  2. ↑ "Places of Interest". Tiruvannamalai District Administration, Government of Tamil Nadu. Retrieved 18 August 2026.

Sources

  • Venkatesan, P. (1984). "A Jaina Inscription from Seeyamangalam". Journal of the Epigraphical Society of India. 11. Dharwar: Epigraphical Society of India: 21–24.


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