Jinagiri Teerth located in Tamil Nadu is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The teerth kshetra is situated on a hill near the Tirunarunkonde village. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Jain Tirthankara.
History of Shri Jinagiri Teerth
The History of Shri Jinagiri Teerth states it is a very ancient teerth. Many sages and ascetic have practised penance here. The teerth belongs to the times between the third century and the fifth century. Earlier there were caves here where the ascetics practised their penance. Many inscriptions have been found here that belongs to the period from the ninth to the sixteenth century. As per these inscriptions many Jain emperors had contributed immensely for the development of this teerth. At present, the local people know Bhagwan Parshvanatha as Appandanadar. The idol of Lord Parshvanatha is believed to possess miraculous powers. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees from far off places who come here to offer their prayers to the Lord and receive his blessings. It is believed that if prayed with all devotion the Lord fulfils the wishes of the pilgrims.
Temple of Shri Jinagiri Teerth
The temple is Shri Jinagiri Teerth housing the idol of Lord Parshvanatha has been brilliantly decorated with elaborate artistic designs. The Digambara temple reflects the artistic work of the craftsmen. The walls and pillars of the temple are adorned with specimens of ancient art and paintings. It is a three pinnacled temple built during the Chola Dynasty. The idol of the Lord is black in colour and is in Khadgasana posture. The smiling face of the Lord looks very calm and serene. Apart from this there are idols of gods and goddesses carved on the peaks of the temple.
The Temple of Shri Jinagiri Teerth organizes many annual gatherings and functions that are celebrated with much enthusiasm. Every year a fair is held here from the tenth to the fifteenth day of the bright half of the month of Vaishakh. There are provisions for dharamshalas or rest houses for the pilgrims. These are well equipped with all modern facilities. Apart from this there are Upashrays, an Ayambilshala and a Jnanabhandar. The teerth is situated in the midst of beautiful natural surroundings. Being located in a village the temple is enclosed by scenic beauty and greenery that mesmerizes and fascinates the pilgrims. The calm and tranquil environment makes the teerth a suitable place for religious activities. The kshetra is well connected to road, rail and air. Taxi services and bus services are easily available here. The nearest railway station is located at Ulundurpet at a distance of 25 kilometres.
