Shri Jinkanchi Teerth located in Tamil Nadu is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The teerth kshetra is situated in the Tirupantikundram village near in the Kanchipuram city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the twenty-fourth Jain Tirthankara.
History of Shri Jinkanchi Teerth
According to history Shri Jinkanchi Teerth dates back to the recent times. The place was resided by many Jains during the rule of the Pallav Dynasty in the seventh century A D. it was a rich and prosperous place where many Jain temples and idols were constructed. The emperors contributed immensely for the installation of temples and idols. As per reference a magnificent pavilion with six hundred pillars was made here about 600 years ago. Devotees from far off places visit the temple to offer their prayers. It is believed that if prayed with all devotion the Lord fulfils the wishes of the pilgrims.
Temple of Shri Jinkanchi Teerth
The temple of Shri Jinkanchi Teerth houses the idol of Lord Mahavira. The temple has been magnificently decorated with intricate artistic designs. The creative temple work boast about the skills of the craftsmen. The walls and pillars of the temple are adorned with specimens of ancient art. The five Kalyankas of Bhagawan Adishvar have been attractively painted on the ceiling of the pavilion. Apart from these ancient paintings of samavasarana, life events of Lord Mahavira, births of Lord Neminath and different events in the lives of Jain Tirthankaras also adorn the temple. The idol of the Lord is almost 150 cm in height and is golden in colour. It is seated in semi padmasana posture. The idol has been beautifully carved from a single stone and looks very appealing. The smiling face of the Lord looks very calm and serene. Apart from this there is an ancient temple of Lord Chandraprabha. However, as the idol of the Lord is broken Jinapuja is not done here. This teerth is under management of the archaeological department. Devotees can also see the foot prints of Acharya Vaman and his disciple Puspasen. They have been installed under the tree where the Acharya practiced penance. The temple is also known as the temple of Bhagawan Trilokanath.
The Temple of Shri Jinkanchi Teerth organises many annual gatherings and functions. 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 temple is enclosed by scenic beauty that mesmerises and fascinates the pilgrims. The calm and tranquil environment and the surrounding greenery make it 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 bus stop and railway station is located at Kanchipuram at a distance of 5 kilometres. The nearest airport is located at Chennai is at a distance of 70 Kilometres.