Jeenaswamy Trilokyanath Jain Temple of Kanchipuram

Did you know Kanchipuram’s religious significance extends beyond Hinduism? Embark with me on a spiritual journey through Kanchipuram temple town and delve into the rich Jain heritage. Discover the divine beauty and historical significance of Jeenaswamy Trilokyanath and Chandraprabha Temple, two iconic Jain temples that stand as testaments to the region’s cultural legacy.

A Glimpse into Jainism: Temples in Kanchipuram

During my visit to the Jeenaswamy Trilokyanathar Jain Temple in Thiruparuthikundram, located approx 8 km from Kanchipuram, I was immersed in a whole new world that showcased the city’s historical association with Jainism. Thiruparuthikundram is Jaina Kanchi, a holy land for Jains.

The fascinating revelation of the connection between Jainism, the Pallava Kings, and Kanchipuram had piqued my curiosity. Eager to delve deeper into this historical relationship, I included a visit to the Jeenaswamy Trilokyanathar Jain Temple in Thiruparuthikundram during my two-day itinerary exploring Kanchipuram tourist attractions.

Jeenaswamy Trilokyanathar Jain Temple door – 3 tier gopuram

Jainism’s Flourishing Legacy in Kancheepuram: The Pallava Connection

Jainism thrived and spread in Kanchipuram during the reign of the Pallava dynasty, which ruled the region from the 4th to the 9th century CE. The Pallavas were known for their patronage of various religions, including Jainism. Historical records and inscriptions indicate that several Pallava kings embraced Jainism as their personal faith, which played a significant role in the growth and prominence of Jainism in Kancheepuram.

The Pallava kings’ affiliation with Jainism is evident from the numerous Jain monuments, temples, and inscriptions found in and around Kancheepuram. These architectural wonders not only showcase the Pallavas’ devotion to Jainism but also serve as historical evidence of the religion’s influence and flourishing in the region during that era.

The temple is a living testament to Jainism’s influence in this ancient city Kanchipuram.

Trilokyanath Jinaswamy Temple

Jeenaswamy Trilokyanath Jain Temple

From the outside, the Jeenaswamy Trilokyanath temple appeared rather unassuming, with a modest and unadorned façade. Little did I know that this seemingly plain exterior was just a clever guise, concealing a vibrant and captivating world within!

As I crossed the threshold, a big brown door, and entered the temple, it was as if I had stepped into an entirely different realm, bursting with colors. The transition was striking, leaving me momentarily stunned. The interior walls were adorned with intricate artwork, meticulously painted in a kaleidoscope of hues. Vibrant palette embraced every corner, casting a spell that instantly lifted my spirits.

The temple walls and ceiling with its colourful sheath is a testament to the artistic brilliance and devotion of those who had crafted it. Detailed stories adorned the ceilings, depicting scenes from mythology and legends. The walls narrated tales of deities and divine beings, their vibrant forms seemingly leaping out from their painted frames.

The walls echoed with the footfalls of countless pilgrims who had come here seeking solace and enlightenment. I couldn’t help but imagine the scholars and practitioners who once congregated here, engaging in intellectual debates and spiritual contemplation.

As I stood before the statue of Mahavira, a sense of reverence washed over me. It was as if I had stepped back in time, connecting with a profound spiritual heritage that transcended the boundaries of centuries. The aura of tranquility within the temple was palpable, allowing me to reflect on the enduring legacy of Jainism in Kanchipuram.

Architecture of Trilokyanath Jinaswamy Temple

The Trilokya Natha Jinaswamy Temple in Kanchipuram not only boasts a captivating collection of idols but also showcases distinctive architectural features that enhance the overall spiritual experience for devotees and visitors alike.

This temple is a unique amalgamation of two groups of sanctum sanctorum, each containing three distinct idols.

• The first group, known as the Trilokya Nathar Temple, comprises three sanctum sanctorums. Within this group, one can find the revered idols of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, along with Pushpa Danthar, the 9th Tirthankara, and Dharma Devi.
• The second group, named Trikooda Basti, encompasses another set of three sanctum sanctorums. This group is home to the idols of Padma Prabha, the 6th Tirthankara, Vasupujyar, the 12th Tirthankara, and Parshvanathar, the 23rd Tirthankara.

Trilokyanathar Jivaswamy Temple

Each of these two groups has its own designated mandapams. The Ardha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam serve as separate gathering spaces for the devotees within each group. A shared area known as the Maha Mandapam encompasses the Bali Peetham (sacrificial platform) and the Mana Sthambam (sacred column).

Adding to the temple’s structural grandeur is a three-tiered gopuram, an elaborate entrance tower located at the eastern gateway. This gopuram serves as a visual spectacle, drawing attention and signaling the sacredness of the space beyond.

I was told inside the temple complex, there is a designated area for the accommodation of five resident monks, but no one resides there now. An old warehouse is evidence that it was used to store grains, serving the practical needs of the temple community.

History of Trilokyanath Jinaswamy Temple

The temple holds significant historical value, with the oldest section of the temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira. This section dates back to the reign of Pallava King Simha Varman, making it a testament to the enduring presence of Jainism in the region. Initially constructed with bricks during the Pallava era, the temple suffered from natural deterioration over time. Subsequently, the Cholas and the Vijayanagara rulers undertook the task of renovating and reconstructing the temple, employing granite foundations and sandstone to restore its architectural splendor.

Sangeeta Mandapa of Trilokyanath Temple

Notably, the Vijayanagara rulers left their mark by constructing the renowned Sangeetha Mandapam. During the year 1387, Irugappa, a disciple of Jaina-muni Pushpasena; and a minister of Vijayanagar King Harihara Raya II (1377-1404), expanded the temple by adding a larger pavilion- the Sangeetha Mantapa. During the 14th and 16th centuries, the ceiling of the Sangeetha Mantapa were decorated with beautiful paintings, in Vijayanagar style.

This impressive mandapam measures an impressive 61 feet in length and boasts 24 intricately designed pillars. The Sangeetha Mandapam is a testament to the artistic excellence of the period and adds to the temple’s allure.

Sangeet Mandapam – Journey through Jain History: Temples of Kanchipuram

The ceiling of the Mukha-Mantapa and the Sangeetha-Mantapa in the Trilokyanatha Temple is infused with mesmerizing series of colorful paintings which illustrates the life stories of three out of the twenty four Tirthankaras – Rishabadeva, the first, Neminatha, the twenty second along with his cousin Krishna, and Vardhamana or Mahavira, the twenty fourth.

The paintings date back to the 15th century CE. They are arranged in groups:

• two running from north to south
• two from east to west on the ceiling of the Sangeetha Mantapa
• one group running from north to south on the ceiling of the Mukha Mantapa.

The narrow band between every two rows has labels in Tamil Grantham explaining the incidents. They depict different facets of the Tirthankaras life from birth to coronation, celebration of monkhood to renunciation and attainment of World Teacher status. The celebrated procession of Vardhamana and his return to the city and anointing; the rows of animals with the elephant Airavata leading the procession, are beautifully depicted in vivid detail.

Vijayanagara Style Painting Jaina Kanchi

Sama-vasarana the adorable heavenly pavilion where the eligible souls gather to receive divine discourse.

The term Sama-vasarana (Sama + avasarana) means an assembly which provides equal opportunities for all who gather there. Samavasarana, in Jain literature denotes an assembly of Thirthankara. At this assembly different beings – humans, animals and gods – are also present to behold the Thirthankara and hear his discourses. The common assembly, at which different beings are gathered for one purpose, treats all alike overriding the differences that might exist among them. A Sama-vasarana is thus, a tirth (revered place).

The Sama- vasarana is pictured in a very interesting fashion. Each panel is depicted with eight concentric rings having miniature figures, trees and shrines painted along their periphery. A Thirthankara is enshrined at the core of the Sama-vasarana theme.

Sama-vasarana Sangeetha Mantapa Trilokyanatha Temple

Chandraprabha Temple in Thiruparuthikundram

The Chandraprabha Temple stands close to Jeenaswamy Trilokyanathar Temple in Thiruparuthikundram as a remarkable testament to the rich Jain heritage of the region. This temple was specifically constructed to pay homage to the revered 8th Tirthankara, Chandra Prabha Swami.

History records mention that the origins of the Chandraprabha Temple trace back to the 8th century when it was commissioned and built by the Pallava king Narasimha Varman II.

Legend about Chandraprabha Swami

In the realm of Jain legend, the tale of Chandraprabha Swami transports us to a time of divine origins. He was born to King Mahasen Raja and Queen Lakshmana Devi of the illustrious Ikshvaku clan.

The legend takes root during Queen Lakshmana’s pregnancy, when an inexplicable desire gripped her soul. She yearned to drink in the ethereal radiance emitted by the moon, immersing herself in its captivating glow as she gazed at the full moon for prolonged periods. Little did she know that this unique craving would leave an indelible mark on her child! His fair complexion exuded a radiant glow.

Idol of Jain Tirthankara inside Jeenaswamy Trilokyanathar Jain Temple

Life of Chandraprabha Swami

Yet, despite his royal lineage, Chandraprabha Swami was not enticed by the allure of power or material pleasures that surrounded him in the kingdom. In his youth, Chandraprabha Swami harbored a profound longing for spiritual truth and enlightenment. He yearned to transcend the ephemeral nature of worldly existence and delve into the depths of divine wisdom. Renouncing the trappings of his princely status, he embarked on a path of asceticism, relinquishing all the luxuries and indulgences that had once surrounded him.

As the years passed, Chandraprabha Swami’s wisdom and influence expanded, touching the hearts of people far and wide. As his journey neared its end, he felt a pull towards Sammetshikhar, a sacred place of spiritual significance. There, after engaging in a month-long fast and immersing himself in profound meditation, Chandraprabha Swami attained Nirvana—the ultimate liberation from the cycle of life and death. The legacy of Chandraprabha Swami’s teachings and his divine radiance continued to inspire generations to come, solidifying his place among the revered Tirthankara of Jainism.

Architecture of Chandraprabha Jain Temple

The original Chandraprabha temple, during the Pallava reign, had elements of Pallava architectural style. However, over time, the temple has undergone numerous repairs and renovations, resulting in a loss of much of its original Pallava architecture. Instead, the temple now exhibits a more modern style. In terms of size, the Chandraprabha temple strikes a balance, neither being excessively large nor too small.
Over time, the shrine was closed off from public view, and the first floor was converted into a shrine housing the image of Tirthankara Chandra Prabha.

The shrine is adorned with a mythical figure known as Yali, positioned at the cardinal points.
Unfortunately I was a bit late and the temple was closed when I reached the complex.

Chandraprabha Jain Temple

How to reach Trilokyanath Jinaswamy and Chandraprabha Temple

By Air: The nearest Airport is at Chennai, The Chennai International Airport. You can take train or bus or even hire a taxi direct to Kanchipuram. Distance from Chennai to Kanchipuram is 76 km.
By Train: Nearest Railway station is Kanchipuram which is at a 5km distance from the temple. From the station private vehicles can be hired that will drop you off at the temple gate. Some of the trains passing through the Kancheepuram station are Arakkonam-Chengalpattu Pass, Tirupati-Nagercoil Exp., Arakkonam-Melmaruvathur Pass., Kanchipuram-Chennai Beach Passr, Lokmanya Tilak (T)-Madurai Exp. and more.
By Road: I travelled by road from Bangalore to Kanchipuram. By road the temples are located at a distance of 76 km from Chennai, 35 km from Chingleput and 64 km from Mahabalipuram via Chingleput and 15 km to the south of central Kanchipuram.

Ceiling art in sangeetha mandapam

Tourist Attractions near Jain Temples of Kanchipuram

• Mahabalipuram
• Vedanthangal – It is a Bird Sanctuary
• Kanchi Temple Town

Parting thoughts

This medieval era Jain temples, with their intricate architecture and historical significance, provided a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region. Exploring Jeenaswamy Trikokyanthar Temple, I was captivated by the vibrant atmosphere that enveloped the sacred space. The temple’s sanctum sanctorum, adorned with idols of various Tirthankara, exuded an aura of serenity and devotion.

Both temples served as reminders of the deep-rooted connection between Jainism and the historical rulers of Kanchipuram. They showcased the legacy left behind by the Pallava kings and the enduring spiritual traditions that have thrived in the region for centuries.

You may like these:

• Unique Jain Temple – Mandaragiri Mandir
• Ranakpur Jain Temple near Kumbhalgarh
• Lodurva Jain Temple Jaisalmer

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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.