Celebrations Amidst the Opening of a Jain Temple in Tamil Nadu
The history of Jainism in Tamil Nadu dates back to 2nd century BCE. Tamil Jains are traditionally called 'Samanars' (Shramana).
Over ten thousand followers of Jainism gathered at the consecration ceremony of the newly built Shri Matru Pitru Smruti Shri Sheetainath Tirthankar Jinalaya. The ceremony was held for the opening of the Kalas on the temple tower as well as for the prathista of the holy men of the religion known as the Tirthankaras.
The temple takes up an area of 8,000 square feet and is claimed to be built as the first of its kind in Tamil Nadu. It is the first such temple to have idols of all 24 Tirthankaras. The temple,which is located near the Mint clock Tower on Basin Bridge Road has been built by the family of Sankarji Prithviraj Kawad.
The people associated with building the temple have stated that it has been built in a Rajastani style and is made of white marble that has been brought from across various centres of the country. The main deity of the 24 Tirthankaras is the one of Bhagwan Sheetainath, hence the name of the temple. He is the 10th deity among the 24 Tirthankaras.
The organizers further stated that the central dome of the temple, also created by rich intricately carved marble is 83 feet high and has carvings of 14 very sacred symbols to the religion.
Various substances considered auspicious in the Jain community were used to decorate and ornate the eyes of the deities. This was a part of the ceremony ritual which took place on the day the temple opened for traditional rituals. Rose quartz, yellow morgue and black rainbow were some of the many rich stones that were used to create the idols.
Each night after the consecration ceremony, there were programs held to take part in devotional singing for the deities. A play depicting the life of Sheetainath was also held for the devotees to watch and learn from. Finally, the highlight of the ceremony was after the 9th day when a procession was taken out from Mint Street to the temple. Over 15,000 Jain’s participated in this procession and are looking forward to the completion of the temple within the next eight months to come.
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