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Gujarati Swetamber Murtipujak Jain Mandir is one of the most
important Jain mandirs in the city. It is the first Jain temple in South
India with 3 Gopurams and 5 doors; it has marble carvings based on the
principle of the famous 'Dilwara' temples. The main deity of the temple is
Lord Parsvanatha who is the 23rd Tirthankara in Jainism.
The Making Of The Idol
According to Jain scriptures the colour of God was green. So in order to
have a special idol made, quartz was selected from the Chellur mines near
Tumkur, Karnataka. The idol was made with tools used for cutting precious
stones like diamonds.
About The Temple
The temple is built only of marble and does not contain any ironwork. For
its construction, architects, carvers and workers were brought in from
Rajasthan. The main prayer hall has exquisite glasswork, a rare sight in
South India.
Unique Feature
A unique feature of this Jain temple is that Jain acharyas (priests) walk
all the way from North India to visit and stay here for 'Chatur Masa'.
('Chatur Masa' is a period of four months when Jain acharyas stay and give
discourses on Jainism to the devotees).
Air:
Chennai has an
airport with both domestic and international terminals. Regular flights
connect Chennai with the major cities within the country and also with
countries like USA, Singapore, U.K etc.
Rail:Chennai
is well connected by rail with the important towns and cities within and
beyond the state.
Road: State transport buses and private buses connect
Chennai with the
major towns and cities within the country. For local transportation, local
trains, city buses, auto rickshaws and taxis are available.
Varied accommodation options are available for the tourists
at the hotels in Chennai.