Jainism in Tamilnadu

Jainism had a widespread presence in Sangam age Thamizhagam and had patronage of Thamizh kings, until the decline of the religion during Medieval times.

The first references to Jains come from Sangam times. Sangam literature makes mention of Jains.There are a lot of sangam age inscriptions which show their widespread presence.

Jambai caves : These are rock shelters carved for Jain monks by Athiyaman Neduman Anji , a Sangam age Velir king.

It reads “Satiyaputo Atiyan Nedumaan Anjji itta Palli”,

“The abode given by Atiyan Nedumaan Anji the Satyaputo”

Palli is a common term used to denote Jain abodes.

courtesy: wikimedia commons

Pugalur Inscriptions :

The Cheras had donated the rock shelter to Jains :

Mangulam Inscriptions: