The Arahanthgiri Jain Math, located in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, is a revered spiritual sanctuary for the Jain community. Established in August 1998 and led by Bhattaraka Dhavalakeerthi, this Math holds great historical and religious importance..
Shrine’s History
Dating back to the period of 322–185 BCE, Arahanthgiri Jain Math traces its roots to the time when the last ‘Shrutkevali’ Bhadrabahu resided here for meditation and “Swadhyaya” alongside 8000 other saints. The village of Thirumalai, also known as Arhatsugiri or Arihantgiri, has been a site of spiritual significance for over 2,000 years.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
One of the highlights of the Math is the 16-meter Neminath Idol situated atop a hill with 140 steps, believed to be from the 12th century. The Math also boasts numerous caves and a vast collection of religious texts
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
Located at latitude 12.2167 and longitude 79.1167, Arahanthgiri Jain Math is surrounded by other notable Jain temples and sites in the Tiruvannamalai district, such as the Mel Sithamur Jain Math in Villupuram district, showcasing the region’s long-standing connection to Jainism. Very well connected by road and rail to Chennai and Bengaluru.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Mahavir Jayanti
