Chandraprabha Jain Temple

Chandraprabha Jain Temple is an ancient Jain temple located in Thiruparuthikundram village near Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Chandraprabha, the 8th Jain Tirthankara, it is one of two Jain temples in the village. Built during the Pallava period and later expanded under Cholas, it is noted for its Dravidian architecture, stone inscriptions, and murals, and remains an important pilgrimage site for Tamil Jains.

Visitors can expect a compact stone temple complex with a sanctum housing the image of Chandraprabha, pillared mandapas, and historic inscriptions and paintings on walls and ceilings. The temple is set in a quiet village environment near Kanchipuram, with simple surroundings and traditional South Indian temple architecture. Visitors can explore the main shrine, outer courtyard, and observe Jain rituals and architecture.

The temple is believed to have been originally constructed in the 9th century during the Pallava period and later patronized by Chola kings. It contains inscriptions from Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara periods documenting grants and renovations. The temple preserves early medieval Jain art, including wall paintings dated to later periods, and reflects the historic presence of Jainism in the Kanchipuram region.

The temple is dedicated to Chandraprabha, the 8th Tirthankara in Jainism, and is a significant pilgrimage centre for Tamil Jains. It represents the continuity of Jain religious tradition in Tamil Nadu and showcases Dravidian temple architecture adapted for Jain worship. The site is valued for its religious, architectural and epigraphical heritage.