Mel Sithamur Jain Math, Jain temple in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India
Mel Sithamur Jain Math is a Jain matha near Gingee in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, with two temples. The Parshvanatha temple has a seven-storey Raja Gopuram over 70 feet tall and a 52-foot monolithic manastambha. The Malinatha temple, also called Thiruvooram Palli or Kattam Palli, centres on a boulder with rock-cut images of Bahubali, Parshvanatha, Adinatha, Mahavira and Ambika Yakshi.
The complex was built between 1570 and 1600 after being relocated from Kanchipuram to this location. Its establishment was sponsored by Venkatappa Nayak, a powerful ruler who supported Jain institutions.
This site functions as a living spiritual center for the Jain community, where daily worship and rituals take place. Visitors can witness the devotion of followers and sense how important this place remains for local practice.
The Math lies 10 km east of Gingee and 20 km off Tindivanam, near the Tindivanam–Gingee highway in Mel Sithamur village, Villupuram district. The two temples stand in the same village, so allow time to see both the Parshvanatha and Malinatha shrines. It is an active Digambara Jain centre headed by Bhattaraka Laxmisena Swami, so dress modestly and keep noise down.
The 52-foot manastambha in the Parshvanatha temple compound is a single monolith, carved from one block of stone rather than assembled in sections. The temple's seven-storey Raja Gopuram rises more than 70 feet, and tirthankara images are carved across its walls.
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