Serene messages in stone

The Hindu Silent sentries: Jain sculptures at Anaimalai Photo: K. Ganesan Jainism had flourished around Madurai and this can still be seen in the caves and inscriptions that abound there. Madurai is a city of confluence where different faiths flourished through the ages. One religion was Jainism. Evidence to its presence and reach are found in stone inscriptions and sculptures found on the hillocks around the city. The history of Jainism can...

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Appar-Thirunavukkarasar

A detailed account of Saint Appar’s life is given by Sekkilar in his Thiruttonddarpuranam. Sekkilar sings the story in 428 verses under the chapter ‘Thiruninrasargam’. The chapter derives its name from the epithet given to Appar by Sundaramurti. Appar was born and brought up at Thiruvamur, in Thirumunaipadinadu, on the banks of the river Pennai. He was born in a Velan family to Puhalanar and Madiniyar. The coupld had first a daughter...

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