Dear Parton,

Jai Jinendra, We wish to submit the following few lines for your kind consideration.

Deepangudi is an ancient village situated in the Kodavasal Taluk of Tiruvarur District, . Situated in this village, is an ancient Jain temple Dedicated to Lord Shree AdiNath Worshiped as Deepanayagaswamy , build during 11-12 Century CE

The Name of the Village Deepangudi and name of the main deity Deepanayagaswamy is due to the fact that there is a Deepam (Tamil word for Lamp) that has been continuously lighted for ages and still now the lamp has been shedding light in the sanctum of the Temple.

There have been many traces for Deepangudi in history and here are the few: Famous Tamil Poet “Jayamkondar” who wrote the historic Tamil poem “Kalingathuparani” praising the victory of Kulothunga Chola, the Ist was also a native of Deepangudi Village. There have been many references stating that Jayamkondar belonged to Jainism and that the entire village was gifted to him by the Chola king for his work. It is assumed that the temple was built during this period. He also wrote a “Pathigam” of ten songs narrating Deepangudi as a famous Jain Village. There is also an ancient story stating that Lowa and Kusa, the two sons of Shree Rama have worshipped Lord Rishabadev at Deepangudi.

In 1983, the temple was taken over by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board, Government of Tamilnadu. Though there was lot of property of the Temple, all these assets eroded due course of time and after the take over from , there were very little funds to maintain the temple. There are around 9 Jain families in the village and their primary occupation is farming.

“Sri Deepanayaga Swamy Shethra Seva Sangam” was formed in 2005 by these families and like minded devotees to carry out all the activities of the temple. At present the daily pooja and the periodic festivals in the temple are being undertaken by the Sangam through individual contributions and Donations. There is also a meager amount from Government of Tamil nadu on a monthly basis. The following are the activities carried by the Sewa Sangam: 1. Day to Day Maintenance of the Temple 2. Daily Milk and prasada for the temple. 3. Salary for the Archakars, temple cleaning staff. 4. Performing Special occasion pujas like Akshya Tiruthi, Navarathri, Aadi Velli, Mahaveer Jayanthi, Deepavali, Sankaranthi, Mukkudai etc.,

The temple’s full structure is made of sand stone, mud and lime mix. Though the entire structure was plastered using cement during last renovation, over the period of years all the plastering has worn out now exposing the bricks. There are also heavy damages to all the Goupurams ( Doomes) of the temple.

After much persuasion with Tamil Nadu Endowment Board, the Sewa Sangam has got permission to renovate the temple. The renovation work has also started and is in full swing.

On behalf of “Sri Deepanayaga Swamy Shethra Sewa Sangam”, we would request you to kindly contribute as much as possible for this noble deed of renovating the temple.

Thanking you for your patronage,

Sri Deepanayaga Swamy Shethra Sewa Sangam, Deepangudi Village, Arasavangadu Post, Kodavasal, Tiruvarur Dt, Pin – 612 603

Note : DD / Cheque can be drawn on Favor “Sri Deepanayaga Swamy Shethra Sewa Sangam” and posted to the above address. Partons can also transfer funds online to State Bank of A/C no: 30750457924, Kodavasal Branch, IFSC Code: SBIN0007015 (used for RTGS and NEFT transactions) For further details, kindly contact us @ +91 96984 56887 +91 98452 95041 +91 94429 93174 Email : [email protected]

Encl:

1. Pict of the Layout of the Temple. 2. Copy of the Sewa Sangam Registration Certificate. 3. Pictures of the Temple complex, deities and the present condition of the Temple.

Encl 1 – Picture of the Temple Layout

Encl 2: Copy of the Sewa Sangam Registration Certificate

res of Temple Complex – Present Condition

Main Deity : Shree Deepanayagaswamy & Stone Script

Entrance Gopuram and Side View of Main Gopuram

Front Mandapam & Side View of Main Gopuram

Inner Compound Wall & Bramadevar Temple Gopuram