Birudur is a village located in the Vandavasi taluk of Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu.
Main Deity – About 3 feet high stone idol of Tirthankar Adinath in Paryankasana. Along the pedestal are engraved the symbol of Lord Adinath along with Gomukha Yaksha and Chakreshwari Yakshi. The main deity is flanked by chowri bearers/chamardharis, a bhamandala behind the deity’s head, and a mukkode above its head.
Temple Structure – The ancient Digambar Jain temple has been built in the Dravidian style and is dedicated to the 1st Tirthankar of Jainism Lord Adinath. The pinnacle or Vimana along the sanctum sanctorum is 3 steps, the 1st step has 4 Tirthankar idols in pryankasana along 4 different directions and is flanked by chamardharis, 2nd step has 4 Tirthankar idols in Kayotsarga along 4 different directions and are flanked by chamardharis, the 3rd step has a Kalasha.
In front of the sanctum sanctorum (Garba Griha) is seen the Ardha Mantapa with the idols of Gomukha Yaksha and Chakreshwari Yakshi flanking the entrance to Garba Griha. Metal idols of Tirthankar Parshwanath, Nandishwara, Bahubali, Navadevata Pancha Parameshti, Choubis Tirthankar, Shruta Skanda are all placed on a platform in the Ardha Mantapa. We can also see the stone idols of Choubis Tirthankar and Navadevata.
A platform in front of the Ardha Mantapa for performing daily poojas is established. This is called Maha Mantapa. Following the Maha Mantapa is a wide hall called as Navaranga. The Navaranga further opens up to an open area with pillars.
We can find two independent constructions along the north and south of the temple’s entrance. The northern construction houses the Yaksha and Yakshi idols. In the southern construction are installed the idols of Naagrahas.
In front of the temple is seen a Manastambha. Along the base of the manastambha are engraved the Tirthankar idols in Paryankasana. On its top is seen a mantapa with Tirthankar idols in Kayotsarga.
Mahavir Idol – Within the temple premises to the north of Manastambha is seen a monolithic 16 feet idol of Tirthankar Mahavir in Kayotsarga. It was donated by a Jaina Shravaka (householder) called Chinnadurai Nainar of Birudur and was installed in 2012.
Muni Nivas – Muni Nivas, accommodation facilities for Jain ascetics visiting the village constructed in the temple premises.
Poojas & Rituals – The poojas and rituals are performed to the deities regularly as per the Tamil Digambar Jain Tradition.
Location – Birudur is located at State Highway 115, between Vandavasi and Melmaruvathur. It is just 4 km away from Vandavasi and well connected to Chennai(113 km) by road.
Approch Routes to Birudur – There are 5 different approach routes to Birudur. Details are as below:
Route 1 – Vandavasi – Melmaruvathur road – Birudur – 4 km
Route 2 – Gingee – Vandavasi – Melmaruvathur – Birudur – 53 km
Route 3 – Melmaruvathur – Vandavasi road – Birudur – 25 km
Route 4 – Arni – Vandavasi – Melmaruvathur road – Birudur – 47 km
Route 5 – Kanchipuram – Vandavasi – Melmaruvathur road – Birudur – 43 km