The Tirthankar idol at Arabikothanur lies orphan in the open air.
– Article & Photos by Nitin H.P.
Arabhi Kothanur a small village at a distance of 12 Kms the district centre Kolar situated along the national highway has a rich heritage not much known to the external world. Its history dates back to the period of Gangas. The Shaiva and Vaishnava temples and various ruins indicate its rich heritage. Various inscriptions found in the village and hundreds of ruined sculpture found all over the village also provide substantial evidence to prove the fact that this is an ancient heritage centre.
Apart from the above we can also find a 30″ high ruined Tirthankar idol in Padmasana in the centre of the village. This is found just besides the other Hindu sculptures. We can hardly find any Jain families here. However, availability of a Jain Tirthankar idol in the midst of many other sculptures and ruins of temples indicate that a Jain temple existed here. We cannot find any inscriptions on the idol or at any other parts of the village. There is absolutely no one to take care of this idol and if left uncared even this idol might vanish over a period of time.
Preserving the Tirthankar idol – The villagers are prepared to preserve the sculptures and the Tirthankar idol provided they receive support. It is up to the government authorities and philanthropists to support the cause.
(The WWW.JAINHERITAGECENTRES.COM team members that were involved in the field visit to this site on December 28, 2013 – Dr.H.A.Parshwanath & Nitin H.P.)
