A millennium-old stone statue depicting Thirthangara Mahavir was discovered in the vicinity of Manavarayanendal, close to Thiruchuli in the Virudhunagar district.
According to the media report, the statue was discovered during a field excursion led by S Rajapandi, an assistant professor of history at SBK College, Aruppukkottai, accompanied by M Sarath Ram, a student from the Tamil Nadu state archaeological department.
Additionally, it noted that evidence of Jainism had been uncovered in numerous locations across the Virudhunagar district, such as Kovilankulam, Thoppalakarai, Kurandi, Irunjirai, Pullur, Palavanatham, Pandalkudi, Paraikulam, Thiruchuli, Puliyuran, Aviyur, Iruppaikudi, Kulasekaranallur, Seithur, and various others.
The sculpture discovered in Manavarayanendal, partially buried in the earth, exhibits intricate granite carving. Above the statue’s head, it could be seen that there is a triple umbrella adorned with intricately carved creepers. Flanking the statue are sculptures of yakshas. Judging from the sculptural technique, it is speculated that the statue likely dates back to the 11th century AD.
The report suggested that the discovery of numerous Tirthankara sculptures and black and red potsherds from the Iron Age in this area could indicate continuous habitation since that period.
