The Vijayamangalam Jain Temple, also known as the Chandraprabha Tirtankarar Temple, is a significant Jain temple located in the town of Vijayamangalam in Erode district, Tamil Nadu. Built around 678 CE by King Konguvelir of the Velir dynasty, this temple serves as a testament to the historical presence of Jains in the region. It is renowned for its architectural beauty and rich cultural heritage, attracting both devotees and historians alike.
Historically, Vijayamangalam was part of Kongu Nadu, a region known for its ancient Jain settlements. The temple is tied to the literary achievements of King Konguvelir, who composed the epic Pancha-Kaviyams here. Additionally, the Tamil Sangam was organized in the town, where Konguvelir's maid aided him in answering scholarly questions. To honor this event, idols of the king, his maid, and Tamil Sangam members were installed within the temple, highlighting its cultural importance.
Dedicated to Chandraprabha, the eighth Tirthankara of Jainism, the temple showcases Western Ganga architectural style. It features a brick Vimana facing south and an ardhamandapa that houses the idols of Pañca-Parameṣṭhi. The temple is enclosed by a prakaram, which is accessible through a gopuram. Various Jain idols, dating back to uncertain periods, have also been discovered in the vicinity, further emphasizing the temple's historical richness.
The Vijayamangalam Jain Temple is maintained and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, ensuring its preservation for future generations. It is also noteworthy as the birthplace of the 12th-century Jain acharya Bhavanadi, who authored Nannūl, a significant work on Tamil grammar. The temple stands as the oldest Jain temple in the Kongu Nadu region, preserving the legacy of Jainism and its historical contributions to Tamil culture.