Samanar Hills, near Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is a 3-kilometer stretch of rocky terrain dotted with significant Jain and Hindu monuments, now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The name "Samanar," derived from "Sramana," refers to Jain ascetics, while "malai" signifies hill. These hills are also known as Melmalai and Amanarmalai, and some scholars believe they correspond to the Jain site Thiruvuruvakam mentioned in ancient Tamil texts.
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| Statue of Ilango Adigal, Marina Beach, Chennai, en.wikipedia.org |
Silappatikaram meaning song of the anklet ( It is to the Tamil culture what the Iliad is to the Greek culture), the earliest surviving epic in Tamil literature, was written by a Samana..Ilango Adigal (4th-6th century CE was a Jain monk, belonging to the Chera royal family, from the city of Vanchi .the brother of the Chera king Cenkuttuvan (c. late 2nd century CE). Among the five this epic is a major work in Tamil literature. From that time onwards, people started referring Jain as Samana or Samanar. Yet another interpretation for Samanar is according to some experts the word Samanar comes from Prakrit language. It means a "wandering renunciate”. It was used for jains, who practice Digambara Jainism.
Situated near the intersection of NH44 and NH85, the hills extend eastward from Kilkuyilkudi village. Various sections, including Kanjamalai, showcase monuments spanning from the 2nd century BCE to the 12th century CE. Samanar Hills proper, located on the western end, is particularly known for its Jain and Hindu structures. Other notable sites include a Subramaniya Swamy temple and a 17th-18th century Islamic dargah, reflecting the region's diverse history.
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| Jain Muni Mahavira, Samanar Hill, Madurai, TN /upload.wikimedia.org image. sriram mt |
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| reliefs of Tirthankara en.wikipedia.org (ASI) |
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| Samanar hills, near Madurai /en.wikipedia.org |
Above images The Samanar Hills extend for several kilometers, with different spots being home ancient Tamil-Brahmi script inscriptions and several bed, wall reliefs, temples and caves monuments of Jainism, and some of Hinduism. The Jain monuments at Samanar Hills include beds, caves with reliefs on the walls as sravaka-pilgrims (householders supporting the ascetics) or early ascetics would walk up to them. Many inscriptions are also found with these artwork on Samanar Hills, which are all in Tamil except one which is in Kannada. The script varies, and careful studies suggest that the few Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions here are from 1st to 3rd century CE, while Vatteluttu inscriptions were entered on these hills from 8th to 11th-century CE. Above: rocky hillock west of Madurai where Samanar Malai monuments are found........
According to historical accounts, the 8th-century Jain scholar Akalanka established Samanar Hills and surrounding Jain settlements after defeating Buddhist scholars in a debate. This event is believed to have contributed to the flourishing of Jainism in the area between the 9th and 12th centuries.
Two prominent Jain sites within the Samanar Hills are Settipodavu and Pechchipallam. Settipodavu, situated on the western slope, features a 10th-century cave containing a large, seated Tirthankara relief, identifiable as Mahavira by the lion emblem beneath. Inside the cave, one can also find three additional Tirthankaras, the goddess Ambika Devi depicted as a warrior, and Padmavati Devi. These reliefs are accompanied by 10th-century Tamil Vatteluttu inscriptions. Pechchipallam, located on the southeastern slope, also houses Jain reliefs and inscriptions, primarily dating from the 10th century.
Near the base and summit of the hills, remnants of a Karuppu Sami temple and a ruined Vishnu temple can be seen, likely victims of religious conflicts that occurred in the 14th century. Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions have also been discovered on the hills. Settipodavu, being more easily accessible, is a popular destination for visitors interested in exploring the region's rich religious and cultural heritage.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samanar_Hills
https://www.quora.com/Were-Jains-called-Samanar-in-Tamil-If-so-why?