Shri 1008 Ajitnath Digamber Jain Mandir,Penukonda,Sri Sathya Sai,Andhra Pradesh

Sri Ajithanatha Digambar Jain Temple Penkonda is located at the southern region of Penkonda. The temple was built in the 14th Century during the Vijayanagar empire rule and this was found during the renovation at 19th Century. The temple has got a unique history and represents Legacy of Jainism in Andhra Pradesh from 12th Century Epoch.

The Temple was renovated by the Gowdanakunte family of Amarapura during 19th Century, later they had constructed an Adinath temple in Amarapura located in the Anantapur district. Hence this abridged their visits to this temple. The temple was under the control of Sri. Lakshisena Battaarraka Peeta in the past and subsequently maintained by Amarapura Jain Samaja for more than 30 years.

In 1966-67 the priest of Gudibande took Digambar muni diksha as Muni 108 Sri Ajithakeerthi Maharaj and spent his last days at this temple. Over a period of time after the Samadhi of Muni Ajithakeerthiji the temple started deteriorating due to lack of upkeep. Also Temple Idol was stolen by thieves assuming the idol was made of gold. Subsequently realizing the idol was not made of gold by then they had cut the left hand of Thirthankara’s Idol. Since then Pooja was stopped and was a very bad at state.

Penukonda was ruled by Vijayanagar kings. But the penukonda town and the fort were established by hoyasala kings much before Vijayanagar kings. The early hoyasala kings were jain practitioners, hence you will find lot of jain temples in penukonda. Of these only 3 or 4 temples are survived now in penukonda.

Because of its ancient Jain history and presence of many temples it is one of the most revered places for Jains. In the Tamil Jain tradition, this is counted as one of the four Jain centers of learning (Vidystahana) i.e. a Bhattaraka matha which are delhi, kolhapur, jina Kanchi and Penukonda.The famous Pache Parsvanath Swamy Temple, with idol of Parsvanath containing a single green coloured stone (Pacha) is also located here.

This particular Ajithnatha temple also an ancient temple but it is renovated recently and it is in good shape now. The temple compound is very Big.