Caves Of Tamil Nadu

If travelers were bound to pick between the modern-day marvels and heritage sites of Tamil Nadu, most of them would blindly choose the historically brimming attractions. The fine caves, so to say are one of the natural phenomenons that exist in the state of Tamil Nadu. The Mandagapattu rock-cut cave temple is known as one of the oldest examples of cave structures built by King Mahendravarman-I, Pallava King.

It is believed that King Mahendravarman-I brought in a new culture of temple architecture that was carved for deities namely Isvara, Vishnu, and Brahma without the use of timbers, mortar, bricks, and metal as per the inscriptions analysis made by scholars.

Some other great examples of cave temples are from Mahabalipuram which is applauded as UNESCO World Heritage Site. To name a few, Arjuna’s Penance, Varaha temple, Descent of the Ganges, the Shore temple, and Pancha Rathas are exceptional representations of the architectural style adopted by Pallava Kings between the 7th and 9th Centuries. And the list doesn't end here as Mandagapattu cave temple is another marvel of the Pallava Kings. Coming down in the list of famous cave temples, there are Jain Caves that belong to the 7th Century.

Sittanavasal Cave is one such example that dates back to the 2nd Century and is a rock-cut monastery also known as Arivar Koil. Furthermore, Pillayarpatti Cave Temple, The Satyagiri Nathan Temple, Tiruchirappalli cave temple, Shervaroyan cave temple, Mahendravadi cave temple, and Thirunandikkara Cave Temple are the other must-visit places that fall under the category of cave shrines.

Famous Caves of Tamil Nadu

Armamalai Cave

This is located in the Vellore district and is a monument protected by the Archaeological Society of India. The cave dates back to the 8th century AD and was a Jain temple then. Cave paintings are the special highlight of this cave. There are paintings and murals all over the walls and ceilings of the caves, which makes them similar to the beautiful Sithanavasal caves in another part of the state. Limestone rocks have made up this cave. The paintings represent all tales related to the religion of Jainism and have portraits of the major protectors of Agni, Kubera, Vayu, Yama, Varuna, Indra, and Esanya.

Sithannavasal Caves

These are very famous not only in Tamil Nadu but in India as well. It is located in the Pudukottai district and it means, “a place where great saints live”. The paintings here are made of different colors of vegetable dyes (orange, white, blue, black, green, etc.) It belongs to the 2nd century and is a predominantly Jainism-related cave complex.

The hill on which these caves are located is 70m tall and the paintings here depict various natural elements, elephants, lotus, fishes, geese, buffaloes, dancing figurines, and the most attractive Jain painting concept of Samavasarana, which means highly attractive heavenly pavilion.

Other famous caves in Tamil Nadu are Chitharal Jain Monuments and Rock Temple, Krishna Cave Temple, Mahabalipuram cave temples and paintings, Narthamalai, Mamandur, Varaha Cave Temple, Thirunadhikkara Cave Temple, Samanar Hills and many more.