Thiruparankundram - a Pandiya period Rock Cut Cave Temple on the back side of Thiruparankundram Shiva / Murugan Temple, Thiruparankundram, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu.

 22^nd April, 2015

Continuation to the earlier post ( CLICK HERE to see the details )

The Cave temple is just back side of the Thiruparankundram  Sri Murugan/ Shiva Temple. After darshan of Lord Shiva  tried to get an auto near the temple. Since there was no vehicle or  mini bus available at that time, started walking up to the cave. I was shocked to see the damages done to the sculptures during Jain – Brahmical conflict. Now the site is under the control of ASI.

 Pandya Period Cave temple 

The rock cut temple is an early Pandya period and is seen used medieval times. It also suffered damages during this stage. This cave temple is datable back to 8^th century AD. The temple comprises of a Sanctum for Arthanareeswarar and a Hall. In the Hall A Natarajar in standing Posture.( below the chest was completely damaged ). On the right Sri Valli Devasena Sri Subramaniar. On the right side wall inscriptions are found.

In the front Ganesha on the left and Bhairavar on the right. Jain monks reliefs are also chiseled during Jain period.

LOCATION OF THE CAVE:   CLICK HERE

 The view of the Thiruparankundram Hill 

 Entrance steps to cave temple

 Ganapathy on the left and Saints on the right

 Epigraph 

 Epigraph 

 Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniyar 

Natarajar – Murgan on the peacock and Ganapathy on the top – The maximum extend of vandalism – below the chest of Natarajar was chopped off. 

 Arthanareeswarar in side the sanctum 

 Thirugnanasambandar, Sundarar and Appar Swamigal

 Bairavar

 Saints / monks

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA:---