Anaimalai Cave of Madurai

About:

Jainism might have originated in North India.But it has a 1000-year history in South India,particularly Tamil Nadu.The several monuments scattered in the peninsular region of the Indian subcontinent only confirm this. There are many Jain shrines, images, and monasteries carved in the hills of Tamil Nadu.

Curiously, most of these monuments are concentrated in and around Madurai.There are about 26 caves in Anaimalai, Alagarmalai,Muttupatti, Tiruparankundram, Vikramangalam, Karungalakkudi, Mankulam Kongarpuliyankulam, Tiruvatavur, and Varichiyur. The caves belong to the 2nd and Ist centuries B.C. The names of the monks who lived in these cave-dwellings and the men who carved them are engraved on these monuments.

In the natural cavern, on the terrace of the hill Anaimalai more than twenty stone beds had been scooped out for the residence of the Jain monks. On the facade of this cave a Tamil Brahmi inscription dated to 1st century CE is engraved. It is one among the eight famous hills around Madurai, where Jain monks resided. This hill is mentioned as Ivakundram  in Tamil Brahmi Inscription. Ivam means elephant (Anai) in Tamil.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

The summer months are very uncomfortable with May being the hottest month. Temperatures reach as high as 38º Celsius in May.The monsoon season in Madurai stretches from September to November. During this period the city of Madurai is susceptible to heavy torrential rains.

Summer: 37.5°C -26.3°C, Winter: 29.6°C - 20.9°C

History:

Anaimalai is considered to be one of the eight sacred Jaina hills. Situated a short distance from the village is a natural cavern which measures roughly twenty-two feet in length. eighteen feet in width and approximately three feet in height at its entrance. The height diminishes towards the interior. The cavern contains three carved double-berths, one single berth which is slightly lower than the others, and four other consecutive berths covered with earth. Eight more berths are found outside the cavern. Above the cave entrance, the overhanging rock is cut to a depth of two feet three inches in width and fifteen feet in length. Below this drip-line cutting is a solitary Bramhi inscription which can be dated to the first to second century It records that the stone berths found in the palli were the gift of Nathan of Kunrattur and that they were made for the merit of the monks Eri Aritan, Attuvay and Arattakayipan.

Although the relics, in the form of stone berths and Bramhi inscription, indicate an earlier date for the establishment, Anaimalai did not become a prominent lama centre until the ninth century. It was during this latter period that the first in a number of stone sculptures representing Tirthankaras, yakshas and yakshis were carved near the cave on the vertical surfaces of the rock-face by a number of pious devotees from several of the surrounding villages.

Interesting things to Visit:

Meenakshi Temple :Madurai or is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. It has been a center of learning and pilgrimage, for centuries. Legend has it that the divine nectar falling from Lord Shiva's locks gave the city its name - 'Madhurapuri', now known as "Madurai".Madurai is famous for its Meenakshi Temple, one of India's biggest Temples which is dedicated to Meenakshi, the consort of lord Shiva. Exquisite sculptures, hall of thousand pillars, icons, photographs & illustrations make this Temple a famous tourist spot. The Temple is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. The Meenakshi temple complex is one of the largest and certainly one of the most ancient.

According to legend Madurai is the actual site where the wedding between Shiva and Meenakshi took place. The gigantic temple complex, the statues exploring the entire range of human emotions, everything here is larger than life. The soaring and exquisitely carved towers enclose the temple dedicated to Meenakashi. The south gateway contains the twin temples of Shiva and Meenakshi and is about nine storeys high.

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

Tirunelveli : Thirunelveli, the southernmost district of Tamil Nadu is described as a microcosm of the state. The district has diverse geographical and physical features such as high and lofty mountains and low plains, rivers, cascades, seacoast, thick inland forest, sandy soils and fertile alluvium, a variety of flora, fauna, and protected wild life.

Kalugumalai: Information about Kalugumalai, Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu, India. Kalugumalai locates in between Kovilpatti and Sankarankoil. This small beautiful town has great historic background and religious land.

Kodaikanal :

Kodaikanal, 2135 metres (7000 feet) above sea level is a lovely hill resort which lies amidst the sylvan grandeur of the Palani Hills in the dindugal district. The nearest railhead is Kodaikanal Road on southern Railways. From Kodaikanal Road, one has to travel 80 kms. (50 miles) by road to reach Kodaikanal. Two-thirds of this motor journey up the hill through the ghats is an exciting experience with the vista and scenery changing at every bend and curve on the mountain road.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Vijay
122, Tirupparankunram Rd, Vasantha Nagar, Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001? - 0452 2336321
Category: Travel - Hotels

Hotel Germanus
28, Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu- 0452 4356999

Hotel Supreme
110, West Perumal Maistry Street, Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu - 0452 2343151

Hotel Park Plaza
Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu- 0452 3011111

The Madurai Residency
15, west Marret Street, Madurai - 652 001, Not Specified, Madurai, 652 001- 0452 4380000

Taj Garden Retreat
Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu- 0452 2371601

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Police Station
Race Course Road, Chockikulam, Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Sellur Police station
Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Anna Nagar Police Station
Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Southgate Police station
Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Bazzar Police station
Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

B1 Police Station
East Masi Street, Madurai - Main, Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Keerathurai Police Station
, Keerathurai, Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001

Womens Police Station
South Maret Street, Madurai - Main, Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Tallakulam Police Station
, Chockikulam, Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Andalpuram Police Station
Tirupparankunram Road, Vasantha Nagar, Madurai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu- 0452 2302153

Nearest Hospital:

Chirstian Mission Hospital
East Marret Street, East Marret Street, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001- 0452 2326458

Visaka Poly Clinic
#1 Katarapalayam,, T.P.K Main Road,, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001- 0452 2338275

Vijaya Vennila Hospital
16/185, North Veli Street, North Veli Street, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001- 0452 2343365

Brain Nerves Hospital
72, Vakkil New Street, Vakkil New Street, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001- 0452 2325123

Anaimalai Cave