Jambai cave

About:

The earliest extant religious vestiges in Tamil Nadu are the famous Jain caves scattered throughout the region, which were once the dwelling places of several Jaina monks. Found in some of the hills in Tirunelveli, Madurai, Pudukottai, Periyar, Trichy, South Arcot and North Arcot districts, these caverns are set amidst picturesque surroundings and provided ideal conditions for the monks to spend their lives in splendid isolation, so that they could engage in contemplation and religious pursuits.

The Caves in Tamil Nadu are considered important because they are among the earliest lithic monuments in these regions. They contain the earliest epigraphic records in Brahmi script, assigned to a period from 2nd century BC to 3rd or 4th century AD and above all, they provide authentic evidence of the early spread of Jainism in Tamil Nadu. These monuments caves contain engravings of the names of the monks who lived here and the men who carved them.

The natural caverns were made suitable for habitation by cutting stone beds in them. The beds were chiseled smooth with one side raised a little to serve as headrest. The upper portions of the caves were cut in such a way as to prevent rainwater from flowing into the cave shelters. Sometimes, the caves had some structural additions built in front of them, in the form of thatched roofs supported by wooden poles. These caves were mostly located near springs of water so that the basic needs of the ascetics were well-met.

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:

In Tamil Nadu, the earliest existing religious vestiges are the natural caves. These caves once served as the habitats of Jaina monks, found in some of the hills in Tirunelveli, Madurai, Pudukkottai, Periyar, Trichy and erstwhile South Arcot and North Arcot districts. The numbers of these vestiges have reached more than one hundred so far due to the tireless efforts of the archaeologists over the last five decades.

These early caves were found amidst picturesque surroundings. These were the residence of mendicants who resolved to spend their lives in splendid isolation and engaged themselves in contemplation and religious pursuits. These Jaina caves in Tamil Nadu are important for numerous reasons. The earliest lithic monuments of this region were represented by them. The earliest epigraphic records in Brahmi characters can be seen in these caves. These belonged to a period from the 2nd century BC to the 3rd or 4th century AD and above all they provide authentic evidence of the early spread of Jainism in Tamil Nadu.

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

Jambai Cave