Sivayam Cave

About:

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.

These early vestiges were the resorts of the hermits. These caves were made suitable for habitation by cutting stone beds in them. The beds were chiseled smooth raising one side a little to serve as pillows. To prevent rainwater flowing into the cave shelters, the overhanging rock was cut in the form of drip-ledge. These caves were often provided with structural additions in front in the form of thatched roof, which was supported by wooden poles. This fact is proved from several holes cut into the open rock surfaces of the caves, which are well visible now. Most of these vestiges of Tamil Nadu were near springs of water, which served the basic needs of the austere.

Location info:

History:

The early Jaina caves were discovered from almost all the districts of Tamil Nadu. But most of them were recovered from Madurai. Approximately, twenty-six caves with not less that one hundred and forty stone beds were recovered from places like Anaimalai, Alagarmalai, Arittapatti, Tiruparankundram, Muttupatti, Vikramangalam, Tiruvatavur and Varichiyur. All these places are located within a radius of 20 miles from Madurai town. The 2nd to 1st century BC Brahmi records can be seen in these early vestiges of Tamil Nadu. These refer to the names of the resident monks as well as the laity who caused stone beds to be cut. .

Interesting places to Visit:

Rock Fort Temple :
The Rock Fort temple complex in Trichy is a collection of three temples - the Manikka Vinayakar temple at the foot of the hill, the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the top of the hill and the Taayumaanavar Koyil on the hill. This Shivastalam is a rock cut temple on a hill and is the most remarkable landmark in Tiruchirappalli that can be approached by a flight of steps en-route to the famous Ucchi Pillayar temple.

Tiruvanaikkaval :Jambukeswara Temple Situated 2 km east of Srirangam, this beautiful Shiva temple steals the show from the larger Ranganathaswami temple due to its excellent architectural design. The temple is named after the elephant, which is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. Installed under an ancient Jambu tree, the lingam is partially submerged by water and meant to represent God incarnate as Water.

Gangaikondan Cholapuram : Gangaikonda Cholapuram is located in Udayarpalayam Taluk (also spelt as Taluka) of Perambalur district, at a distance of 100-km from Trichy. Rajendra I, a Chola ruler established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as his capital city and built a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Apart from the gigantic Nandi, there are some eye-catching sculptures including a dancing Ganesha, a lion-headed well and an amazing piece depicting Rajendra being crowned by Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Sri Ranganathaswami Temple : At Srirangam Situated 7km from Trichy is Srirangam, the abode of the Supreme Lord, Sri Ranganatha, the reclining form of Lord Vishnu. The temple of Ranganatha, the largest in India, is of particular veneration to all Hindus. Srirangam is also listed as one of the Nava Graha Sthalas, or temples representing the nine planets of our solar system.

Viralimalai Sanctuary : Viralimalai is a small town located about 30 km from Tiruchirappalli and 40 km from Pudukkottai. It is famous for its Murugan temple and the Peacock Park. The town is blessed with a large number of wild peacocks, which roam around the Murugan temple.

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

Samayapuram

20 km from Trichy. This is a very important place of pilgrimage, famous for its temple dedicated to the Goddess Samayapuram Mariamman. Its one of the abodes of Shakti in India. Ph 0431-2670460

Gunaseelam

24 km from Trichy on the North bank of Cauvery River. in Triuchirapalli Musiri Road. There is a Vaishnavite Temple and the name of the God is Lord Prasanna Venkateshwarar. Gunaseelam Temple is a place for worship, festivals and also for mental relief or alleviation.
Sri Kokarneswarar Temple

Vayaloor

8 km from Trichy. Located on the outskirts of Trichy. There is a small Lord Muruga Temple set in the midst of lush green vegetation.

Uthamar Koil

Uthamar Koil in Karumbanur is one of the most famous shrines in 108 Vaishnavik Padalshtalam. This temple is situated eight kilometers North of Trichy Fort Station , 4 km North of Srirangam Railway station. Here is the temple where the Lord Creator – Brahma, the lord for the well being of the universe – Vishnu and the destroyer of universe – Siva take their abode. This place is also known as “ Kadambavanam” or “Trimurthishektram”.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Ramyas Hotels Pvt Ltd
Williams Rd, Tiruchchirappalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620001 - 0431 2415128

Hotel Sangam
Collector Office Road, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil nadu 620001 - 0431 2414700

Ashby Hotel
Rockins Rd, Tiruchchirappalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620001 - 0431 2460652

Jennys Residency
3/14 Mc Donald's Road, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil nadu 620001- 0431 2414414

Hotel Femina
Williams Rd, Tiruchchirappalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu - 0431 2414502

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Police Station
, Thiruchirapalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu

Gandhi Market Police Station
W B Road, Thiruchirapalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu

Srirangam Police Station
THERKU VASAL, Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu

Thiruverumbur Police station
Thiruverumbur, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu- 0431 2557234

Nearest Hospital:

Institute Of Opthalmology -Joseph Eye Hospital
,Kilapudur, Tiruchirapalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu- 0431 2460622

Sowmanasya Hospitals Pvt Ltd
6, K K Nagar, Chinthamani, V N Nagar, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil nadu 620002 - 0431 2704304

Rangashri Child Care Clinic
New 76, Srirangam, Gandhi Road, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil nadu 620006- 0431 2435600

Kavery Medical Centre & Hospital
Thennur, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil nadu 620017- 0431 4022555

Sivayam Cave