Cave Temple, Kuranganilmuttam

Other Temples, Thiruvannamalai District

God

Holy Trinity

Goddess

None

Other Deities

None

Cave Temple Kuranganilmuttam is a structure excavated below the ground level and could be considered unique due to this factor. The front facade of this structure has two pillars and two pilasters. The pillars are square in the top and bottom with octagonal shafts in the middle. The corbels at the top are simple and curved with sharp edges. This is followed by another similar row demarcating the Mukha Mantapa and Ardha Mantapas. On the back wall of the cave are carved ten pilasters that accommodate three cells and three pairs of Dwarpalas. The three cells indicate that this temple could have been for the Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. From the style of the Dwarapalas, it is assumed by experts that the central cell could be for Shiva, southern for Vishnu and the northern one for Brahma. All images that have been kept here presently are new in origin. There are two more cells facing south and two facing north and it is not known what deities were planned for here. The site is under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No infromation

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

The Cave Temple Kuranganilmuttam is assumed to have been created by the Pallava King Mahendravarman I (circa 580 – 630 CE) based on its style and similarities to other such cave temples created by him. The inscription found here belongs to Kannaradeva (1249-1280? There are a few others by this same name mentioned across history and our references do not clarify his identity and time exactly). The inscription has not yet been clearly read by experts, but the words read mention – Kaliyur Kottattu Erikilnattu Pallavapurattu Nengalur Kalmandakattalvarukku… This cave temple goes back to the early pallava creations and predates the Mahabalipuram excavations among others.

Legend

None

Directions

Cave Temple Kuranganilmuttam is 2.5 kilometers south-east of Dusi, which is about 8 kilometers south of Kanchipuram in the Vandavasi Road. The excavation come after crossing Kuranganilmuttam Paadal Petra Shiva Temple.

Stay and Food

None locally except tea shops at the Dusi Junction. Closest is Kancheepuram for food and stay.

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