Thirunadhikkara Cave Temple - rock-cut temple with frescoes

One of the earliest examples of Kerala style frescoes is located in rock-cut cave - Thirunadhikkara Cave Temple.

According to the legends, this rock-cut chamber was made by Jain ascetic named Veeranandi who came here from Thirunarunkondai Melappalli. This took place in 7th century AD. Cave is made in large, oblique wall of cliff and is ascended by a flight of some 60 stone-cut steps. Rock-cut temple itself is small, the facade has two columns and two pilasters. Nowadays, to prevent the vandalism, the entrance is closed behind bars.

Jains were here until circa 9th c. AD when the cave was taken over by Hindu.

In 9th - 10th c. AD cave was decorated with paintings. Hindu painters first sketched outlines and then colored powders were sprinkled.

Now only hazy outlines of once beautiful frescoes remain. Drawings are considered to represent perfect early example of typical Kerala (earlier this cave was located in Kerala) style which later has been applied in numerous temples and palaces. At the same time drawings resemble the famous drawings in Sittanavasal Cave.

Paintings illustrate scenes from the stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Among the other figures here are seen Shiva, Parvati and Ganapathi. Technique of drawing resembles Buddhist tradition.

Cave contains 11 stone edicts, relating to Sadhaya festival of the Imperial Cholas in 11th century AD. Here have been found also inscriptions on copper plates from 9th century - back then here ruled Venad king.

Presiding deity of the temple is Thiru Nanthikeswarar. To the south there is located active temple built in later times.