Seat of severe penance
Sudhir-Architect
Sithannavasal in Pudukottai district is a sleepy village. But is proud of being an important part of Indian history. It is noted for the rock-cut caves and cave paintings of medieval India. The rock cut caves, which are conserved by the Archaeological Survey of India, are located at a height of about 70 metres from the ground level. The entire seat is associated with the history of Jainism in this part of the country. On the southern side at the top of the hill, one can see a natural shelter called “Ezhadipattam”, which served as the shelter for Jain monks, in first century B.C. Ezhadipattam has seven holes cut out of the rock and these holes help us to reach the shelter. There are 17 polished stone berths, each with an elevation at one corner, possibly to serve as a pillow.
Stone beds
The largest stone bed contains inscriptions in Brahmi script and ancient Tamil of first century B.C. A few other inscriptions of later period are also found here. References such as “kadavulan;” “Poornakandilan” are noted here and may perhaps refer to the monks or great men who lived in this hill. It is said that Ezhadipattam served as a seat of severe penance, meditation in standing posture for a prolonged period.
Paintings form a later addition to the rock-cut temple, popularly known as Arivarkovil. It is located on the north-western side of the rock. The forecourt of the temple has important inscriptions in Tamil and describe how the ruler Srimaran Srivallaban (815-862 AD) carried out maintenance work in the arthamandapam.
On reaching the arthamandapam one can see the an idol of Parsvanatha, who was the 23rd Thirthankara, besides an image of Jain philosopher and teacher. It is the hall of this temple which is noted for the paintings on the ceilings, walls and pillars. They are similar to the paintings of Ajanta caves. A majority of the paintings pertain to the Pandya period, particularly of the 9th century A.D.
Sithannavasal being the mirror of Jainism and the Jains' lifesyle, the paintings reflect the culture of the Jains. For instance, a painting depicting a pond with lotus flowers; collection of flowers by monks form a direct reference to “Samava – sarana” - a holy reference for Jains. Paintings on “Apsaras” (dancing women); bulls and elephants are special features. Unfortunately, most of these paintings have been either ruined by bad weather or vandalised.
The sanctum sanctorum of the rock-cut temple is one of the most important attractions at Sithannavasal. The small sanctum sanctorum is a wonder by itself. The square-shaped sanctum sanctorum is three metre by three metre while its height is 2.3 metre. It is the echo effect of your breath that is more important here. On entering this sanctum sanctorum, if you start breathing, the air you inhale and breathe out would be instantly echoed. The echo could be realised if only one person is inside the chamber.
Tips
The Pudukottai district administration has floated an exclusive body comprising officials and non-officials for evolving and executing tourism attraction programmes at this cave temple. The availability of sprawling space, in between the cave and the plain, had come in handy for the district authorities for setting up an artificial lake together with boat clubs. A children's park; sculptures park depicting the history of the Pudukottai Samasthanam; have also been set up. Provision of battery car was another facility, drawing children and elderly persons to the site.
One can reach Sithannavasal by bus from Pudukottai. It is about 12 km from Pudukottai.
http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/kids/article2749013.ece
Thanks & Regards,
Sudhir Srinivasan
B.Arch, MSc.CPM, Dip.ID, Dip.CAD, Dip.PM
| Architect |