Mamandur Pallava Cave Temple: A 7th Century Cave Temple Architectural Marvel by Pallava King Mahendravarman in Dusi Mamandur / Narasamangalam, Tiruvannamalai, Near Kanchipuram – Visit, History, and Travel Guide (Updated)
– pallava rock-cut cave temple representing the grandeur of pallava architecture
Mamandur Cave Temple in Mamandur village is situated in the Tiruvannamalai district, 12 km from the Kanchipuram-Vandavasi road, is renowned for its ancient cave temples carved into the eastern face of a hill running north-south along the western edge of the village. This historically significant site is closely tied to the Pallava dynasty and offers an intriguing glimpse into their architectural advancements. The site is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
History of Mamandur Pallava Cave Temple
Mamandur served as the erstwhile capital of the Pallavas. During the reign of Mahendravarman I (600–630 CE), the Pallava king initiated a remarkable effort to construct temples solely from stone. Despite Mamandur’s proximity to the capital, Mahendravarman I chose Mandagapattu for his pioneering attempt at stone temple construction. The reasons behind this choice remain speculative, ranging from an oversight to a calculated decision.
A Tamil Brahmi inscription in a natural cavern at Mamandur dates back to the 2nd–3rd century CE. It records a chieftain’s gift of the cavern after conquering Torur. While such caverns were often associated with Jain monks, it remains unclear whether this cavern served that purpose. Later, during the early 7th century CE, Mahendravarman I constructed several cave temples at Mamandur, leaving an indelible mark on the village’s history.
The nearby tank, referred to in Chola inscriptions as Chitramegha-tataka or Chittiramegha-tataka, is believed to have been excavated by Mahendravarman I, who bore the title “Chitramegha.” By the 10th and 11th centuries CE, during the Chola period, Mamandur was known as Mavandur in Narasingamangalam (or Narasimhamangalam). This name is speculated to honor the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I (630–668 CE). Some sources suggest Mamandur’s earlier name might have been Mahendramangalam, though no concrete evidence supports this theory.
Mamandur Pallava Cave Temple – Chola Contributions
Chola inscriptions found at Mamandur provide valuable insights into the village’s significance during their rule. An inscription from the reign of Uttama Chola (970–985 CE) indicates that the village fell under the division of Madurantaka-chaturvedi-mangalam. Later inscriptions, including one from Rajaraja I’s reign (985–1014 CE), document donations made to temples in the region. However, Mamandur’s prominence appears to have declined after this period.
Four Cave Temples of Mamandur
Mamandur is home to four remarkable rock-cut shrines, numbered 1 to 4 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). These caves reflect the Pallava dynasty’s architectural ingenuity.
Cave Temple 1 – Northern Cave Temple
The Northern Cave Temple is the northernmost shrine in the series, facing east. It features a mukha-mandapa leading to a shrine at the rear, excavated 4 feet above ground level. The facade comprises two pillars and two pilasters, with cubic tops and bases (saduram) and octagonal middle sections (kattu). Lotus medallions adorn the square faces of the saduram, while the pilasters are fully tetragonal. Curved corbels rest above the pillars, and the kapota (cornice) is undecorated but shows traces of red-background lotus medallions, indicating past paintings.
Rear Shrine
The verandah’s southern wall bears an inscription, and the rear wall projects into a shrine with a platform likely for a movable image. Traces of paintings suggest the shrine once housed painted images. Scholars believe it may have been dedicated to Vishnu, based on comparisons with other shrines.
Inscription
The northern wall of the mukha-mandapa features a Sanskrit inscription in Pallava Grantha characters, listing Pallava king Mahendravarman I’s achievements, including his contributions to music and his plays Mattavilasa-prahasana and Bhagavadajjukam.
Cave Temple 2 – Rudravalisvaram Cave Temple
Located south of Cave Temple 1, this east-facing shrine includes a mukha-mandapa, an ardha-mandapa, and three shrines at the rear. Its facade features two pillars and two pilasters, similar in design to the first cave.
Three Shrines
The rear wall contains three shrines on a shared base with five moldings. Each shrine has two dvarpalas, a two-step staircase, and an elephant-trunk-shaped parapet. The central shrine, dedicated to Shiva, is confirmed by Chola inscriptions. The southern shrine may represent Brahma, while the northern shrine is believed to be for Vishnu.
Inscriptions
Two Tamil inscriptions from the Chola period are present:
1. A gift of sheep for a lamp by merchants and shepherds (15th regnal year of Uttama Chola).
2. A gift of sheep for temple maintenance (16th regnal year of Rajaraja I, 1001 CE).
Cave Temple 3
This is the largest shrine in the series, open on its eastern and southern sides. Its facade features five pillars and two pilasters on the eastern side, and two pillars and two pilasters on the southern side. The shrine contains five rear shrines and additional unfinished cells on the lateral walls, suggesting the rock’s instability hindered construction.
Cave Temple 4
The southernmost and smallest of the group, this east-facing shrine consists of a mukha-mandapa leading to niches for deities. Its facade has two pillars and two pilasters. Construction was incomplete due to faults in the rock. Scholars attribute this shrine to Narasimhavarman I’s reign, as the village’s name, Narasingamangalam, hints at his legacy.
Jalakandeswarar Hill Temple, in Mamandur
The Jalakandeswarar Hill Temple is located near the famous Mamandur cave temples. Perched atop a hill, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Jalakandeswarar. Reaching the temple requires a short trek, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the serene surroundings and panoramic views of the area. The trek enhances the spiritual experience, making the visit to this hill temple a memorable one.
Mamandur’s caves, inscriptions, and architectural features stand as a testament to the Pallava and Chola dynasties’ historical and cultural significance. This journey wasn’t just about visiting a historical site; it was an immersive experience into the lives, ambitions, and artistry of the Pallavas and Cholas, whose legacies continue to inspire awe and reverence. Mamandur is more than a destination—it’s a portal to Tamil Nadu’s glorious past.
Travel Tips for Mamandur Pallava Cave Temple in Tiruvannamalai
Address of Mamandur Pallava Cave Temple in Tiruvannamalai :
PMR8+J7P, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 604410
How to reach Mamandur Pallava Cave Temple in Tiruvannamalai
By Road: To reach the temple by bus, you can first travel to Kanchipuram, which is well-connected by state-run and private buses from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Vellore. From Kanchipuram, board a bus heading towards Vandavasi or Tiruvannamalai and get off at Mamandur, located about 12 km away. If you are traveling from Chennai, take a direct bus to Kanchipuram, approximately 75 km away, and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to Mamandur.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Mamandur is Kanchipuram Railway Station, which is about 12 km from the temple. Regular trains connect Kanchipuram to Chennai, Tirupati, and other nearby cities, making it an accessible option for rail travelers.
By Air: The closest airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA), situated about 80 km from Mamandur. Chennai is well-connected to domestic and international destinations, making it a viable option for air travelers.
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Jurahareshwarar Temple, Kanchipuram – Best & Famous Shiva Temple In India – Visit, Travel Guide
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Balakumar .M
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