Thiruvellarai Vadajambunathar Cave Temple, Trichy

Address

Thiruvellarai Vadajambunathar Cave Temple, Thillampatti, Thiruvellarai, Trichy District- 621009.

Diety

Vadajambunathar

Introduction

The Vadajambunathar Cave is located on a small hillock on the left hand side just in front of the Vellarai on the Trichy Flood Road. Ganesha is enshrined in the south-western part of the temple complex, surrounded by a wall with maps on both sides. The sculptures of Pillaiyar and Vishnu carved in the mother rock are a testament to the Pandyan style of art. There are sculptures of Akilandeswari, two Nandis, Lord Shiva, Arumugam and Valli. The vestibule shows the early Chola style. The gatekeepers’ style is Chola art. There are two Seven Mothers sculptures on the outside of the temple complex. There are also other sculptures of Jambu Sage, Byravar, Alamar Annal, Uppar, Sundeswarar and Mahishamarthini. The cave is believed to have been excavated at the end of the eighth century AD, as the oldest inscription pointing to the Lord of the Cave is believed to have belonged to the first descendant.