Sri Vallimalai Jain caves temple, Vellore

Address

Sri Vallimalai Jain caves temple Vallimalai Village, Koil Sannithi St Melpadi, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 517403

Diety

Tirthankaras

Introduction

Vallimalai Jain caves are located in Vallimalai village in Katpadi taluk of Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. These caves are protected by Archaeological Survey of India. Vallimalai is an important Jain site with several carvings of sculptures of tirthankara. The caverns is 40 by 20 feet with height varying between 7–10 feet There is also a temple in the region which was converted to a Hindu temple. The temple caves consist of three chambers, two of these chambers contain images of Jain tirthankar. Above this group, there are the remains of a wall, believed to have been a small fort occupied by Jains

Puranic Significance

Vallimalai Jain caves contains natural caverns that were inhabited by Digambar monks in early historic period. The monks from Bihar used to come here during the late-maurya period. The smooth and polished beds were carved during the rule of Satavahana dynasty. A total of five inscription are found with one of the inscriptions dating back to 8th century. The Jain carvings were created during the reign of Ganga King Rachamalla II in c. 870 CE after conquest of this region from Chola kings. Vallaimalai was an important Jain center during 8th-9th century. There is an image of Ambika in sukhasana position wearing a necklace, armbands, and crown.

Special Features

Ambika is depicted sitting on a lion with carvings of her two sons below her pedestal. There is also image of Padmavati with 4 hands, holding goad and noose in upper right and left hands.