News: The historical and archaeological significance of Sittanavasal, known for its Jain heritage, Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, ascetic stone beds, and rare early mural paintings dating to the 7th–9th century CE.
About Sittannavasal Site
- Sittannavasal is located in Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu.
- Historical importance
- There are presence of megalithic monuments (stone circles, cists, urn burials) proves pre-historic settlement.
- It is a major Jain centre from 1st century BC to 10th century AD (nearly 1000 years).
- Jain rock-cut cave was excavated between 7th–9th centuries AD.
- Major monuments at Sittannavasal:
- Arivar-Koil (Jain Rock-Cut Cave Temple): It also shows continuous Jain presence for 1000 years.
- It contains 9th-century AD fresco paintings with Jain themes such as – Lotus pond, Bhavyas (souls striving for moksha) and floral, animal and decorative motifs, made using long-lasting vegetable colours.
- Architecture: The hall (mandapam) with carved pillars and a small sanctum with main deity Parshvanatha, shown in meditation with a five-hooded serpent above him.
- Ezhadippattam: It is a natural cavern on the eastern side containing seventeen polished rock beds (‘samanar padukkai’), used by Jain monks for severe penance.
- Tamil-Brahmi inscription: It includes Tamil-Brahmi inscription (dated by Iravatham Mahadevan to 1st century BC) and many other Tamil inscriptions up to 10th century AD.
- Megalithic Burial Sites: It consists of urn burials, stone circles, cists. It indicates the settlement of Iron Age communities before Jain occupation.
- Navach-chunai: It is a small rock-cut shrine submerged in a natural tarn (pond) located on the northeastern slope.
- Arivar-Koil (Jain Rock-Cut Cave Temple): It also shows continuous Jain presence for 1000 years.
