Sittanavasal Caves
Sittanavasal Caves represent one of the best cave paintings of early medieval India. These are example of rock-cut architecture based on Jain thought and ideologies. They have a close form of Ajanta and Bagh caves. The name Sittanavasal has diverse cultural connotations. According to one, it is a morphed version of “chir-ran-nal-vaa-yil” which means “the abode of great saints” in Tamil whereas the other states that this was a suburb of Annalvayil (chiru-annal-vaayil – “smaller Annalvayil”.
Eladipattam is the newest joiner of the ancient Jain centre of Sittanavasal. It has served as a Jain shelter since 1st century BC. The cave has seventeen polished stone berths aligned into rows, each with a raised part. The largest of these supposedly ascetic beds contain an important inscription in Brahmi script, from 1st century BC although there are inscriptions from other later centuries too. These inscriptions mention the names of monks like Tolakunrattu Kadavulan, Tirunillan, Tiruppuranan, Tittaicbaranan, etc. it is said that Eladipattam served as a site of very severe penance – kayotsarga andsallekhana ).
Most paintings date to the Pandyan period i.e. 9th century AD. The notable drawings include a pond with lotuses. This scene shows Samava-sarana –a unique, chosen and elegant audience hall where Tirthankaras gave sermons after they reached realisation (kevala-gnana). Bulls, elephants, apsaras (angels) and other Gods gathered in this audience hall to witness this grand scene. Top columns have paintings of dancing women with lotuses whereas the southern pillars have the paintings of the king and queen with an umbrella.
