Kuranganilmuttam - Pallava period Cave Temple

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Kuranganilmuttam is a small village located near Kanchipuram. There is an ancient Shiva temple in this village. As per the legend, the Vanara King Vali as Kurangu (monkey) and Indra as Anil (squirrel), and Yama as muttam (crow) worshiped Lord Shiva on this site. However, this article does not focus on this legend or the temple but on the Pallava period cave shrines.

In the middle of the village, the cave temple is located. Not even five percent of the visitors to the Shiva temple visit this lesser-known cave shrine.

The uniqueness of the cave temple is that it is excavated below the ground level. The east-facing cave has three primary cells in the east direction. Two cells are facing the south, and two more facing the north directions. Thus, there are a total of seven cells.

The cave is supported by four pillars and four pilasters in two rows. The pillars have cubical blocks on top and bottom with an octagonal shaft in the middle. Thus, it is considered that the cave temple has Ardha Mandapa and Mukha Mandapa.



Each of the three cells has Dwarapalas. It is assumed that the temple is dedicated to Tri Murtis.

The central cell is assumed to be of Lord Shiva, based on the characteristics of the Dwarapalas. The Dwarapala on the true right side of the cell is half-turned towards the shrine. His makuta shows two prongs of Trishul. His right arm rests on his waist, whereas his left arm rests on the club. The club is entwined with a serpent. He wears Sarpa yagnopavita. On the left side, Dwarapala faces the front side. His makuta is eroded. He is not slanting like the other Dwarapala but stands straight. He also wears Sarpa yagnopavita, and his club is entwined with a serpent.



The southern cell has two Dwarapalas. Both face the front side in Tribhanga posture. They have one arm resting on their waist, and the next arm is raised above, probably holding a flower. As per the style of these images, it is assumed that this cell should have been dedicated to Vishnu.



The northern cell also has two Dwarapalas. They, too, are in Tribhanga posture and have one arm resting on the waist. Their other arm is in Abhaya Mudra. They have jata makuta and wear yagnopavita. It is assumed from these attributes that this cell belongs to Brahma.



The village was called Pallavapuram in the olden days. As per the style of the cave temple, it is believed to have been built by Mahendra Varma Pallava I (r. 600 - 630 CE).

The cave temple has a few inscriptions of Rashtrakuta King Kannara Deva (r. 756 - 774 CE).

Happy travelling.


Location: Kuranganilmuttam, Tamil Nadu 631702, India

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