Kunnandarkoil Cave Temple
Pudukkottai district, India
Open to visitors
The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.
Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.
Kunnandarkoil Cave Temple, located in the village of Kunnandarkoil in Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu, is a rock-cut Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva. Built in the 8th century by the Muttaraiyar kings—cardinals of the Pallavas—and expanded later by the Vijayanagar Empire, the temple exemplifies late Pallava art and represents an early instance of Chola artistic expression. Its rock-cut architecture, carved directly from stone, bears inscriptions documenting patronage from the Cholas, Chalukyas, Pandyas, and Vijayanagar rulers, attesting to its significance across multiple dynasties. Recognized as one of South India's oldest stone temples, it is now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India as a Monument of National Importance.
Movement
- Type
- Hindu temple
- Heritage
- Monument of National Importance
- Place
- Pudukkottai district, India
This building on
Architecturally similar
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Location