Temples of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry #94: Thenatrunathar Sivan Temple, Kundrakudi
- Sudharshan
- Sep 1
- 2 min read
தேனாற்றுநாதர் குடவரை திருக்கோயில், குன்றக்குடி
At the base of the hill of Kundrakudi where the renowned Kundrakudi Shanmuganathar temple is situated, there is an ancient cave temple complex dedicated to Lord Sivan. It is not a part of the Murugan temple itself but is located at the same site. Although rock-cut cave temple complexes are usually associated with the Pallavas in the northwest of the Tamil country, the Pandiyan kings also built some extraordinary and exquisite cave temples. This is one such cave temple complex. Others include Thiruparankundram in Madurai, Pillayarpatti, Thirumalapuram and Vettuvan Koil.
It is a complex of three cave temples dedicated to Lord Sivan. They are hewn into the granite rock of the hill. They appear to have been built in the 8th century by Pandiyan kings. There is some inscriptional evidence. There are Sivalingams in all three caves. The first two caves are more elaborate than the simpler third one.
It is an ASI property and is an inactive temple. It has great archaeological and historical significance. There are beautiful bas-relief sculptures adorning the walls. The cave on the left has one of the earliest depictions of Dwarapalakars in a temple. They are not seen in Pallava cave temples. Their posture is also unique, with one hand on the waist and the other resting on a staff. They are leaning towards the sanctum. The cave on the right end has an echo chamber where if you say "Om" the sacred sound echos forever.
As an ASI administered inactive site, it is usually open from about 9 am to 4 pm. There is an employee of the ASI on site when it is open. He will identify himself when he sees that the visitor is interested. The place itself is easy to miss as it is not well signed. The visitor has to enter the street entrance of the hill complex. As they walk towards the steps leading up to the hilltop Murugan shrine, there is tall, old door to the left, between the steps going up and the Palani Andavar shrine further to the left. It has no clear signage.
It is located about 80 km or 1.5 hours northeast of Madurai and 12 km or 20 minutes northwest of Karaikudi. It is 40 km or 45 km south of Pudukkottai. We visited in June 2025. We were based in Kanadukathan.
Sources: TN Temples Project
Some South Indian Icons, Aschwin Lippe. Artibus Asiae
Vol. 37, No. 3 (1975), pp. 169-208
Kalugumalai and Early Pandiyan Rock-cut Shrines C Sivaramamurti, Indian Heritage Series (1961)
Credits: Google Maps
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