Kunnandarkoil Cave Temple

Kunnandarkoil Cave Temple
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictPudukottai
DeityShiva
Location
LocationKunnandarkoil
StateTamil Nadu
CountryIndia
Kunnandarkoil Cave Temple is located in Tamil Nadu
Kunnandarkoil Cave Temple
Location in Tamil Nadu
Geographic coordinates10°34′56″N 78°53′50″E / 10.58222°N 78.89722°E / 10.58222; 78.89722
Architecture
TypeRock-cut architecture
Completed8th century

Kunnandarkoil Cave Temple in Kunnandarkoil, a village in Pudukottai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in Rock-cut architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the 8th century by Muttaraiyar kings, the cardinals of Pallavas, with later expansion from the Vijayanagar Empire. The rock-cut architecture in the temple is a specimen of the late Pallava Art and an early example of Chola Art. The temple has various inscriptions from Cholas, Chalukyas, Pandyas and Vijayanagar Empire. The temple is considered one of the oldest stone temples in South India. The temple is maintained and administered by Department of Archaeological Survey of India as a protected monument.