Monday, August 20, 2018

Samanar Hills, Madurai

Samanar Hills, Madurai
Samanar Hills or Samanar Malai is a small hillock located near Keela Kuyilkudi Village in Madurai District of Tamilnadu. Translation of Samanar Hills or Samanar Malai in Tamil is 'Jain Hill’, this archeological treasure lies on the opposite side of the Nagamalai Hill. Samanar hills are beautiful blend of nature with history. It boasts ancient caves with carvings dating back to 1st century A.D.





Samanar hill has many prominent sculpture and ancient inscriptions giving an insight into the history and into the Jainism religion which flourished here during ancient times. The inscriptions on the hills are said to be more than 2000 years old. These caves were the homes of many Jain monks during ancient era. The hill has been declared as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.






Etymology
Samanar means Jain in Tamil and malai means hill. This hill has caves where Tamil Jain (Samanar) monks lived. The hill was also known as Thiruvuruvagam.
Jain Temples & Caves
For brief details, please refer below link;
Karuppanna Swamy Temple, Keela Kuyilkudi
For brief details, please refer below link;
Inscriptions
For brief details, please refer below link;
Connectivity
Samanar Hills is situated on the Nagamalai-Pudukottai Road. Samanar Hills is located at about 1.5 Kms from Vadivelkarai Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Keelakuilkudi Bus Stop, 8 Kms from Thiruparankundram, 11 Kms from Madurai, 10 Kms from Madurai Periyar Bus Stand, 15 Kms from Madurai Mattuthavani Integrated Bus Terminus, 10 Kms from Madurai Railway Station and 17 Kms from Madurai Airport. Tourists can either book a cab from Madurai to the hills or take a bus. Samanar Hills is connected via all the major modes of transportation.