Pandava Cave Temple,
Arakandanallur, Kallakurichi
Pandava Cave Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Arakandanallur near Thirukovilur Town in Thirukovilur Taluk in Kallakurichi District of Tamil Nadu, India. This Temple is situated in the rock boulder below Rajagopuram of Arakandanallur Atulya Nadheswarar Temple. This rock cut temple is considered as the south most rock-cut cave temple of Pallavas, with the solitary exception of Tiruchirappalli. The Temple is situated on the banks of Thenpennai River.
Legends
As per legend, Pandavas stayed
in Arakandanallur for few days during their exile. It is said that Pandavas stayed
in the caves near water tank. There are five cells in this cave temple, which
were used by each Pandavas. The water tank is said to have been created by
Bhima with his mace. Hence, the tank came to be called as Veeman Kulam (Bheema
Kulam). There are two Sunais (water streams) named as
Draupadi Theertham and Pandava Theertham, on the hillock, are said to have been
used by Pandavas and Draupadi. Pandavas worshiped Lord Shiva here and got
back their kingdom.
The Temple
This Temple is considered as
fine specimen of early Pallava rock cut temple. This rock cut cave temple
consists of five cells, which were used by each Pandavas.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about
500 meters from Thirukovilur Railway Station, 3 Kms from Thirukovilur, 3 Kms
from Thirukovilur Bus Stand, 34 Kms from Villupuram, 47 Kms from Kallakurichi
and 180 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated on Thirukovilur to
Villupuram Route. Buses running to Thirukovilur from Villupuram pass through
Arakandanallur.