page_title: Sithanavasal
section_title: Chithannavasal cave
hierarchical_section_title: Sithanavasal / Chithannavasal cave
caption_attribution_description: English: Sithanavaasal Paintings in Thirumal Naicker Mahal Museum, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
context_page_description: Sithanavasal is a village in the Annavasal revenue block of Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu, India.
context_section_description: The famous historical Fresco Paintings (similar to the Ajanta paintings) by the Jain saints are found inside the caves situated here. There are also the Jain beds of rock (Samanar Padukkai)
  Sittanavasal Cave is a rock-cut Jain monastery located at around 60 km from the city - it is an ideal place for a Sunday morning trip. Maintained by the ASI it also sports many attractions in the complex which helps kids have their fun quotient.
  A rock-cut Jain temple named Arivar-Koil was carved here which sports paintings made during the 9th century. The most important reason to visit these caves is the paintings. The other attractions are finding out the mysteries behind the vibrating Om and how the Jain monks had lived during the 9th century.
  The fresco paintings are similar to the ones found in Ajanta caves and are made using vegetable dye have now disappeared and disfigured due to vandalism until the ASI took over in 1958. There are 287 steps which lead to the top of the hillock, which has around 17 rock beds where the monks used to rest. The ascent to the top gives you a panoramic view of the small town below dispersed with small agricultural fields and lakes. It would make up for a good rock climbing session and prove to be fruitful with the scenery and impressive architecture on top. The historical monuments are a treat to the visitors who want to indulge themselves in a bit of history of the Jain and Pandya periods. Apart from these there are also two parks one the recreational park while the other is a Tamil Divine park and a recreational park which can be a good spot to click holiday pictures. There is also a small lake created for boating.
  Though family picnics to such places can be wonderful, a small trip with students accompanied by a historian would be a great hit. You can also engage in historical walks, nature walks along the smaller water bodies where one can spot different birds. This makes up for an ideal mix of history, nature and architecture.
caption: Sithanavaasal Paintings woman
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