Sittannavasal – an ancient abode of Jains and an offspring of Ajanta arts

Sittannavasal is a small village located near Pudukkottai. It is located on the Pudukottai  - Viralimalai road and is 16km Pudukkottai. It is considered to be an ancient village dating back to 2^nd BC.

A hill located near this village is the reason for village being famous. In early period Jain monks lived in the hills  and you can see the paintings and arts done by them and by those who followed them. The main and important site is the rock cut cave temple. It is said that the entire walls and pillars were covered with paintings in natural colors. But now only few are left.  Among those still visible are partially damaged. Yet they retain the colors. The paintings contain flowers, calves, elephants and birds. There are different claims as to who did all these works. Some later discoverers claims Pandava kings executed these works.

But what is unique about these paintings is the similarity to the paintings found in Ajanta caves.  Some historians claim that Pallav kings secretly sent painters and sculptors to Ajanta caves to learn about the natural colour making process and the style of painting. These artisans came back and replicated these arts in Sittannavasal.

 Tamilnadu is known for its sculptors. Various sites and temples show case this skill in abundance.   But Sittannavasal is the only site in Tamilnadu which boasts of having ancient historical paintings. Despite this uniqueness not many within Tamilnadu knows of this place.  Mainly art lovers and historians visit this site. It should also be promoted as one of the Jain pilgrimage centre.

This place easily reachable from Pudukottai and frequent buses are available from there