PANCHA PANDAVA MALAI ANCIENT JAIN CAVES
Melpadi, Tamilnadu, India
Pancha Pandava Malai Jain Caves is an ancient Jain Caves located on Pancha Pandava Malai hillock near Vilapakkam Town in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. The name Pancha Pandava Malai is associated with Pandavas from Mahabharata. It is one of the largest cave excavations among the Mahendra style caves. The hilly area was a flourishing Jain center during the early medieval period as it is evident from the rock cut cave temple, natural caverns with Jaina figures and inscriptions. The rock cut cave temple is a large excavation on the eastern lace of the huge hill.
Interesting Facts
- This hill is referred as Tiruppanmalai and there are references of a figure of Yakshi, Naganadi and a Jain Thirthankara.
- The figure of Yakshi is carved on a large rock face near a pool of water. Yakshi is shown sitting under a tree with one leg on the ground and one leg bent on the seat holding a chauri (fan).
- There are four figures around Yakshi, There is a Jain Tirthankara figure on the top of the rock face shown seated in Yogasana.
- On southern face of the same rock we see two carved figures, one of naked male figure and an animal.
Suggested time duration
2.15 Hours
Crowded Period
Weekend
Best Season To Visit
June to November
Do's & Dont's
- Do not enter restricted zone, which is meant for your safety
- Do not consume liquor and go in to the caves.
Architecture
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Timings
| Day | Start Time | End Time | Adult Entry Fee | Child Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Days | 08:00 AM | 05:00 PM | Free | Free |
Transport Connections
| Name | Distance | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
 Vellore Bus Stand |
26.3 KM | 044-30986319 |
 Katpadi Railway Station Junction |
28.9 KM | 0416-2642628 |
 Vellore Airport |
54.2 KM | 09500575043 |
What to Carry
Carry Water Bottles & SnacksSuitable For
Adults
Elderly
Children
Parking
Parking is Available for 10 Cars
Nearest Town
| Town Name | Distance |
|---|---|
| Vilapakkam | 3 KM |
Nearest Temples
SHRI SOMANATHEESWARA TEMPLE
A Chola period temple built by Parantaka Chola-I between 907-953 A.D
SRI VILWANATHESWARAR TEMPLE
A Scar on Lingam and Nandi Facing opposite to Deity
JALAKANDESWARAR TEMPLE
Fort Temple built in middle of a water tank (called Agazhi in Tamil)
SRI NAGESWARAR TEMPLE
Ancient temple, a Parihara Sthalam, located in the heart of the Ambur town
SRI SHENBAKKAM SWAYAMBU SELVA VINAYAGAR TEMPLE
To let sages worship the Celestial Gods, main shrine has no roof
SRI GNANAMALAI SUBRAMANYA SWAMY TEMPLE
This temple disappeared during 17th C.E and discovered back in 1998
SRI MAHENDRAVADI ROCK CUT TEMPLE
It is the only monolithic rock-cut cave temple which is dedicated to Vishnu
SRI UTHARA RANGANATHAR SWAMY TEMPLE
The first place where Lord Vishnu tried stopping Saraswathi who was flowing as river Vegavathi
SRI MALVANANGEESWARAR TEMPLE
This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 11th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu.
SRI JALANATHEESWARAR TEMPLE
This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams and 12th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu
Nearest Attractions
Heritage MonumentsDELHI GATE ARCOT
The Gate is surrounded by remarkable hills like Ratnagiri, Jamadhi and Palamathi hills that attracts tourists.
TrekkingBAGAYAM HILL TREKKING
Bagayam hill is a perfect destination for a great time with your dear ones
Heritage MonumentsMUTHU MANDAPAM
Referred as the Pearl Palace
FortVELLORE FORT
Vellore Fort is one of the most massive forts built during its time and is considered as one of the unique forts in India.
MuseumARCHAEOLOGY SURVEY OF INDIA MUSEUM
Museum has Artifact Collection from about 8th c.e
WildlifeAMRITHI ZOOLOGICAL PARK
The area is lush with trees, herbal plants and different varieties of Birds and Animals.
DamMORDHANA DAM
The enormous Mordhana Dam stands proud and powerful over the river 'Koundanyanadhi'.
WaterfallsAMIRTHI WATER FALL
Amirthi – The Forest, the Zoo and the Cascade
Hill StationJAVADI HILLS
The Presence Of An Uncrowded Stainless Atmosphere
User Reviews
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