Armamalai Ancient Samanar Caves, Malayampattu

The Armamalai Cave is a natural cave that was transformed into a Jain temple during the 8th century AD. It served as a sanctuary for Jain monks and is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The cave is renowned for its medieval cave paintings, rock art, and petroglyphs, which depict stories of the Jain religion, including images of Astathik Palakas (protectors of the eight corners).

The paintings, discovered in the late 1960s, were created using Fresco and Tempera techniques on a thin lime surface over a thick mud base, similar to those found in the Sittanavasal Cave and Bagh Caves. Tamil Brahmi inscriptions are also visible on the cave walls. Locally, the caves are sometimes referred to as 'Pandava caves,' with a belief that the Pandavas resided there during their exile.

The hill itself was originally known as 'Arumpavi Malai' before being corrupted to its current name, Armamalai. The cave is approximately 80 meters long and 10 meters wide, featuring three distinct sections. One section contains a 10th to 11th century Tamil inscription on a lotus pedestal and bas relief fragments of a Dwarapalaka. Another section reveals small rooms constructed with mud and unbaked bricks, while the third part showcases the faded patches of paintings on the ceilings.