VIZHINJAM ROCK CUT CAVE IN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
Kerala is one of those Indian states that are known for its beauty and diversity in landforms. The diverse landforms that are found here are a contrast to each other and strikingly unique. The state is known to be a very colourful one in terms of culture, tradition, art, architecture and even nature. Of the many monuments and places of eye catching art and architecture that is present in this land the rock cut cave of Vizhinjam is an iconic place to visit.
The Vizhinjam rock cut cave is located at a distance of about 17 kilometres from the city of Thiruvananthapuram and is place that should be visited when in Kerala. The cave is a historic relic and its origins have been dated back to the 18th century. This particular cave is a famed one due to the elaborate carvings on its walls and sculpture of the Hindu god Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi.
The walls of the cave are carved elaborately to depict the god of destruction Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati, however the carvings are incomplete. The carving depicts Lord Shiva in movement and it looks as if he is about to bow down.
The rock that has been cut out to create a single cell shrine is that of granite. This single cell structured cave is which holds the sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The sculpture that is depicted here is just the head of the god and not the entire body. The sculpture style that has been used in this particular carving is that of the Tamilian executive style which belongs to the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
The cave had gone unnoticed in the past and has come to light only in the past recent years. The cave at present is an archaeological as well as a religious site. The sculpture that is present in the single celled cave is worshipped by the people here and is held at great reverence.
The temple here is open from 9:00 am till 6:00 pm on all days except Mondays. One can visit this place to offer prayers, seek blessings and also marvel at the age old architectural brilliance that it basks in.
When you visit the temple you can also make plans to visit the nearby Vizhinjam beach and the marine aquarium. The beach of Vizhinjam is known for its cool calm waters and tranquillity. The marine aquarium is also a great place to visit when here as the species of marine life that you can get to see here are many. It holds some of the most beautiful creatures of the deep blue seas which are fascinating as well as educational.
Special feature- the carvings on the outer wall of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, the head sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi and the single celled cave of granite are its main features.
Connectivity- the place is accessible by bus, hired taxis or auto rickshaws.
Entry fee- there is no entry fee required to see this rock cut cave temple.
Visiting hours- open on all days except Monday. The temple opens at 9:00 am in the morning till 6:00 pm in the evening.
Dress code- there are no such restrictions, one should wear clothes that will keep you cool as Kerala is a hot state.
Best time of Visit- one can visit it at anytime of the year. One should visit it in the early mornings to avoid the heat.
Suggestions- one can visit the beach and the marine aquarium that is nearby.
The Vizhinjam rock cut cave is located at a distance of about 17 kilometres from the city of Thiruvananthapuram and is place that should be visited when in Kerala. The cave is a historic relic and its origins have been dated back to the 18th century. This particular cave is a famed one due to the elaborate carvings on its walls and sculpture of the Hindu god Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi.
The walls of the cave are carved elaborately to depict the god of destruction Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati, however the carvings are incomplete. The carving depicts Lord Shiva in movement and it looks as if he is about to bow down.
The rock that has been cut out to create a single cell shrine is that of granite. This single cell structured cave is which holds the sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi. The sculpture that is depicted here is just the head of the god and not the entire body. The sculpture style that has been used in this particular carving is that of the Tamilian executive style which belongs to the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.
The cave had gone unnoticed in the past and has come to light only in the past recent years. The cave at present is an archaeological as well as a religious site. The sculpture that is present in the single celled cave is worshipped by the people here and is held at great reverence.
The temple here is open from 9:00 am till 6:00 pm on all days except Mondays. One can visit this place to offer prayers, seek blessings and also marvel at the age old architectural brilliance that it basks in.
When you visit the temple you can also make plans to visit the nearby Vizhinjam beach and the marine aquarium. The beach of Vizhinjam is known for its cool calm waters and tranquillity. The marine aquarium is also a great place to visit when here as the species of marine life that you can get to see here are many. It holds some of the most beautiful creatures of the deep blue seas which are fascinating as well as educational.
Special feature- the carvings on the outer wall of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, the head sculpture of Vinandhara Dakshinamurthi and the single celled cave of granite are its main features.
Connectivity- the place is accessible by bus, hired taxis or auto rickshaws.
Entry fee- there is no entry fee required to see this rock cut cave temple.
Visiting hours- open on all days except Monday. The temple opens at 9:00 am in the morning till 6:00 pm in the evening.
Dress code- there are no such restrictions, one should wear clothes that will keep you cool as Kerala is a hot state.
Best time of Visit- one can visit it at anytime of the year. One should visit it in the early mornings to avoid the heat.
Suggestions- one can visit the beach and the marine aquarium that is nearby.
