Śrī Satyagirīśvarar & Satyamūrti Perumāḷ, Thirumayam
Twin seventh-century cave temples beneath a fort
⭐ Why it is famous
Pallava-period rock-cut caves holding a reclining Viṣṇu nearly 15 feet long and a large Śiva liṅga, below the ramparts of Thirumayam fort built by Sethupathi rulers.
📜 Pilgrimage history
Cut into the living rock in the seventh century and expanded by the Cōḻas and the Pudukkottai Tondaimans; the Viṣṇu shrine is counted among the 108 Divya Deśams in some traditions and carries one of the earliest Tamil music inscriptions.
🕰️ Temple timings
- Darśan 07:00 – 12:00 and 16:00 – 19:30
🙏 Darśan details
- Free darśan at both shrines; the fort is a separate ASI ticket
- The reclining Viṣṇu is best seen mid-morning when light enters the cave
- A short flight of steps into each cave
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Śrī Satyagirīśvarar & Satyamūrti Perumāḷ, Thirumayam, Thirumayam, PudukkottaiPudukkottai (PDKT) — 20 km
- Government: Thirumayam TNSTC bus stop on NH-336; Pudukkottai bus stand 20 km
- Private buses: Private buses on the Pudukkottai–Karaikudi road
Tiruchirappalli International (TRZ) — 75 km
On the Pudukkottai–Karaikudi highway, 20 km from Pudukkottai and 40 km from Karaikudi.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Lodges in Pudukkottai, ₹800–₹2,000
- Chettinad heritage homes in Karaikudi, ₹3,000–₹8,000
- Hotels in Trichy, 75 km
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹1,400 | ₹3,200 | ₹7,500 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Thirumayam fort
- Chettinad mansions
- Sittanavasal cave paintings
🧵 Part of these circuits
📅 Best time to visit
November–February