Sittanavasal is a monument of national importance under the care and maintenance of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), located in the Viralimalai Assembly Constituency, Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu bears significant historical and archaeological importance. It includes rock shelter featuring Jain ascetic stone beds and Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, the 7th–9th century CE rock-cut cave temple with rare early mural paintings etc. reflecting early Jain characters and ancient art traditions.

The ASI has taken continuous steps for the conservation, research, and promotion of the Sittanavasal monuments. ASI ensures conservation through special repair works, annual maintenance and upkeep based on requirement. The mural paintings are in good state of preservation. Further, the cultural awareness programmes are carried out by the circle involving local public, student for better understanding and promotion of heritage.

At present, there is no proposal for additional infrastructure development at Sittanavasal. However, the site is already equipped with essential tourist facilities like toilet blocks, drinking water, QR-code enabled signage, cultural and monument protection notice boards, stone benches, publication counter, motorable road access, etc.

This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

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