Category:Irunilamkode Cave temple, Mullurkara

Irunilamkode Cave temple, Mullurkara 

8th to 9th century Hindu cave temple in Kerala
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Instance of	Hindu temple
Location	Thrissur district, Kerala, India
10° 42′ 44.7″ N, 76° 15′ 27.7″ E
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The Irunilamkode Cave temple is an 8th to 9th century rock-cut Hindu temple in central Kerala. It is notable for illustrating the historic and beautifully executed Atiya art tradition in Kerala. The best relief is that of Dakshinamurti. The other reliefs of interest here are those of Vishnu, Shiva and Devi from the same historic period.

The Irunilankode cave temple was excavated on southwest corner of a large rock that is spread over many acres. The cave is small and opens to the south. The excavation is complex, yet follows the square principle. It consists of a nearly square large hall with the Dakshinamurthy relief facing south. To the east side of the hall is another smaller square excavation, while its western wall has a excavated frame with artwork from all three major Hindu traditions – Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism. It is likely that the hall had a Shiva linga in its center, as traces of it can be traced.

The Dakshinamurti relief in Irunilancode cave depicts him as sitting on a pedestal at an angle with legs crossed and head lifted up yet looking at the students shown below him and visitors. Outside the cave, new structures such as mandapa and pilgrim facilities have been added to the Irunilamkode temple complex in the modern era.