Hi Friends, Thirukokarnam is a live temple in Pudukkottai city outskirts. Orginally a cave temple of Pallava/Pandya period, the temple witnessed many extensions in later time. Later added ambal shrine, Bhradambal, gained popularity above the original cave shrine and all the extensions were centered around this devi shrine.
There is an inscription written in Grantha script of seventh-eight century however this is not a foundation inscription hence the cave temple was in existence by that time which suggests that this could have been constructed in early seventh century. The construction style is similar to other early Pallava cave temples, does this mean that it was constructed by the Pallavas or their vassals? Or this is a Pandya construction which may have been done prior of acclaimed Mandagapattu cave? Some points of ponder.