Kudumiyanmalai Musical Inscriptions

The Kudumiyanmalai Musical Inscriptions are located inside the Sikkanatheeswarar Temple at Kudumiyanmalai village in Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu. Dating to the 7th century CE, the inscriptions are carved on rock within the temple complex and display early notation for Carnatic music. Attributed to the Pallava period, they are considered one of the earliest documented references to Indian musical ragas and attract visitors interested in history, archaeology and music heritage.

Visitors can expect to see ancient rock-cut musical inscriptions housed within the Sikkanatheeswarar Temple complex, a large Shiva temple with rock-cut architecture, mandapas and sculptures. The inscriptions are carved on a rock face near the temple's entrance and display groups of musical notes in Grantha script. The setting is a quiet village temple surrounded by rocky outcrops, with areas to explore the temple corridors, shrines and stone carvings.