Additional Information
On Ovamalai, also known as Panchapandavar hill, there are two Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, dating back approximately 2200 years.
1st Inscription- 'Pāngāda Ari ithan Kottupithōn',
The inscription is located on the overhang of the cave, above the water-course ledge. It indicates that the stone beds at this cave site were created by an individual named Arithan from the village of Pāngādu. The term 'Pāngāda' can also be read as 'Pangāda'.The gap present between 'Pa' and 'Ng', suggests that a letter may be missing. If this gap is filled with the character 'na', the village name would read 'Panangādu'. Archaeologists believe that this may refer to 'Panangādi', a village near Thiruvādhavūr.
2nd inscription- Upasan Par asu Uray Kottupithōn
The inscription is carved beneath the water-course ledge. It conveys that this dwelling site was established by a devotee named Parasu. The term 'Upasan' refers to a spiritual teacher or religious guide. This word is also found in other Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, such as those from Kongar Puliankulam and Keelavalavu.