Thirumalapuram, situated in Tirunelveli distrct, has much historical and religious importance. Archaeological evidence is available to prove that people lived here even 10,000 years ago. Neolithic tools excavated from this area bear witness to this fact.

On the hill of Thirumalapuram, also known as Varanasimalai, there are two rock-cut temples. The one in the south bears an incomplete look.

The northern temple houses a Sivalinga, hewn out of the rock. From the lingam it is evident that regular abhishekam was performed in ancient days. The temple also houses the idols of Brahma, Nataraja, Vishnu and Vinayaka, which are slightly damaged.

From the architecture of the temple and special features of the images, it can be concluded that the temple must have been hewn by the Pandyas in the 7th century. There is an 11th century inscription on one of the pillars. The Nandi in the front mandapam is in a dilapidated condition and the murals inside the temple also look faded.

The ancient temple is now under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Source:

http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/06/15/stories/2007061550950300.htm

http://www.william-voirol.ch/In/28/16/0/G.html?lng=0