7th century frescoes, inscriptions not damaged in fire

: Seventh century frescos and other inscriptions in a cave temple atop Sittaannavasal hills in the district escaped damage in a fire, which destroyed bushes nearby, officials said.
They said the fire broke out last evening at the cave temple, once the habitat of Jain saints and which has Brahmi inscriptions and now attracts thousands of tourists.
Fire service personnel rushed to the spot on being informed by tourist department personnel and doused the flames. They were helped in their effort by rains at that time, the officials said.
The bushes had caught fire after lighting struck them, they said.