Landmarks Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram

1 landmarks

1.1 krishna
1.2 mahishasuramardini
1.3 varaha
1.4 trimurti
1.5 kotikal
1.6 tiger
1.7 atiranachanda
1.8 panchapandava

landmarks
krishna

the krishna cave temple dated mid-7th century. excavated entry seen columns leading hall. notable carving inside cave sculpted panel brings out myth of krishna lifting govaradhan hill protect cow herds , gopis (milk maids) heavy rains , floods, , scenes of krishna frolicking milk maids.

mahishasuramardini

vishnu in reclining pose lying on serpent in mahishasuramardini cave temple.

the mahishasuramardini cave temple close lighthouse on top of hill. has 2 carved frescoes of durga, mother goddess @ both ends of long hall of cave. shown seated on lion mount or vehicle weapons. depiction features posture of slaying buffalo headed mahishasura. @ other end of hall, opposite durga panel, scene carved of vishnu in reclining posture on bed of ananta multi-hooded serpent. surrounded divine beings of heaven appealing him continue creation of universe. there third chamber shows carved fresco of vishnu.

varaha

bas-relief inside varaha cave

the varaha cave temple (also known adivaraha) dated 7th century. prominent sculpture of vishnu in incarnation form of boar lifting mother earth sea. carved many mythical figures. in entry porch carved on rock face columns carved on lion bases. @ centre of rear wall, guardian figures depicted flanking shrine. side walls have carved sculpture panels of vishnu trivikrama , vishnu in incarnation of varaha, boar, lifting bhudevi, earth goddess.

trimurti

the trimurti cave temple dated 8th century. has separate sections in sequenced dedicated each of hindu trinity gods of brahma, vishnu , shiva or maheshwara. 3 shrines cut out rock-face. each shrine flanked pilasters guardian figures. on rear wall of cave, individual carvings of brahma, vishnu , shiva attended devotees carved.

kotikal

kotikal mandapa

the kotikal cave temple dedicated goddess durga. entrance faces west , in continuation of dharmaraja mandapa. rock cut façade has 2 supporting pillars , 2 pilasters in mahendravarman style of architecture octagonal shaft built on cubical base, , similar top. cave chamber inside 21.5 feet (6.6 m) long, 8 feet (2.4 m) wide , has height of 8 feet (2.4 m). there small chamber on rear wall flanked female dvarpalas (guards); dvarapala on left, facing front, carved in standing posture 1 hand holding club , other hand holding sword. dvarapala on right carved 1 hand holding dhanush (bow) , other arm resting on waist. dvarpalas in dancing pose, called tribhanga (triple break). though there no deity inside shrine now, conjectured sanctum inside housed goddess durga female guardians protecting @ entrance cell.

tiger

tiger cave

the tiger cave temple (also known yali) dated 8th century. shallow cave unusual , unique when compared other caves here. entrance cave faces south-east. close atiranachanda mandapa , located @ saluvankuppam village, 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) north of mamallapuram. refined cave carved 6 feet (1.8 m) above ground level , has pavilion closed on 3 sides. front cavern 6 feet (1.8 m) in height , has width of 4 feet (1.2 m). approach cavity on series of steps, , protection parapets on either side of staircase decorated lions. 2 niches on either side of central cavity not have carvings. has been carved out of boulder portico has sculpted garland of eleven yali heads, mythical animals in shape of tigers. main carving here of durga riding tiger. inferred cave may have been used holding open-air shows or utsava mantapa (festival pavilion) festival of indra. lion pilasters carved @ corners of cavity show female riding ferocious looking lion, reported first of kind in mahabalipuram caves, , hence credited pallava king rajasimha; there carving of creator rajasimha.

atiranachanda

the atiranachanda cave temple east facing. situated @ saluvankuppam village, 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) away on mahabalipuram – chennai road. layout 28 feet (8.5 m)t in length , 6 feet (1.8 m) in width on plan, height of 6.5 feet (2.0 m). façade carved on rock face has 2 pillars , 2 pilasters, typical of mahendravarman style, octagonal shaft square base @ top , bottom. corbels of pillars curved , of roll-moldings. horizontal friezes in form of mini shrines carved above corbels, though incomplete. there 3 chambers in cavern central chamber being square of 3.5 feet (1.1 m), whereas other cells integral wall.

panchapandava

the panchapandava cave temple near open air bas-relief of arjuna’s penance. cave entrance east facing , largest cavern @ 50 feet (15 m) length. cave unfinished. length of opening indicative of creating circumambulatory passage within cave go round main shrine. @ present small chamber has been carved @ ceenter , has remained attached main rock. @ entrance, curved cornice has series of shrines 4 central shrines projecting out. vaulted roofs of shrines carved horse-shoe (kudu) shaped windows , each houses smaller shrine. niche below kudu has carved deity. ferocious looking lions carved. architectural features carved here conjectured style assigned narasimhavarman mamalla period extending narasimhavarman ii rajasimha period.