Mahishamardini Cave, Mahabalipuram

The Mahishasuramardini cave or mandapa is a rock-cut cave temple located on a hill, near lighthouse along with other caves in Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram. This cave temple is also known as Yampuri and is an example of Indian rock cut architecture of the late 7th century of Pallava dynasty.

It is a part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This temple has many architectural features out of which one is Vishni reclining on the seven headed snake called Adishesha, the second is Durga cave temple killing the demon Mahishasura and the third is a sculpture of lord Shiva. These three are carved rock reliefs on the cave walls of three sanctums.

History:

The cave was initiated during the ruling period of Narasimhavarman Mahamalla(630-668 AD) of the Pallava dynasty. It's architecture is also said to be a continuation of the great religious themes that were carved in Western India. 

The cave was in a mixed style of architecture in its columns installed on seated lions and decorative wall art carved on the walls inside the cave. The cave shrine faces east and has three chambers. They are 32 feet long, 15 feet wide and 12.5 feet high. In the front entrance of the cave there are 10 horseshoe shaped windows. The cornice(crown molding) displays carvings of five semi completed shrines. The central chamber is fronted by a small mukhamandapa (entrance porch), which has two carved pillars with lion bases in the Pallava style.

How To Reach:

Mahabalipuram bus stand is located just 350 m away from the cave. You can reach the cave from bus stand by walk easily.