Varaha Cave Temple
வராக மண்டபம்
A small 7th-century rock-cut shrine whose walls carry four reliefs, including Varaha the boar lifting the earth goddess, and is regarded as a highlight of Pallava cave art.
Varaha Cave Temple was carved in the latter half of the 7th century. Its front has two columns resting on seated lions. Inside, the side walls carry reliefs of Vishnu in his boar incarnation, Varaha, lifting the earth goddess from the ocean, and Vamana, who strides across the universe in three steps. There are also reliefs of Lakshmi and Durga. The figures have graceful proportions and finely detailed drapery. The cave is small and can be seen in a few minutes, but the details reward a closer look. It sits on the hillside with Krishna's Butterball, and Krishna Mandapa and Arjuna's Penance are in the same area. Entry is free.
Opening hours
06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Ganesha Ratha
- Raya Gopuram
- Krishna Mandapa
- Krishna's Butterball
- Sthalasayana Perumal Temple
- Mahishasuramardini Mandapa & Lighthouse
- Stone Carving Workshops, Mamallapuram
- Trimurti Cave Temple