Dharmaraja Mandapam, Mahabalipuram - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 500 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Dharmaraja Mandapam is an ancient rock-cut temple situated in Mahabalipuram. Located near Mamallapuram Lighthouse, it is one of the most prominent places to visit as part of Mahabalipuram couple packages.

The Dharmaraja cave temple, also referred to as the Atyantakama cave temple, is situated on the southern slope of Mamallapuram hill, adjacent to the Mahishamardini Cave. This cave temple is classified as one of the early Pallava cave-temples, characterized by its primitive design and style, which closely resembles the early cave-temples from the era of Mahendravarman I (580-630 CE). Some scholars propose that the temple was constructed during the reign of Rajasimha I (735 - 765 AD). However, a majority of researchers lean towards the belief that it was built earlier, during the reign of Paramesvara Varman I (670 - 695 AD).

The Dharmaraja Mandapa faces east and exhibits a design that is both simple and elegant. The excavation is in the form of a hall featuring three cells along its rear wall. This hall is supported by two rows of pillars, which divide the space into two bays. Each row consists of two pillars and two pilasters. All cells are elevated above the floor and accessible via a staircase comprising three steps. It is likely that the central, larger cell was dedicated to Shiva, flanked by two male dvarapalas. However, the remnants of these dvarapalas do not exhibit the Shaivite characteristics typically found in other Shiva-dedicated cave-temples. Although the side cells were intended for Brahma and Vishnu, their images are currently absent. The temple also features a fourteen-line Sanskrit inscription in the Grantha script.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free