Krishna Mandapam / Krishna Cave Temple, Mahabalipuram - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 200 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Krishna Mandapam is a rock-cut cave temple situated in Mahabalipuram. It is one of the must visit places as part of Mahabalipuram honeymoon packages.

The Krishna Mandapam, commonly referred to as the Krishna Cave Temple, is a significant rock-cut temple situated in Mahabalipuram. It is positioned on a hillock adjacent to the open rock relief known as the Descent of the Ganges. This cave temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and exemplifies the architectural excellence of the Pallava dynasty from the 7th century. It is included in the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, which was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

The Krishna Cave Temple is an east-facing pillared mandapa. Originally, it consisted of an open-air bas-relief dedicated to Krishna, dating back to the mid-seventh century, which was later enclosed within a mandapa during the 16th century under the Vijayanagara Empire. The structure houses nine reliefs intricately carved on the rock surfaces all attributed to the 7th century. It is an essential destination for those interested in Hindu mythology, ancient Indian art, and architecture.

The most notable relief within the cave illustrates Krishna lifting the Govardhana Hill with the finger of his left hand to protect the villagers from a deluge caused by Indra's torrential rains. The scene depicts people and their cattle seeking refuge beneath the mountain. In this relief, Krishna is accompanied by three females on his right, one of whom is believed to be Radha, his childhood beloved, as she is adorned with a crown, a breast band, and various ornaments. To his right, there are two figures, one male and one female, along with several other images of animals and villagers depicted in the panel.

In another relief, Krishna is depicted in a state of joy alongside his gopis, illustrating his dual identity as a divine figure. Additional reliefs on the cave walls portray various scenes, including an elderly man carrying a child on his shoulders, a pastoral setting with cowherds milking a cow while the cow affectionately licks its calf, gopis balancing water pots on their heads near a cowherd playing a flute, a woodcutter with an axe, a woman transporting a milk pot along with a rolled mat or bundle of grass, and a child embracing her mother. The fresco of Krishna also features him playing a flute in the fields. Furthermore, the panel includes a meticulously carved standing bull, showcasing the exceptional skill of the Pallava artists. Notably, the carvings within the Krishna cave are recognized for their lifelike reinterpretations of motifs from the Hindu epics.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free