Mahishasura Mardini Mandapam, Mahabalipuram - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 600 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Mahishasura Mardini Mandapam, or Mahishasura Mardini Cave is a rock-cut cave temple situated in Mahabalipuram. It is one of the most prominent tourist places in Mahabalipuram.

Mahishasura Mardini Mandapa, also referred to as Yampuri, exemplifies the Indian rock-cut architecture from the Pallava dynasty. This cave dates back to the reign of King Narasimhavarman Mamalla (630-668 AD), after whom the town is named. It is situated on a hill near the Mamallapuram Lighthouse and is part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1984. Similar to many structures in Mamallapuram, the Mahishasuramardhini Mandapa remains unfinished.

The cave showcases a transitional architectural style, characterized by columns supported by seated lions and frescoes adorning the interior walls, which developed during the reigns of Pallava kings Mahendra Varman I and Rajasimha, also known as Narasimhavarman I or Mamalla. The shrine faces east and comprises three chambers, with internal dimensions measuring 32 feet in length, 15 feet in width, and 12.5 feet in height. The facade features four intricately carved pillars and two pilasters at either end, all designed in the traditional Pallava architectural style. The central chamber is preceded by a small entrance porch, which includes two carved pillars with lion bases in the Pallava tradition.

This Cave Temple is notable for its remarkable architectural elements, particularly the three exquisitely carved reliefs on the cave walls of the sanctums. The Mahishasura Mardini Mandapam is renowned for its dynamic and powerful bas-relief depicting Goddess Durga vanquishing the buffalo demon Mahishasura on the northern side of the cave. This relief panel measures slightly over 8 feet in height and nearly 14 feet in length, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It is regarded as one of the finest artistic achievements of the Pallava period. In the depicted battle scene, Durga is portrayed with eight arms, riding a fierce lion. She wields a sword, bow, arrows, and a bell in her four right hands, while her left hands display a pasa, sankha, and dagger. She is shown in the midst of battle, accompanied by her army of female warriors and ganas.

On the southern wall of the cave, there exists a depiction of Maha Vishnu in a reclining position, resting upon the colossal serpent Shesha. He is illustrated with two hands; one hand gently caresses the coil of the Thousand-headed serpent, known as Adisesha, in an effort to soothe him, while the other hand holds a Lotus. Near Vishnu's feet, the two demons, Madhu and Kaitabha, are sculpted in an aggressive stance, wielding a Gada (mace). However, they appear to be in retreat as Adisesha hisses at them, with flames emanating from its hoods to intimidate the demons.

The rear wall of the central chamber showcases a carving of a Somaskanda panel. This panel features representations of Shiva and his consort Parvathi, adorned in regal attire, each wearing a crown known as kirita-mukuta along with various ornaments, with their son Skanda positioned between them. Additionally, the carving includes Nandi (the bull), who serves as Shiva's mount (Vahana). To the left of the images of the divine trinity-Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu-Chandeshvara Nayanar, a devoted follower of Shiva, is also depicted, standing behind the principal figures of Shiva and Parvathi.

The Olakkanesvara Temple is perched on the rock above the Mahishamardini Cave temple. It is also known as the Old Lighthouse because of its conversion by British officials.The temple, built in the early 8th century from grey granite cut into blocks, is credited to King Rajasimha. The walls of the temple depict the Ravananugraha legend from the Ramayana and a relief of Dakshinamurti (Shiva as a yoga teacher). The structure's strategic location atop a hill once served as a lighthouse, guiding sailors navigating the treacherous waters of the Coromandel Coast.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free