Trimurti Cave, Mahabalipuram - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 400 m from Mahabalipuram Bus Stand, the Trimurti Cave Temple is a 7th century ancient rock-cut temple situated in Mahabalipuram. Located towards the north of Ganesha Ratha, it is one of the most prominent places to visit as part of Mahabalipuram packages from Chennai.

Situated atop a 100-foot high cliff, the Trimurti Cave Temple stands as a remarkable example of rock-cut architecture in Mahabalipuram. This temple is a testament to the ingenuity of Pallava craftsmanship, having been meticulously carved into the natural rock face. It is one among the very few which can put under the category of the most complete excavations. Recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, it holds considerable historical and architectural significance.

The temple comprises three distinct shrines, each dedicated to the Hindu deities of the trinity: Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. Unlike other cave temples constructed by the Pallavas, this particular temple lacks a pillared mandap and instead opens directly to the three shrines, which are carved from a shared, contiguous platform. As the platform is raised above the ground level, staircases are provided to each shrine. The upper section of the cave's facade is embellished with dormer windows, which are topped with interconnected oblong shrines. The interior of the cave temple is richly decorated with intricate carvings and pillars, reflecting the exceptional skill of Pallava artisans in the realm of rock-cut architecture.

In the left shrine, Brahma, the creator, is depicted with four faces. The dvarapalas at the entrance of this shrine are portrayed with beards, one holding a flower in his left hand while his right hand rests on his waist. Inside the cell, Brahma is represented in a standing position with four arms, holding a rosary and a lotus in his upper hands. Similar to the other shrines, two ganas are positioned at the upper corners; the gana on the north side holds a pen in his armpit along with a book, while the other carries a bowl of offerings.

The central shrine, which is devoted to Shiva, stands out prominently. It features dvarapalas in the Shaiva tradition, with one wielding a club and the other brandishing a lance and shield. Within the sanctum, Shiva is depicted in a sambhaga posture, possessing four arms, and holding an axe and a rosary. Two ganas are positioned in the upper corners, while two devotees are depicted near Shiva's feet. In front of the Shiva image, a linga is situated, although this element is a later addition.

To the right, the shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu is present. The dvarapalas are depicted in a semi-profile stance, with one raising his hand in suchi-mudra and the other in vismaya-mudra. Inside this shrine, Vishnu is also portrayed in sambhaga posture, with four arms, holding a chakra (discus) and a shankha (conch) in his upper hands. Similar to the Shiva shrine, two ganas are located in the upper corners, while two kneeling devotees are shown on either side of Vishnu, near his feet. Additionally, there is a smaller shrine dedicated to Durga, illustrating the narrative of her victory over the demon Mahishasur.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free