Varaha Cave Temple, Hindu rock cave temple in Mahabalipuram, India.
The Varaha Cave Temple is a stone shrine carved into rock in Mahabalipuram with large carved panels across its walls. The entrance is framed by two lion sculptures in a crouching pose, while four pillars support the interior space and define the layout.
The temple was built in the 7th century during the Pallava dynasty and shows a blend of Buddhist and southern Indian architectural features. This style marks a key transition period in how temples were designed at that time.
The main carved panel shows Vishnu as Varaha rescuing the earth goddess Bhudevi from the sea, while other sections depict Gajalakshmi surrounded by elephants and Durga performing ritual actions. These images tell stories that locals and visitors still come to see and honor today.
The temple is easy to reach on foot and sits within a monument area where several other shrines are nearby. It helps to arrive early in the morning when the air is cooler and fewer visitors are around.
This shrine is the only rock temple in Mahabalipuram where morning and evening prayers happen daily and people still gather to worship. The regular use keeps it a living place rather than just an old monument.
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