Varaha Cave — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Adi Varaha Cave Temple is a rock-cut cave temple located at the hill top caves and temples, which is 4 kilometres to the north of the main Mahabalipurm sites of rathas and the Shore Temple. It is dating from the late 7th century. The most prominent sculpture in the cave is that of Lord Vishnu in the incarnated form of a Varaha or boar lifting Bhumadevi, the mother earth goddess from the sea.

The cave reflects a transitional style of architecture. The distinctive feature of the Pallava style is that the frontage of the cave has, without exception, finely carved columns mounted on lions in a sitting posture.The cave chamber, which faces west, is about 33 by 14 feet in width, and has a height of 11.5 feet.

Inside the mandapa, the walls have four large sculptured panels

Vishnu as Trivikrama. The Trivikrama panel depicts Vishnu as the Lord of the three worlds. The lord is standing on the earth with his right leg and lifts his left leg to the sky. The image of lord Vishnu has eight arms loaded with his weapons.

Vishnu in the huge incarnated form of Varaha, the boar, lifting Bhumadevi, the earth goddess symbolically representing removal of ignorance of human beings. In this panel, Varaha has four hands, two arms carrying Shankha and Chakra, which are shown towards the back and in one of the arms in the front he is carrying Bhudevi. The right leg resting on the head of Adishesha the serpent.

Gajalakshmi sitting on a lotus the goddess of prosperity. She is shown with her hand holding lotus flowers, fawned by four attendants, and carved in "perfect beauty and gracious countenance". One elephant is pouring water from the vessel on Lakshmi and the other is about to take the vessel from the maiden's hand to pour water over Lakshmi.

4.The Durga panel with a standing Durga on a lotus with four arms surrounded by her ganas. A parasol or chatra on top of her head and flanked by a Lion and a Deer on both sides.

One panel located to the right of the Gajalakshmi panel seated on his throne in his regal costumes and crown fanned by his queens standing behind him. The inscription below this panel is titled "The Glorious Adhiraja Simhavinna-Pottra (Simhavishnu Potta)’. In another panel opposite to the first one another Pallava King in his royal splendour is standing with his two queens, in a reverential posture below which the title inscribed is "The Glorious Adhiraja Mahendra-Potta." These inscriptions have been interpreted as representing Rajasimha, titled Narasimha Vishnu in the first panel and the second figure (of standing king) of his son...

This rock-cut shrine carved into a pinkish granite hill is one of the finest examples of seventh-century architecture by the Pallava dynasty. It was created during the reign of Narasimhavarman I between 630 and 668 CE, reflecting an early stage of Dravidian temple design with some Buddhist architectural influence .

The front facade features a veranda supported by four octagonal pillars standing on seated lions and capped with lion‑headed capitals. Each entrance is guarded by dvarapalas carved directly into the rock . These carved guardians give the shrine a solemn and majestic welcome.

Inside the main cavern, you’ll find sculptural panels depicting four divine legends. The most striking is the scene of Lord Vishnu as Varaha, the boar‑form, lifting the Earth Goddess Bhudevi from the cosmic ocean. This panel shows him looking lovingly at her instead of the more typical pose of simply lifting her—making it a rare and precious portrayal .

The other three panels include the dwarf‑form of Vishnu Trivikrama subduing King Bali, the goddess Gajalakshmi being bathed by elephants, and the goddess Durga depicted in her fierce form. These carvings are finely detailed, with graceful figures and expressive postures .

The cave opens into a single rectangular hall leading to a small sanctum at the rear. The hall measures about thirty‑three feet long and fourteen feet wide, with a height of around eleven and a half feet . A simple yet elegant layout, it reflects a shift from open-air chariot monuments to enclosed cave shrines.

This peaceful site is set just above the monument complex, surrounded by rock and low trees. Visiting takes about forty-five minutes, long enough to admire the artistry, feel the cool stone, and absorb the themes of protection, divine love, and cosmic balance.

The cave stands out as an early and beautiful link in the chain of Indian temple history—melting myth, sculpture, and architecture into one serene and...

Visited on 29th Jul 2019 After referring many documents, as a Traveller – Photographer – Reviewer, concluded to the following details: {Pl refer our photos} NOTE: For more details on Mahabalipuram (The BRIEF HISTORY & Reasons for 3 Names) kindly refer to our review under : Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

• Very High grade Carvings (Sculpting at site) – Varaha Temple Stands the FIRST!

• VARAHA CAVE TEMPLE (also Adivaraha Cave Temple) is a rock-cut Cave Temple located at Mamallapuram, near the Light House, Ganesha Ratha etc. (Approximately 4 KMs from Seashore Temple & 58 KMs from Chennai).

• This Cave Temple is one of the VERY BEST & FINEST testimonials of the ancient Vishwakarma Sthapathis - of rock-cut architecture at site with “Life-Like” Sculptures, with high accuracy and details. These caves are also called Mandapas. Although this is the EARLIEST known MONUMENTS in Mahabalipuram, but unfortunately ‘NOT the MOST VISITED’ one due its hidden location! Really WORTH SEEING & taking explanations from a Local Guide!

• The most prominent sculpture in the cave is that of Varaha Murthy (Boar - another incarnation of Lord Vishnu) lifting Bhudevi (the mother Earth Goddess) from the sea (Ref Wiki). Also carved are many Hindu mythical figures.

• Pallava kings Mahendra Varman I and Rajasimha or Narasimhavarman I (also known as Mamallan) brought in “Sculpt at Site” which was continued by Mamalla's son Parameshvaravarman I. The distinctive feature of the Pallava style is that the frontage of the cave will have, without exception, finely carved columns mounted on “lions in a sitting posture”.

• Being under the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, this temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

. Wonderful creation! . Proper details are not available even with some Guides (pathetic) . Hours cannot...