Varaha Cave Temple

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Varaha Cave Temple, an example of Indian rock-cut architecture dating from the late 7th century, is a rock-cut cave temple located at Mamallapuram, a tiny village south of Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.^[1] Part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, the temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.^[2]

[edit] Temple

The temple is a small monolithic rock-cut temple with a mandapam dating from the 7th century. Inside the side walls have large sculptured panels depicting Vishnu as Varaha, the boar, holding up Bhudevi, the earth goddess, good examples of naturalistic Pallava art. The Pallava doorkeepers are four pillars that have lion carved into the bases. Inside, on rear wall, is the shrine with guardian figures on either side.^[1]

[edit] See also

• Undavalli caves
• Badami Cave Temples
• Kanheri Caves
• Indian rock-cut architecture

[edit] Notes

1. ^ ^{a b} "General view of the entrance to the Varaha Cave Temple, Mamallapuram". British Library. http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/g/019pho000001003u02213000.html. Retrieved on 2008-18-11. 
2. ^ "Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram". World Heritage. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/249/. Retrieved on 2007-02-08.