Mahishamardini Mandapa

Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)


At the southern end of the Mamallapuram Hill complex, the Mahishamardini Mandapa is carved from the rock, displaying very fine scenes from the Puranas (Sanskrit stories from the 5th century AD). These include Vishnu asleep on the coils of a snake (left) and Durga with her lion vehicle, defeating the demon-buffalo Mahisha (right). The central shrine contains an image of Murugan, seated between Shiva and Parvati (his parents).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) attractions

2. Lighthouse

0.03 MILES

Accessed via steep, narrow steps, Mamallapuram's lighthouse offers wonderful panoramas.

3. Unfinished Relief Carving

0.06 MILES

Similarly sized to Mamallapuram's famous Arjuna's Penance, this unfinished relief carving is just south along West Raja St.

4. Ramanuja Mandapa

0.08 MILES

South of the Raya Gopura the main Mamallapuram Hill path passes the Ramanuja Mandapa.

5. Krishna Mandapa

0.17 MILES

Just south of the Arjuna's Penance relief carving, the Krisha Mandapa has a fine 16th-century colonnade and contains a famous carving of Krishna…

7. Lion Throne

0.2 MILES

A beautifully carved throne or seat in the shape of a lion, a little west (uphill) from the Raya Gopura on Mamallapuram Hill.

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