Vedagirishvara Temple

Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)


About 15km west of Mamallapuram is this hilltop temple dedicated to Shiva, reached via approximately 500 steps. According to legend, two vultures (easily confused with eagles) fly here each day at noon from Varanasi, a good 2000km away, though they haven't been seen since the 1990s.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) attractions

1. Five Rathas

8.84 MILES

Huddled together at the southern end of Mamallapuram, the Five Rathas were, astonishingly, all carved from single large rocks. Each of these fine 7th…

2. Lion Throne

8.94 MILES

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

3. Mahishamardini Mandapa

8.94 MILES

At the southern end of the Mamallapuram Hill complex, the Mahishamardini Mandapa is carved from the rock, displaying very fine scenes from the Puranas …

5. Lighthouse

8.96 MILES

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

6. Ramanuja Mandapa

8.97 MILES

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

7. Unfinished Relief Carving

8.99 MILES

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

8. Varaha Mandapa

9.01 MILES

Home to some of Mamallapuram's most brilliant carvings, the Varaha Mandapa depicts Vishnu's boar avatar, Varaha, lifting the earth out of the oceans (left…

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