Atiranachanda Mandapa, Tiger's Cave

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Atiranachanda Mandapa is located in the Tiger's Cave complex near Chennai, India. Tiger's Cave is situated in a village named Saluvankuppam on East Coast Road (ECR) between Chennai and Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu, India. The distance of Tiger's Cave is 5 km from Mamallapuram and around 52 km from Chennai.

There are three cells carved in the mandapa. The central cell alone is complete; the remaining two cells just have the wall portions. The main cell has a polished black multi-faced Shiva Linga and Somaskanda panel on the back wall. Somaskanda is a form of Shiva, Parvati, and the baby Skanda flanked by Vishnu and Brahma. Two dwarapalas are carved in the niches at the entrance of the cell. The remaining two cells, too, have similar Somaskanda panels carved on the back wall. Scholars believe that this monument was built either by Mamalla or Rajasimha Pallava.




The front facade of the east-facing mandapa is supported by two pillars and two pilasters. The pillars are square at the top and base, and in between is an octagonal shaft. 


The temple is located below ground level. The temple also has some rock carvings depicting the images of goddess Durga killing the buffalo-faced Mahisasura. Outside the cell, the stone idols of Shiv Linga and Nandi are found.



You can also visit Tiger's Cave, the ancient Muruga temple unearthed by Tsunami, and the nearby beach along with this serene and calm ancient temple.


It is definitely an architectural marvel which you should not miss.


Happy travelling.





Visit my site, krishnakumartk.com, to know more about the travel guides and other books that I have written.





Comments

  1. RajagopalanSaturday, November 14, 2009

    You have given an impressive photo album on rock cut temple of shiva. Nice article!

    ReplyDelete
  2. BaluSunday, November 15, 2009

    the photos r really marvellous.

    ReplyDelete

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