Varaha Mandapa

Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)


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 panel), alongside fine columns with seated lions. Vishnu's consort, Lakshmi, and Durga grace the outward-facing panels. On the right-hand panel, Vishnu appears in his eight-armed giant form, Trivikrama, overcoming the demon king Bali.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) attractions

1. Raya Gopura

0.02 MILES

Generally thought to be an unfinished gopuram dating from the 16th century.

2. Arjuna’s Penance

0.03 MILES

The crowning masterpiece of Mamallapuram’s stonework, this giant relief carving is one of India's greatest ancient artworks. Inscribed on two huge,…

3. Ganesh Ratha

0.03 MILES

Decorated with lion-shaped pillar bases, the Ganesh Ratha is carved from a single rock and was originally a Shiva shrine.

5. Krishna's Butterball

0.06 MILES

You can't miss this enormous boulder (and favourite photo spot), balancing precariously on Mamallapuram Hill, right opposite the compound's northernmost…

6. Krishna Mandapa

0.06 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…

8. Lion Throne

0.07 MILES

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