Mahishasuramardhini Mandapa (Cave Temple; also known as Yampuri)[1] is an example of Indian rock-cut architecture dating from the late 7th century, of the Pallava dynasty.

Mamallapuram, also popularly known as Mahabalipuram, is a small village to the south of Chennai, in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

[4][5] The cave is dated to the period of king Narasimhavarman Mahamalla (630–668 AD) of the Pallava dynasty, after whom the town is also named.

[7] Historical research has also confirmed that Mahabalipuram town came to be established only after it was named after Mamalla and the caves and rathas are all attributed to his reign during the year 650 AD.

Now in the Kanchipuram district, it is approximately 58 kilometres (36 mi) from Chennai city (previously, Madras) and about 20 miles (32 km) from Chingelpet.

The area is a high security zone as there is a nuclear power station a few kilometers to the south; hence, photography is prohibited.

The central chamber is fronted by a small mukhamandapa (entrance porch), which has two carved pillars with lion bases in the Pallava style.

Another interpretation mooted for the dominance of Shiva panels in this cave is that the religious leaning of the Kings who ruled at that time changed from Vaishnavism to Shavisim.

[11] On the southern face of the cave, there is a panel of Maha Vishnu in an Anantasayana mudra, (a reclining posture), lying on the bed of a serpent.

[11] This carving explains the legend mentioned in the Bhagavata Purana, It states that during the creation, the asuras Madhu and Kaitabha stole the Vedas from Brahma, and deposited them deep inside the waters of the primeval ocean.

[12] The bodies of Madhu and Kaitabha disintegrated into 2 times 6 — which is twelve pieces (two heads, two torsos, four arms and four legs).

The north wall in the cave contains a relief depicting the battle scene of the two adversaries, goddess Durga and the demon buffalo-headed Mahishasura.

[11] Mahishasura's legend is told in the major texts of the Shaktism traditions known as the Devi Mahatmya, which is part of Markandeya Purana.