The famous tiger cave in Mahabalipuram is one of the many examples of rock-cut Hindu temples in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. The tiger cave is adored by its viewers for the faces of tigers carved on the front mouth of the complex, and all of this being curved out of a single rock is jaw-dropping, making its viewers amazed at the details and marvel of its architect. Along with its vital historical significance, these multiple tiger heads are an attraction point for the majority and hence derive its name as “The Famous Tiger Cave ”. A picnic spot and ideal destination for travellers of Tamil Nadu, and for you would be the sightseeing of the tiger cave.
Places To Visit Near The Tiger Cave In Mahabalipuram
Once done visiting the Tiger Cave in Mahabalipuram, one must explore the galleries of other famous travel destinations across and near the Tiger Cave. The Mamallapuram shore temple, arjuna’s penance, the Mahishasuramardini Cave Temple, Sculpture Museum, and the famous Mahabalipuram beach. It is a must-visit if you are willing to be awed by history and its impactful imprints.
1. Shore Temple
Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikimedia Commons
The Mamallapuram Shore Temple (Mahabalipuram) is a renowned UNESCO world heritage site. The temple is built in the Dravidian style and is categorised as a pyramidal kutina-type tower. The style takes an altogether different form from the North Indian style.
The shore temple is one of the major temples considered to have been built in the reign of Narasimhavarman, also known as Rajasimha, of the Pallava dynasty. The temple consists of two shrines: one devoted to Lord Shiva and the other to Lord Vishnu, the two most prominent deities of Hindu culture. If you are a devotee of the two deities, the temple has to be on your wish list.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
Timing: 6 am To 6 pm.
Entry Fee: 340 INR. ( No fees for below 15 years old)
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2. Arjuna’s penance
Image Credit: Vinbhan for Wikimedia Commons
Arjuna’s Penance, also known as the Descent of the Ganges, is a place dedicated to the story of Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, who performed severe austerities to impress Lord Shiva and gain weapons to win war against the Kauravas. The place is also considered to be of great importance, as legends of the relief tell stories of Bharath bringing the sacred Ganga river from Heaven to earth.
The descent of the Ganges and Arjuna are portrayed in the stones at the Pallava heritage site. The arjuna’s penance is a living example of an Indian architectural marvel and was designated under UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
Timing: 6 am To 6 pm
Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indian citizens and INR 250 for others. ( free for visitors below 15)
3. The Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple
Image Credit: Amritamitraghosh for Wikimedia Commons
Following the pioneer of the Indian rock-cut temple, the Mahishasura Mardini temple depicts the famous story of the battle between the goddess Durga and Mahishasura. Being considered one of the finest creations by the Pallava dynasty, the depiction aims to portray the victory of the good over the evil.
For the lover of history and ancient architecture, the Mahishasura Mardini temple is a sight of wonder. Every inch depicts a story of ancient race culture and architectural marvel. The temple is estimated to have been built in the century by the Pallava dynasty.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
Timing: 6 am To 6 pm.
Entry Fee: INR 35 ( Free for visitors below 15)
Related Post: Tiger Hill Cemetery
4. Mahabalipuram Beach
Image Credit: Timothy A. Gonsalves for Wikimedia Commons
Situated at the Bay of Bengal shore, the Mahabalipuram beach is the calm side of the usually busy Mahabalipuram. The beach consists of a few rock-cut sculptures, and the expansive ocean view is pleasing to the heart as the wind rubs the edges of your face.
The Mahabalipuram, locally known as Mamallapuram Beach, is the perfect place to take a break from your busy schedule and find peace on its shores.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
Timing: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: INR 40 for Indians and 600 for others.
5. Sculpture Museum
Carrying the living legacy of the Pallava dynasty, the sculpture museum is a living marvel that embraces the story of the world-famous Indian architectural brilliance. The Sculpture Museum is said to be one of the depictions of authentic classic Indian architecture.
With a visit to the phenomenal beauty of the sculpture museum, let yourself be embraced in the folds of the great Indian culture and its classic significance. It is one of the most visited place near the Tiger cave in Mahabalipuram
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
Timing: 9 am To 5:30 pm
Entry Fee: INR 10
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6. Shri Munisuvrat Swami Shwetamber Jain Temple
Lush with white marble, the Shri Munisuvrat temple lies on the east coast road of Chennai. As much as it glows with white beauty on the outside, it provides deep peace on the inside. Walking inside the temple, you will see its walls and pillars honoured with carvings and sculptures depicting Jain mythology and philosophy.
The central holy shrine of the temple, the most prestigious of all, holds powers of a solid spiritual aura and is of great importance amongst the Jains across the world. The area is generally used to offer prayers and seek blessings as it fills the devotee with a sense of serenity that one lags for in the modern busy lifestyle.
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Timing: 5:30 am to 11:30 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm
Fee: no fee
7. Pancha Rathas
Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikimedia Commons
Another important UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Panch Rathas complex, reflects the Mahabharata period. It has five monolithic structures, each carved out of a single granite rock. The Panch Rathas, as the name suggests, depict the five Pandava brothers and their wife Draupadi’s Ratha. Each rath carries its own meaning according to the individual it represents.
If you have a taste for historic architectural marvels and their stories, the Pancha Ratha is here in the valleys of Mahabalipuram to tell you a tale, take you to the depths of human lives and their connections with their own form of deities, and thus give you a glimpse of what monuments could speak without uttering a single word. So, are you ready to dive deep into the realms of history?
Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Timing: 6 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indians and INR 250 for others.
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I hope you enjoyed reading this Airavatesvara Temple travel guide. Yet, the words may not do justice to the splendour this temple emanates. It’s a place that needs to be seen and experienced, deserving all your attention. To plan your trip to Tamil Nadu, get in touch with us for a hassle-free and memorable touring experience.
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Cover Image Credit: Sichu7 for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiger Cave In Mahabalipuram
Who made the rock cut sculpture of Mahabalipuram?
Raja Narasimha First of the Pallava dynasty is considered as the creator behind the architectural wonders at Mahabalipuram.
What is the meaning of Arjuna's penance?
Arjuna's penance is a story from the scriptures of Mahabharata, wherein Arjuna, one of the pandavas brothers, performed severe austerities to impress lord shiva by standing on one leg and concentrating on the sun to obtain celestial weapons.
Where is Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple located?
The Mahishasura Mardini cave temple is located at Mahabalipuram hill, on the southern end, in Tamil Nadu, India.
What are Mahabalipuram vehicle entry charges?
The vehicle entry charges at Mahabalipuram range from INR 10 to INR 50.
Can non- jains visit the Jain temple?
Yes, most Jain temples, including this, are open to all who wish to worship the divine and seek his blessings.
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