Varaha Mandapa Rock-cut Cave Shrine, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu Located in Mahabalipuram, the Varaha Mandapa is a rock-cut cave shrine near the Ganesha Ratha and behind the panel of Arjuna’s Penance. It dates to the 7th century CE and is attributed to the reign of Narasimhavarman I (630 - 668 CE). The cave features an arcade hall with a shrine carved into the rear wall, projecting into the hall. Its facade is designed with a moulded base at the bottom, a stepped entrance with side railings and pillars resting on vyala-shaped bases. . The mandapa is known for its sculptural panels of Varaha, Durga, Trivikrama, and Gajalakshmi. In the Gajalakshmi panel, the goddess sits on a lotus with a distinctive crown and suvarnavaikakshaka, flanked by nymphs holding water pots, while elephants pour water over her head, symbolizing ritual bathing. Source: Archaeological Survey of India