திருவிடந்தை நித்ய கல்யாண பெருமாளுக்கு நிகரான ஸ்தலம் – திருவலவெந்தை ஆதிவராகர்| Mahabalipuram Temple

✨ Aadhi Varaha Perumal Rock-Cut Cave Temple | Mamallapuram | Anchored by Kalaimamani SreeKavee | GoTemple

📍 Just 1 km south of the Sthalasayana Perumal Divya Desam, on the way to the Mamallapuram Light House, stands the 7th-century Aadhi Varaha Perumal Cave Temple.
This is one of the oldest rock-cut temples in Mamallapuram, built during the Pallava reign and still in active worship today.

Though small and tucked away, it carries immense mythological significance, Pallava artistry, and devotional depth. In this video, Kalaimamani SreeKavee takes us through every detail of the temple — its history, shrines, sculptures, inscriptions, and divine stories.

🌸 The Divine Story – The King’s Test of Devotion

A Pallava king, devoted to Varaha Perumal at Thiru Vidanthai (Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple), would daily travel 15 km for darshan, eat only afterward, and then feed 1000 people.

One day, Lord Vishnu appeared as a hungry Brahmin carrying a child (Agilavalli Thaayar in disguise) and asked for food at Mamallapuram. When the king said he must first visit Thiru Vidanthai, the Brahmin refused, saying the child was starving.

The king realized compassion must come first, and offered them food immediately. Lord Varaha, pleased, revealed Himself with Agilavalli Thaayar seated on His right side (unlike Thiru Vidanthai where she is on the left). This became the unique darshan at Mamallapuram.

🏛️ Temple Layout & Shrines
🔹 Moolavar – Aadhi Varaha Perumal

Carved directly on the back rock wall of the cave.

The Lord stands majestically, west-facing, with:

Left leg placed on the head of a Naga King and Queen

Left hand on Agilavalli Thaayar’s lap

Right side graced by Thaayar herself

This depiction is considered Varna Kala Varaha, a rare Pallava-era form.

🔹 Thaayar Shrine – Agilavalli Thaayar

Always worshipped alongside the Lord.

The unique right-side placement of Thaayar signifies the special darshan given to the Pallava king.

Devotees pray here for marriage, Education, and family harmony, similar to Thiru Vidanthai.

🔹 Royal Sculptures

Panels depict Pallava King Simha Vishnu and his son Mahendra Varman with their queens.

These are among the rare self-portraits of Pallava royalty in rock-cut temples.

🔹 Gangadhara Panel (Shiva)

Shows Lord Shiva as Gangadhara, bringing Ganga to Earth through his matted locks.

A reminder that this cave was originally begun as a Shaiva temple before becoming Vaishnavite.

The presence of Shaiva sculptures alongside Vaishnavite worship highlights the Pallava dynasty’s religious inclusivity.

🔹 Vishnu with Adishesha

Another panel shows Lord Vishnu with Adishesha, symbolizing His cosmic role as protector.

🔹 Goddess Durga

Gracefully carved, highlighting the Shakti element in Pallava temple art.

She represents strength and divine balance, complementing Varaha’s protective energy.

🔹 Other Shrines

Idols of Rudra, Brahmma, Goddess Lakshmi and other deities are also found, showing the multi-deity worship of the Pallava period.

🕳️ Secret Passage

A blocked entrance inside the temple is believed to be the mouth of a 15 km underground tunnel once connecting to the Thiru Vidanthai Nithya Kalyana Perumal temple.
Similar tunnels existed at Vaikunta Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram, linking it spiritually and strategically with Mamallapuram.

🌸 Festivals & Worship

On Maasi Pournami (Full Moon, Feb–Mar), the Utsava deity Gnana Piran is taken on a Garuda Vahana procession to the seashore.

This festival beautifully symbolizes Varaha’s connection with the ocean that surrounds Mamallapuram.

📌 Quick Facts

Moolavar: Aadhi Varaha Perumal – West Facing, Standing Posture

Thaayar: Agilavalli Thaayar (on His right side)

Utsavar: Gnana Piran

Timings: 8 AM – 12 Noon | 3 PM – 5 PM

Contact: Gopalakrishnan (Gopu) Bhattar 📞 +91 98404 08755

Travel Tip: Auto fare from Sthalasayana Perumal Temple – ~₹40

🎬 Video Chapters

00:00 – In this video
02:13 – Introduction by Kalaimamani SreeKavee
13:23 – Moolavar & Thaayar Shrines – Unique Darshan
16:50 – Royal Sculptures & Pallava Inscriptions
19:08 – Information for Devotees
20:04 – Devotees Testimonial
22:50 – Closing Thoughts by Kalaimamani SreeKavee

🙏 If this divine darshan enriched your heart, please Like 👍, Share 🔁, and Subscribe 🔔 to GoTemple for more temple vlogs, stories, and spiritual journeys.

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