Trimurti Temple

This is the first Pallava rock-cut temple, built by Mahendra I in the early 7th century. An inscription on the temple calls it the Laksitayatna and dedicates it to Brahma, Isvara, and Vishnu. The facade of the rectangular mandapa has four massive pillars and is flanked by niches containing large dvarpalaka images carved in relief. The images are shown wearing tall headgear and standing in dvibhanga, leaning on a massive club entwined by a serpent. Steps on the right lead to an uncovered porch in front of the mandapa.