Mahendravadi

Travel for 58 km from Vellore to reach Mahendravadi, a small yet important village of the state. The village got its popularity because of its rock temple, constructed by Pallava King Mahendra Varman I. The history of excavation of the temple by Gunabhara has been mentioned in the inscriptions found here. Presently, The Archeological Survey of India has undertaken this monolithic rock-cut cave temple. The rock cut cane temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The sanctum sanctorum has an image of Lord Narasimha in Yoga Narasimha posture. The place was formerly known as Mahendra Vishnu Graha, as depicted in the inscription. The cave temple has beautifully carved pillars in the front, the lotus engraved design is worth appreciating. The sanctum lies towards the back wall of the cave. At the entrance less two rock-carved Dwarapalakas. Nearby place- On the western side of Mahendravadi rock temple is the Madhavathamman. Yet another important temple of the place. Others to mention are The Lord Shiva temple and Lord Lakshmi Narayana Temple nearby.