Cave Temples of Mahabalipuram are special features amidst the rock cut temples of the city. They reflect the artistic genius of the artists and the sense of beauty of the Pallava Dynasty. The cave temples are special in their architectural beauty in the sense that they reflect the excellent sculptures on the surface of the rock. Some of the notable cave temples in Mahabalipuram are Trimurti Cave, Varaha Cave, Durga Cave and the Pancha Pandava Cave.

Tirumurti Cave: It contains a row of three shrines wherein basic-relief of the Trinity (Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva) has been carved out. In each of the panels two dwarf attendants are flying in the air in the upper part of the sculpture, while in the lower part two devotees with matted locks are seated. All the three deities have their left hands on their hips and the right hands are in the Abhaya pose. All of them have their weapons in their hands. For example Lord Vishnu has been shown with his shanka and chakra but in a different style. They are, therefore, called the Prayoga Sankha and Chakra, i.e., weapons in the act of being used. The projecting rock above the cells has been cut as Gavakshas (leaf shaped windows).

Varaha Cave: This is a cave shrine with an attractive frontage facing west. Here the Varaha and Trivikrama incarnations of Vishnu have been sculptured in an impressive manner. Further magnificent relief represent Lord Surya, Goddess Durga and Gajalakshmi (Goddess of Wealth accompanied by elephants) and two groups which represent the kings Simha Vishnu and Mahendra Varman with their queens are also seen in the Varaha Cave.

Durga Cave: A huge rocky eminence has been hewed into a large cave to house three shrines. The central one is intended for a Linga and has on its wall a basic-relief of the Somaskanda group. On either side are the busts of Vishnu and Brahma and below is Shiva`s vehicle Nandi the bull. This cave contains the well-known Mahishasuramardini and Vishnu. Also there Seshasayana sculptures which are simple and skilful in nature. The grace with which the sculptor has depicted calmness and repose by representing slumbering Vishnu on the southern wall and intense activity and virility in another by showing Durga`s onslaught of the buffalo-headed demon on the northern wall.

In the Durga Cave slaying the Demon Mahisha by the goddess has been depicted. Durga is represented with the Sankha and Chakra which are the emblems of Vishnu. The legend connected with this sculpture depicts goddess Durga as Mahishamardini. Along with its legends the sculptures of this cave represent a particular feature about Lord Vishnu in which he has been shown as having only two hands and his emblems, the conch and the disc, are absent in his hands.

Pancha Pandava cave: This was constructed probably in the Post-Vijayanagara period. It has been praised by many as a charming pastoral scene of caves and cowherds. The story of Lord Krishna protecting the cows, etc. from the rain lifting Govardhana Giri has been depicted here.

Krishna Mandapa: Along with the other notable caves the cave temples of Mahabalipuram includes the famous mandapas. Krishna mandapa is one of the most popular mandapas of mahabalipuram which is known for its famous rock cut curvatures and the legend of Lord Shri Krishna which is depicted through beautiful sculptures. This mandapa depicts the story of Lord Shri Krishna who lifts up the Goverdhan Parvat to save the people of Nandgaon against the curse of Lord Indra. The people of Nand Gaon used to offer prayers to Lord Indra for saving their lives, cattles and farm from severe weather conditions. This was condemned by Lord Krishna who challenged Lord Indra.

This legend has been depicted largely in this particular mandapa. These are the oldest and largest rock- cut caves which have numerous pillars decorated by some exclusive sculptures. The temple has six columns in which the first five have the figures of Lions. As the cave temple proceeds inside it includes some most attractive varandas or balconies which are depicted with the figures of some wild animals like the monkeys and lions along with an image of a nandi which too has been included in the sculptures.

Arjuna penance: Closely related to the Krishna mandapa is the Arjuna penance which is a huge monolithic rock cut structure which includes the biggest rock cut of India. The largest rock cut is 31m and 9m long rock cut which depicts the penance of Arjuna to obtain are weapons against his enemies.

Thus with well maintained rock cut sculptures this is one of the biggest attractions of Mahabalipuram .The rock cuts of mabalipuram are popularly known for describing the legends of Hindu mythology through well carved sculptures.