Mahishasuramardini Cave

A lighthouse tops the hill where you'll find a number of superb rock-cut shrines -- seek out Mahishasuramardini Mandapa, remarkable for the two impressive friezes at each end of its long veranda. In the panel to the right, Durga, the terrifying mother of the universe, is seated astride her lion vahana wielding an assortment of weapons. She is in the process of destroying the buffalo-headed demon, Mahisha, who disturbs the delicate balance of life. At the opposite end of the veranda, Vishnu is depicted sleeping peacefully on his serpent bed, the sea of eternity; gathered around him, the gods appeal to him to continue the creation. Also atop the hill, Adivaraha Mandap features various sculpted figures and mythical scenes, including one large panel of Vishnu as a gigantic boar.