7 awe-inspiring subterranean temples beneath the surface of India

Here are the 7 awe-inspiring subterranean temples beneath the surface of India.

Varaha Cave Temple – Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu
- Era: 7th century, Pallava dynasty
- Highlights: Carved into granite, dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Varaha (boar) avatar
- Mystique: Intricate bas-reliefs and low-lit chambers near the Bay of Bengal

Undavalli Caves – Andhra Pradesh
- Era: 4th–5th century
- Highlights: Originally Jain, later Hindu; features a 20-foot reclining Vishnu statue
- Setting: Overlooks the serene Krishna River

Ellora Caves (Cave 32 – Indra Sabha) – Maharashtra
- Era: 9th century
- Highlights: Jain temple with carvings of Tirthankaras, elephants, and lotus motifs
- Ambiance: Ethereal acoustics and light play in underground chambers

Badami Cave Temples – Karnataka
- Era: 6th century, Chalukya dynasty
- Highlights: Four caves, with Cave 3 dedicated to Vishnu
- View: Elevated yet subterranean, overlooking Agastya Lake

Masroor Rock-Cut Temples – Himachal Pradesh
- Era: 8th century
- Highlights: Monolithic Shiva temples carved from sandstone ridge
- Surroundings: Himalayan foothills and a reflective pool enhance the serenity

Elephanta Caves – Maharashtra
- Era: 5th–8th century
- Highlights: Shiva’s Trimurti Sadashiva statue (20 feet tall)
- Access: Located on an island off Mumbai, reachable only by ferry

Pattadakal Cave Temple (Virupaksha Complex) – Karnataka
- Era: 7th century, Chalukyan architecture
- Highlights: Subterranean shrine with Nataraja friezes and lingam sanctum
- Setting: Near the Malaprabha River, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site

These temples aren’t just architectural marvels — they’re spiritual sanctuaries carved into the earth, echoing centuries of devotion and artistry.