There are nine cave temples which are cut in the rocks in Mamallapuram. These caves are famous for their real-life depiction of incidents from the Hindu mythology. There are bas-reliefs in various caves.

In particular the carvings in the Krishna cave appears very real. Lord Vishnu is seen in the cosmic sleep in Mahishasuramardhini cave. In contrast to peace here, the other portrayals of Goddess Durga is fighting the buffalo-headed Demon.