Cave Temple Kuranganilmuttam

Cave Temple Kuranganilmuttam is a structure excavated below the ground level and could be considered unique due to this factor. The front facade of this structure has two pillars and two pilasters. The pillars are square in the top and bottom with octagonal shafts in the middle. The corbels at the top are simple and curved with sharp edges. This is followed by another similar row demarcating the Mukha Mantapa and Ardha Mantapas. On the back wall of the cave are carved ten pilasters that accommodate three cells and three pairs of Dwarpalas. The three cells indicate that this temple could have been for the Holy Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. From the style of the Dwarapalas, it is assumed by experts that the central cell could be for Shiva, southern for Vishnu and the northern one for Brahma. All images that have been kept here presently are new in origin. There are two more cells facing south and two facing north and it is not known what deities were planned for here. The site is under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India.