Mandagapattu Rock-Cut Temple, located in the village of Mandagapattu in Tamil Nadu’s Viluppuram district, is a notable rock-cut shrine established by Pallava ruler Mahendravarman I in honor of the Hindu trinity—Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. This remarkable temple, carved from solid rock without bricks, wood, metal, or mortar, is considered the oldest stone shrine in Tamil Nadu. It also features the earliest known rock-cut Sanskrit inscription, written in Grantha script and attributed to King Mahendravarman I (600–630 CE).
Mahendravarman I, in his inscriptions, refers to himself as "vichitra chitta" ("curious minded") and named this temple "Lakshitayatna," meaning "The temple of Lakshita." This temple is dedicated to the Trimurti, setting it apart from other cave temples that generally honor either Vishnu or Shiva exclusively. The Mandagapattu Tirumurti Temple's dedication to the Trinity is significant in showcasing the Pallava ruler’s intent to honor multiple divine figures, a unique aspect among similar rock-cut sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu.
The temple’s facade and pillars showcase Pallava architectural innovation, with the temple carved on the northern face of a large rock overlooking a village irrigation tank. The deeply cut facade measures four feet at the bottom and two feet at the top. Two pillars and two pilasters on the inner side create the effect of four pillars, while asymmetrical recesses for guardian figures, or "dwara-palas," complete the outer facade. These pillars are of a massive square design, with octagonal divisions and quadrangular sections adding structural balance and symmetry.
Beyond the facade lies the mandapa, an inner hall separated from the front mandapa by a row of skillfully carved pillars. This front area, or mukha-mandapa, is slightly lower than the inner hall’s floor, allowing a gentle transition between the two sections. Over each row of pillars, a principal beam, or "uttira," rests, with cross beams cut at either end. The plain ceiling, free from decorative art, accentuates the simplicity and strength of Pallava craftsmanship, making the Mandagapattu Tirumurti Temple a masterpiece of early Indian rock-cut architecture.