We had a vague idea about the cave before clambering up 60 and odd steps. And we were in for a pleasant surprise. Third cave is by far the largest, grandest, and the most ornated caves among all four. Carved out of a rugged sandstone cliff the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
After the death of his brother King Kirtivarman, Mangalesha succeseded the throne. He was just a king regent until his nephew, Pulakeshi II could come off age. During his reign of 12 years he commissioned to built the temple. He wanted it to be better than Cave 2, which was built by his brother Kirtivarman.
On the left wall is the large carving of Lord Vishnu sitting atop a coiled serpent. The fived-headed Adishesha provides an umbrella-like shelter to Mahavishnu. Vishnu's vehicle Garuda and wife Lakshmi are seen sitting along with him. It is said Chalukya kings followed similar posture to sit on the throne. Just nearby lies the huge image of Varaha and Bhudevi.
The most unique is the laughing Vijaya Narasimha's statue after slaying the demon Hiranyakashipu. Combined with human body and lion face, the Narasimha we have seen so far is that of ferocious and wild. So this must be the only statue depicting Narasimha in a lighter mood. Standing tall he holds lotus flower in one hand. He is decorated with necklace, armlet, and waist belt. Prahlada and Human faced Garuda are standing besides him.
Harihara and Vamana-Trivikrama statues are present here too. It is assumed the entire cave is painted in murals, unfortunately only traces of that can be seen here and there. Every inch of the cave is carved.
The front row of pillars have bracket figurines of loving divine couples like Shiva-Parvati, Kama-Rati, Naga-Nagini. Our guide showed a sculpture of a man pulling back the hair of a lady who was puking. And he told she was intoxicated by alcohol and women drinking these days are nothing new. Whether it is true or just a way to humor us, only he knows.
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