Pallava Architecture, Part I (MASI 17) c2.75

c2.75

(6) *Vallam*.—The little village of Vallam is situated 2 miles to the east of Chingleput railway station on the road to Tirukkalukkunram. On the north side of the road is the village and hill of Vallam. There are three cave-temples excavated in the eastern face of the hill. The largest of them contains two Tamil inscriptions which are mentioned in *South Indian Inscriptions*, Volume II, Part III, pages 340 and 341. The oldest of them is engraved on the two pillars of the entrance and records that the temple was excavated by Skandāsana, son of Vasantapriyarāja and vassal of king Mahendrapōtarāja who was surnamed "Gunabhara." Here there is no doubt concerning the name of the king, as the word Mahendra is followed by Pōtarāja, *i.e.*, king of Pallavas. The surname "Gunabhara" is the same as that found in the inscriptions at Trichinopoly and Mahendravadi. The late Mr. Venkayya has shown that in all probability, this Mahendrapōtarāja of the Vallam inscription is identical with Mahendravarman I (*Epigraphia Indica*, Volume III, page 277).