 On each side of the steps leading to the temple @-@ cave portico is a winged lion , or <unk> , each seated with a raised <unk> . The portico has chambers at each end and a Linga @-@ shrine at the back . Five low steps and a threshold lead into the central Linga @-@ shrine which is 4 @.@ 2 m ( 14 ft ) wide and 5 m ( 16 ft ) deep and has a <unk> path ( <unk> @-@ path ) around it . At the back of the portico , near the east end , is a gigantic statue of a four @-@ armed <unk> with two attendant demons . At the north end is a standing figure holding a trident . His left hand rests on a defaced demon @-@ figure . The west wall depicts the <unk> @-@ <unk> ( eight mother goddesses ) , flanked by Kartikeya and Ganesha , the sons of Shiva . Some of <unk> are depicted with children , but all of them are shown by their respective mounts ( bull , swan , <unk> , a Garuda , etc . ) which identify them . At the east end of the portico is another chapel with a plain interior and sunken floor . Water <unk> in this chapel . 
