Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram in Tamilnadu in South India is a coastal town, 60 kms from Chennai and is famous for its collection of its temples of 7th -8th century AD. Temples, along the beach built during the Pallava Empire are UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fishermen returning back after the catch of the day to nearby village and carving of sculptures are unforgettable experiences while in Mahabalipuram.
Rock - Shore Temple or just the Shore Temple is perhaps the most remarkable and was built in 7th century AD by Pandava rulers. Temple is inspired by the sea which is both a rock cut and a free - standing structural temple. The entire temple stands on a naturally occurring granite boulder.
Arjuna’s Penance is a giant open-air rock relief, carved on two monolithic rock boulders depicting the story of the descent of the sacred river Ganges to the earth. The relief is more of a canvas of Indian rock cut sculpture at its best not seen anywhere in India.
Five Raths or Panch Raths, is a exemplary set of rock temples. They are excellent examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture. All five raths (Chariot) are associated with great Hindu Epic Mahabharata and are dedicated five brothers who were the heroes of Mahabharata. These temples are built in the same shape as pagodas, and greatly resemble Buddhist shrines and monasteries.
Krishna’s Butter Ball is a 250 tons weight gigantic granite boulder resting on a slope for over 1200 years in Mahabalipuram. The boulder is bigger and heavier than the monolithic stone of Machu Pichu of Peru. Thousand of attempts have been made to move the boulder but failed. Now it is your time to try one.
