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Mahabalipuram(Mamallapuram)

Mandapas
The main hill at Mamallapuram is dotted with pillared halls carved into the rock face. These mandapas, with their graceful columns and intricate figure sculptures bear witness to the Pallavas. The ten pavilions at Mamallapuram, of which two are unfinished, were designed as shrine, with a sanctum and one outer hall. The shallow porticoes are adorned with exquisite sculptures of gods, goddesses and mythological figures. The main active shrine is the Ganesh mandapa, with the idol of the Lord Ganesha standing for almost fourteen centuries after it was first constructed. Beyond the circular rock called Krishna's Butterball is the Varaha mandapa dedicated to the two avatars of Vishnu as Varaha, the boar and Vamana, the dwarf. The pillars of this pavilion display a motif that became the signature of the southern architecture. The Mahishasuramardini mandapa is dedicated to the goddess Durga in bas relief, slaying a buffalo-headed demon. The Vishnu Sayana Mandapa shows Lord Vishnu lying under the protective hood of the seven-headed serpent Adishesha. The Panch Pandava mandapa, that is unfinished, has a more elaborate facade. Its pillars are adorned with rearing lions springing from the capital, and the shrine is the only one surrounded by a passage which allows circumvolutions.

he Shore temple is located on a rocky hill very close to the sea. This is one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 8th century AD and is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. The structure of the temple is so unusual so that it can catch the first rays of the rising sun and to illuminate the waters after dark. As the main shrine faces the sea on the east, the gateway, the fore count and the assembly hall of the Shore Temple all lie behind the sanctum. The beautiful shore temple consists of two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and
    Shore Temple, Mamallapuram

Vishnu in the reclining form. The main sanctum and one of the two lesser ones on the west are dedicated to Shiva. The enclosing wall has a series of Nandi bulls on it. Recently, a stone wall has been built to protect the shrine from the rising seas and further erosion. The temple is flood lit at night so that one can enjoy its beauty after sunset.

Tiger Cave Temple
The Tiger Cave Temple is located 4 kms north of the main monument complex. Earth and animal life forces are represented in this great example of Pallava style cave architecture. The temple was earlier an open air theatre, where cultural programmes were held. Though it is very near the sea, the place is very serene and calm.

 Mamallapuram is a historical retreat set amidst natural beauty, about 58 km south of Chennai. Mamallapuram is also known as Mahabalipuram, the city of Bali. This ancient city is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. It covers an area of 8 square kms situated at the sea level. It is an international historic and heritage center as it is the place where the art and architecture first originated. This ancient place was the major seaport of the Pallava dynasty and was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. Mamallapuram is globally known for the famous shore temples. It later became an architectural center owing to its beautiful
    Mamallapuram, Mamallapuram Tour


coastal area studded with small hills ideal for the creation of cave temples, stone carvings, etc. The Pallavas created many marvellous monuments like the sculptural panels, caves, monolithic rathas and temples. These monuments carved out of solid rock, though ravaged by the sea and wind, still bear testimony to the magnificent heritage of Dravidian architecture. Besides the monuments, Mamallapuram is also known for the beautiful beaches and fine resorts. These monumental splendours and sunny beach resorts attract tourists from all over the world. The climate in Mamallapuram is tropical. In summers it is around 36.6 degree Celsius and in winters it is around 19.8 degree Celsius. Tamil and English are widely spoken languages in Mamallapuram. The famous dance festival is celebrated in the month of December in Mamallapuram.

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mahabalipuram(Mamallapuram) wonders in rock

Mahabalipuram(Mamallapuram)

 Though it is no longer a port, Mamallapuram has retained its fame in stone, thanks to the great contribution of Pallava artisans. It is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture and a jewel in the crown of Tamil Nadu. In a land that is liberally strewn with some of the best in temple art, Mamallapuram holds its own, and stands as a silent yet eloquent witness to the glory of its creators.Unfortunately most of the work was left incomplete, and time and nature have also eroded the remains of this once great port.


Mamallapuram Bathers

Yet, Mamallapuram's wonders in rock leave visitors enthralled, conveying as they do, an impression of beauty and harmony. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. The Mamallapuram dance festival is conducted every year during Dec-Jan. It is a month long festival and dances take place during the weekends. Classical dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohini Attam, Odissi, Kathak etc., are performed by well-known exponents of the art.

General Information

Area     8 sq. km.
Altitude     Sea level
Population     12,000
Climate   
      Max.     Min.
Summer :     36.6ºC     21.1ºC
Winter :     31.5 ºC     19.8ºC
Rainfall     32.5 cm average
Clothing     Tropical
Season     Throughout the year
Languages spoken     Tamil and English
STD Code     044

Places of Interest

Caves:There are nine rock-cut cave temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave, contrasting the goddess fighting a demon on one side, and Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly remarkable.

Krishna Mandapam This cave has a big bas-relief, notable for its realistic representation. The panel relates one of the stories of Lord Krishna. 


FiveRathas These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent examples of Pallava art. Shaped in different styles, the five structures are named after the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharatha and Draupadi. These are monolithic temples, each created in a different style. They are also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas, and the four of the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation.

Arjuna's Penance  The world's largest bas-relief measuring 27m x 9m is the pride of Mamallapuram. This huge whale-back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts, and birds and in fact, can be said to represent creation itself.


Shore Temple


The Shore Temple This is one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 8th Century A.D. and is a good example of the first phase of the structure of temples constructed in the Dravidian style.

Other Interesting Monuments  The Ganesha Ratha, the Varaha Cave, the Old Light House, Krishna's Butter Ball, Gopi's Churn, Valayankuttai Ratha, Kodikal Mandapam, are some of the other monuments that catch a person’s interest.


The temples at Mamallapuram were built during the rule of Narasimhavarman and his successor Rajasimhavarman. These temples showcase the movement from rock-cut architecture to structural building. The mandapas or pavilions and the rathas or shrines shaped as temple chariots were carved from the granite rock face, and the famous Shore Temple was built half a century later. All the rathas except one ratha from the first phase of Pallava architecture are modelled on the Budhist viharas or monasteries and chaitya halls with several cells arranged around a courtyard. The famous art historian, Percy Brown, traced the possible roots of the Pallavan Mandapas to the similar rock-cut caves of Ajanta and

Ellora. Mr. Brown said that the Pallavan king may have brought the sculptors and artisans back to Kanchi and Mamallapuram as the spoils of war which occurred between Narasimhavarman and the Chalukyan king Pulakesin II in 642 AD.

Varaha Cave  This is a small rock-cut mandapam featuring four panels of fine looking door-keepers and four interesting bas-relief.

Krishna's Butter Ball  The huge boulder near the Ganesha Ratha is popularly known as Krishna's butterball. It rests precariously on a narrow rock base. It is believed that several Pallava kings have attempted to move the stone, but legend is that neither the kings nor their elephants could shift the boulder even by an inch.

Open Air Museum  This newly set up modern open-air museum of sculpture reflects the cultural heritage of the Tamil people from the pre-Sangam days. The objects on display, shaped mostly from granite by 200 sculptors, include a chain in stone, ornamental wheels and a host of other items. The themes here are many, including those relating to historical and cultural events of the period, placing the contribution of the Tamil land in proper perspective. Tigers CaveSituated very close to the Shore temple, one can have a glimpse of the past, as well as the progress being made in the present in the field of art in Tamil Nadu.



Tiger's Cave This cave it is located 4 kms north of the main monument complex. It was built as an open-air theatre, where cultural programmes could have been held during the Pallava period. Though it is very near the sea, the place is serene and calm.

Kanchipuram(66 kms) This temple town lies to the west of Mamallapuram. It was once the capital of the Pallava dynasty. The silk sarees produced here are renowned throughout the world.


Vedanthangal (55 kms)   The 30-hectare national sanctuary for migratory birds here is visited every year by thousands of birds, which come during the winter to breed. During certain years, more than a hundred thousand birds have been seen in this sanctuary. A large marshy area around the Vedanthangal Lake harbours nearly 100 species of migratory birds, some coming from as far as Siberia.

Cholamandal Artists Village (35 kms) This artists' cooperative has sprung up 20 km south of Chennai on the way to Mamallapuram in a sylvan location by the beach that facilitates the blossoming of creativity. It is far removed from the bustle of the everyday world. Several of South India’s eminent artists and sculptors live and work here, and exhibit and sell their creations at the gallery that is a part of the village.

Crocodile Bank (14 kms) About 5000 crocodiles representing many species and several kinds of other reptiles are reared here.

Dakishina Chithra (25 kms) Adjacent to MGM is the Dakshina Chithra complex run by the Madras Craft Foundation. Here you can see the reconstruction of traditional houses and other artefacts from rural Tamil Nadu and the other three south Indian states. Its aim is to provide visitors an insight into the lifestyle of the people the four states, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.



Chengalpattu (30 kms) Situated on the National Highway between Chennai and Thiruchi this place is well-known for its ruins of an ancient Vijayanagar Fort. There is also a big lake here called Kolavai lake where boating facilities are provided by TTDC.

Vandalur Zoo (55 kms)  The Aringnar Anna Zoological Park offers a great opportunity to have a closer look at wildlife in their near natural setting. The park has many interesting features such as safari tours, a nocturnal Animal House, a Natural Museum and an Aquarium. Well-maintained, there are many species of animals and birds in the zoo.

Amusement Parks  There are several amusement parks. Some of them are the VGP Golden Beach, in Injambakkam; Kishkinta in Tambaram; Little Folks, Dolphin City, MGM Dizzee World, and Mayajaal in Injambakkam; Kart-Attack and Tarshna Watersports are some of the Amusement Parks situated around Mamallapuram.

Tirupporur (16 kms)  An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Murugan is located here. The temple contains several inscriptions.

Tirukkazukundram (17 kms)  A small Shiva temple is situated on top of the Vedagiri hills, 160 metres high. There is also a larger SHiva temple in the town below. At the south east end of the town is a spacious tank whose waters are said to have curative powers. Once every 12 years, it is believed that a conch is "discovered" in this tank and thousands of devotes throng to bathe in the tank at this auspicious time. A collection of the conches is displayed in the larger Shiva temple.


Muttukadu (21 kms)  Situated at the edges of the backwaters, this place has facilities for boating and wind-surfing. There is also a TTDC restaurant here serving light refreshments.

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