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Mamallapuram also known as Mahabalipuram is an ancient port town and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tamil Nadu located on a strip of land between the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake in the South Indian State. Well renowned for its temples and monuments built by the Pallava Dynasty in the 7th and 8th centuries, the town is one of the must visit tourist destinations of Tamil Nadu. The temple town boasts of a range of attractions in its vicinity such as the seafront Shore Temple which comprises three ornate granite shrines. Krishna’s Butter Ball, another attraction is a massive boulder balanced on a small hill near the Ganesha Ratha stone temple.

MAMALLAPURAM

Attractions

Arjuna’s Penance: It is a 27mx9m World largest bas-relief. It has over 100 sculptures of Gods, Birds and Beasts and Saints. It is popularly called as Arjunan Penance. It is believed to illustrate an instance from Mahabharata when Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, performed rigorous penance with a prayer to Lord Shiva's to obtain the powerful and Divine Bow to destroy the Kauravas. The other name is the ‘Descent of the Ganges’ It is also said in legends that King ‘Bhagiratha’ standing on one leg posture praying to the Lord to bring the River Ganges down to earth to please the souls of his ancestors.

Pancha Rathas: Panch Rathas is an example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. The complex was carved during the reign of King Narasimhavarman I (630–668 AD). The idea of realising monolithic buildings, an innovation in Indian architecture, is attributed to this ruler. The complex is under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site inscribed by UNESCO as Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram. Each of the five monuments in the Pancha Rathas complex resembles a chariot, and each is carved over a single, long stone or monolith, of granite which slopes in north-south direction with a slight incline. The structures are named after the Pancha Pandavas and their common wife Draupadi, of epic Mahabharata fame. In order of their size, they include the Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, and Draupadi Ratha. Shore Temple: It was built between 700 –728 AD with granite blocks. As it is on the shore overlooking Bay of Bengal it is called as the Shore Temples. It was built in Dravidian Style of Architecture. This was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II. This Shore Temple Complex has one large and two small temples. It is one of the oldest structural excellence of the South India and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Varaha Cave: It is also called as Adhivaraha Cava Temple. It is a rock-cut cave temple of the late 7th Century, which forms a part of the village on Hilltop 2 kms from the main town. It is the finest testimony of the Viswakarma Sthapathis. The prominent sculpture in the cave is that of Lord Vishnu in the incarnated form of a Varaha Swamy rescuing Bhudevi from Seas. Many mythical charecters have been sculptured on the temple walls and pillars. Butter Ball: A huge Boulder called as the Butter Ball of Sri Krishna located near the Ganesha Ratha resting on a very narrow rock base. It is believed, as said by the legends that neither the Kings nor the elephants who tried to move this Boulder could move it even an inch from there. Open Air Museum: This is a new and modern addition to the town of Mahabalipuram. But it reflects the heritage of the Sangam Era too. Exciting Stone Exhibits made like Stone Chain, Ornamental Wheels, shaped by over 200 sculptors are found here. Tiger Cave: It is 4kms from the main monument complex. It was built as an open-air theatre, where cultural programs believed to have been held during the Pallva Period. It has a serene and calm atmosphere in spite of its nearness to the Sea. Thirukadalmallai Temple: Sthala Sayana Perumal temple also called as Thirukadalmallai temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu is Dravidian style architecture. It

is one of the 108 Vaishnavite Divya Desam and located at Mamallapuram 60 Kms from the City of Chennai. It is the birth place of Boothathazhvar, the second of the 12 Alwars of Vaishnavism. This temple is a part of the 32 monuments of Mahabalipuram, maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of TamilNadu.

Government College of Architecture

and Sculpture: This College near Mamallapuram was established in the year 1957.Degreecourses were introduced in Traditional Architecture, Sculpture and Traditional Drawing. It also serves as a museum for showcasing Indian rock architecture. A Separate building for the Library and a huge Sculptural Studio for sculptors are attractive features of this College.

Nearby Attractions

Cholamandalam Arts Village: This village was created in 1966 in an area of 10 acres. It is 35 Kms from Mamallapuram and 10 Kms from Adayar. The community was founded by K.C.S. Paniker of the Madras School of Arts along with his students and a few artists associated with the college. The `art-meets-craft' approach of artisans made the society to self sufficiency by 1970. Artists are exceptionally skilled. Gallery Speaks volumes of its strength and it is a Centre for Contemporary Arts too. It grew as one of the most important meeting places for international artists too. Presently it is one of the few artist-driven movements and one of the few artists' colonies to be on the 10 biggest art moments in India. The open air Theatre Bharathi is being used for discussions and Conferences.

Tirupporur: It is 16kms from Mamallapuram. It is an ancient abode of Lord Murugan called as Kandaswami Temple. It is also known as Poriyur , Yuddapuri or Samarapuri. Legend says that after vanquishing Soorapadman at Tiruchendur, Lord Murugan destroyed the rest of the demons here at Tirupporur. Arunagirinatha glorified Tirupporur by saying all the four Vedas worship at Tirupporur. Devotees worship Swayambhu Mūrti of Murugan in the form of a palmyrah tree.

Thirukazhukkundram: It is 17 Kms from Mamallapuram. This town is famous for its Vedagiriswarar Temple Complex popularly known as Kazhugu Koil. It has two structures, one on top of the hills and another at the foot hill. The large temple atop the hill is dedicated to Lord Siva called as Vedagiriswarar. The Temple at the foothill that has four towers is dedicated to Parvathi called as Tirupura Sundari. It is believed that a conch is discovered in the Temple tank once in 12 years and thousands of Devotees throng this place to have a dip in that tank at that auspicious moment.

Festivals

Pongal: It is also called as Harvest Festival is celebrated as Pongal Festival [Jan-Feb]. Three or four days holidays are available. Locals from Chennai and surrounding areas visit Mamallpuram during this festival holiday period. Dance Festival: Mamallapuram Dance Festival during December - January attracts exponents of Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohini Attam, Oddissi and Kathak to converge and perform to the delight of International and Local Tourists as well.

Getting Here

Nearest Airport: Chennai Airport (52 kms) is the nearest airport to Mahabalipuram, which is well connected to all major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune and Kolkata. Taxi/cabs and buses are available from the airport to reach Mahabalipuram. Nearest Railway: Chengalpattu (22 kms) is the nearest railway station. However, Chennai railhead (60 kms) is the nearest major station having trains to Mahabalipuram from major cities of India like Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Bus: There are various buses to Mahabalipuramfrom the cities in and around the region through both Tamil Nadu Public Transport Services and private tourist buses (operating from Chennai Central). The city is well connected with Chennai through East Coast Road (ECR) and old Mahabalipuram Road. Cab/Taxi: If you are not really in the mood to drive, there is always an option to book a cab or taxi to Mahabalipuram. You can easily get cabs through various travel agents available in places like Chennai, Bangalore, and Pondicherry at reasonable tariff rates to visit Mahabalipuram.