Tourism in Mahabalipuram

Location



                                            The temple city of Mahabalipuram (also Mamallapuram) is situated just 60 km off Chennai on the Bay of Bengal coast in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It extends from latitude 12°37' in the North to longitude 80°14' in the East. The city is well connected through a network of roads from Chennai and other important cities of South India. Many of the Resorts Mahabalipuram are strategically located close to the tourist spots.To know more click on

History
                            Mahabalipuram is one of history's intriguing enigmas. The ancient Mamallapuram, as Mahabalipuram was formerly known, was flourishing port town of the Pallava rulers of south India who chiseled in stone a fabulous "open-air museum" of sculpture under the vault of a burning sky. Apart from this, nothing is known of the place. What was the purpose behind this whole exercise, and, more important, why all the royal patronage this place enjoyed suddenly disappeared, no one actually has any answer. Staying at Mahabalipuram Resorts is an unique way of experiencing its history.


Experts say that there were seven pagodas or temples on the shores of Mahabalipuram. All but one were pillaged by the rapacious sea, though there is little underwater evidence to substantiate their existence.



Most of the temples and rock carvings of this place were built during the reigns of Narsinha Varman I (AD 630-668) and Narsinha Varman II (AD 700-728). Though the initial kings of Pallava dynasty were followers of Jainism, the conversion of Mahendra Varman (AD 600-630) to Shaivism led most of the monuments to be related with Shiva or Vishnu.



Fairs & Festivals

                                    Pongal, the most important festival of the Tamils, is celebrated in mid-January every year. The festival is celebrated amidst gaiety and joy not only in Tamil Nadu but also in most parts of South India. 


Mahabalipuram Dance Festival is an occasion for the dance lovers to enjoy the performances of the artists from all parts of the country. The festival is celebrated in the month of January/February every year. The Shore Temple forms the backdrop of this festival and the music from the musical instruments mixes with the natural music of wind and the sea. The Mahabalipuram Dance festival is an occasion when artists from all over the country come together to perform.

The Sthalasayana Perumal temple festivals, Masimagam and Brahmothsavam, are held in the month of March.

Best Time to Visit

The climate of Mahabalipuram remains hot and sultry throughout the year with a maximum temperature of 35°C and a minimum of 19°C. The best time to visit this place is during October to March. One is advised to avoid the monsoon period. Mahabalipuram Resorts are packed during the peack season, thus advance booking for Resorts Mahabalipuram is advised.

How to Reach

BY AIR - The nearest airport from Mahabalipuram is Chennai (Madras), located around 60 km away. One can get flights for almost all major destinations in India and abroad.

BY RAIL - The nearest railway station, Chengalpattu, is around 29 km away from Mahabalipuram. Trains for Chennai and several other major cities in South India are available from here.

BY ROAD - Mamallapuram is connected by road to Chennai, Tirukkalikundram (Pakshithirtham), Kanchipuram (65 km), and Pondicherry. We would provide you all India tourist permit vehicles for the local transportations and also for the intercity drives too.

Tourist Attractions

The Varaha Cave, a small rock-cut mandapam (hall), is a faceted and finished gem with four panels of the famous Pallava doorkeepers who wear an expression of "pious rapture," as Heinrich Zimmer, a leading expert on Mahabalipuram put it. There is about them a mood of contemplative reverie, a lyrical softness and subtle grace totally at variance with the primordial machismo their role as guards of the gods imposes on them. Accommodation in Resorts Mahabalipuram close to the tourist spots can be arranged.


Feeble sunlight glimmers on panels of enduring beauty in the Mahishamardini Cave. The Somaskanda sculpture radiates peace, power and wisdom while Lord Vishnu in omniscient repose is a masterpiece of dhwani (the art of suggestion) perfected by the Pallava sculptor.




Arjuna's Penance, perhaps the world's largest bas-relief, is the universe itself in stone, throbbing with a vastness of conception. Legend has it that King Bhagiratha had to bring down to earth the celestial Ganga to purify and redeem the cursed souls of his ancestors. But the river in its torrential plunge would inundate the earth, and so he had to undergo a penance to propitiate Shiva who finally received the flood in his matted locks and let it trickle down. This was a sight for the world's creatures to see and they gathered round. The cleft in the rock depicts the descent of Ganga, a theory supported by the ruins of a stone water tank on the hill. There is a forest with tribal people and all forms of animal life, just as they would appear in their habitat. Women clothed in an aura of ineffable grace, a rich inner beauty transfiguring the plainest of them. The whole scene has a delicate edge of humor. Juxtaposed against the ascetic is a cat doing rigorous penance too, eyes firmly shut, even to the delectable mice scampering around within easy reach.

Places Around Mahabalipuram

About 5 km north of Mahabalipuram is Tiger Caves, a rock-cut shrine, possibly dating from 7th century.

Tirukkalikundram, around 14 km from Mahabalipuram, is a pilgrimage center. The place has a hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.


An ideal place for water sports, Muttukadu is 21 km from Mamallapuram. Mahabalipuram Resorts are ideal accommodation options here. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) has a boathouse here. Visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking, and windsurfing. The Dakshina Chitra of Madras Craft Foundation here has replica of an old agricultural house of Tamil Nadu, replica of Kanchipuram weavers house and replicas of ancient houses presenting the lifestyle of South India.

The five rathas (chariots) are architectural precursors of the temples of south India. The smallest and the simplest is the Draupadi ratha and the largest is the multi-storeyed Dharmaraja ratha scoped from a monolithic rock. These small, unfinished shrines ravaged by war and weather are things of undiminished beauty.


However, it is the Shore Temple that evokes the spell of Mahabalipuram. A three-in-one abode of god-a Vishnu temple sandwiched between two Shiva temples-it is a visual delight, its precincts abounding in architectural masterpieces.

The Sculpture Museum in East Raja Street contains more than 3,000 sculptures by the local artisans, made in wood, metal, brass, and cement.

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

                                                                  The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram is nestled on the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal. The coastal city of the wonderful architectural treasures is situated in close proximity to Chennai in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. The architectural grandeur of the 7th and the 8th century monuments are the breathing illustration of ancient civilization and beliefs.


History of Mahabalipuram Monuments

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram was the capital region during the reign of Pallava Dynasty in the 7th century AD. The Pallavas rulers used to hold the definitive command in the southern part of India. Pallava rulers were popular for their inclination towards Tamilian art and culture. The power and creativity was at its peak during the kingdom of Narasimha Varman-I and Narasimha Varman-II. The rulers immortalized their glories with the splendid temples they built. The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram are their witness to their architectural splendor, cultural knowledge and the essence of their greatness which left a huge impact in the pages of history.

The Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram are:

Shore Temple

The Shore Temples was built in the 7th century, during the reign of Rajasimha. The temple depicts the peak of Pallava art. These temples are refreshingly orderly, unlike later grandiose Dravidian architectures. The designs are simple and innovative but the beauty shines through. The temple with its beautiful polygonal dome enshrines Lord Vishnu and Shiva. These beautiful temples, ravaged by wind and sea have been declared world heritage by UNESCO.



'Ratha' Cave Temple

The magnificent 'Ratha' cave temples was built by the Pallava king Narsimha in the 7th and 8th centuries. The beauty of the rock-cut sculpture of the temple is reflective of the inventive tastes of the Pallava rulers. The monument is known especially for its Rathas. Rathas is simple words means temples in the form of chariots, mandapas (cave sanctuaries) and giant open-air reliefs. The famous sculptures of the temple are 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva.



There are eight rathas at Mahabalipuram, out of which five are named after the 'Pandavas' (five brothers) of Mahabharata and one after Draupadi. The five rathas that can be seen are Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Draupadi Ratha and Nakul Sahadev Ratha. These Ratha temples are constructed on the style of the Buddhist viharas and chaityas. The unfinished three-storey Dharmaraja Ratha is the largest. The Draupadi Ratha is the smallest, it is one-storeyed and has an interesting thatch-like roof. The Arjuna and Draupadi rathas are dedicated to Shiva and Durga respectively.

How to Reach

The Group of Monuments are the source of intrigue, amusement and delight of numerous travelers. The World Heritage Site is well connected to make it easy for tourist to reach.

By Air: Chennai International Airport (58 kms) is the nearest airport from Mahabalipuram.

By Rail: Chengalpattu (29 km) is the nearest railway station.

By Road: There are regular buses to Mahabalipuram from Chennai, Puducherry and Kanchipuram.


Shore Temple Mahabalipuram

                                                                 The Shore Temple is the icon of the ancient monuments of Mahabalipuram. The temple gets its name from its location on the Coromandel shore overseeing the Bay of Bengal. The sculptural excellence symbolizes the heights of Pallava architecture. The Dravidian style of architecture dates back to the 7-8th century. It was built under the rule of King Narsimha Varma. The visual delight of finest architecture, the sculptures and intricate and full of vivacity. The granite rock cut carvings are proof of the sheer brilliance of the artisans who have created this magnificent structure. The structural designs can be only called ‘poetry in stone’. It has been an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.



Erected on a 50 feet square platform, the temple is a pyramidal structure rising to the heights of 60 feet. The characteristic specimen of Dravidian temple architecture, Shore Temple is one of the oldest structural stone temples of South India. The temple basks in the glow of the first rays of the rising sun and spotlights the waters after sunset.

The Shore Temple has three shrines, devoted to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The main temple is a five-storeyed structure sculpted out of granite dedicated to Lord Shiva. The pyramidal structure is 60 feet (18 m) high and sits on a 50 feet (15 m) square platform. In the Garbha Griha, sanctum sanctorum, a Shivalinga is worshipped. At the rear end, there are two shrines facing each other. One shrine is dedicated to Ksatriyasimnesvara and the other to Lord Vishnu. In the shrine, Lord Vishnu is seen reclining on the 'Seshanag', which is a symbol of consciousness in Hinduism.

The temples both interiors and exteriors are elaborately carved and sculptured. The images on the sculpted panels illustrate scenes from everyday life in an incredibly real and artistic style. The reliefs of Nandi bull is magnificent and worth checking out. The archeological department has excavated certain other figures from the site.

Shore Temple is no more a temple worshipped. The structure of the temple is awe-inspiring, it was erected basically as a work of art. In the present day, Shore Temple makes the background of Mahabalipuram Dance Festival held annually in January/ February. The festival was organized to promote the traditional dance as well as tourism in Mahabalipuram.

Entry Timings : 6.00 am to 6.00 pm

Entry Fee : INR 10 for Indian citizens; INR 250 for other, no fee for visitors below age 15.

No fee for still photography, INR 25 for videography

Panch Rathas, Mahabalipuram

Panch Rathas is a monument complex at Mahabalipuram. The coastal city along the shores of Bay of Bengal was a major seaport of the ancient Pallava kingdom. It is currently one of the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Panch Rathas are five rock marvels in the monument complex. It is known for its, 'rathas' or monolithic rock temples cut out in the form of chariots. Constructed from multiple materials, the monolithic structures have bas-relief sculptures carved on it. The five Ratha temples stand majestically on the southernmost extreme of Mahabalipuram. Pallava ruler Narsimha Varman 1 (AD 630- 68) built the majestic architecture in the 7th and 8th centuries.

The Five Rathas are named after the legendary Pandavas, Yudhistara, Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula & Sahadeva and their wife Draupadi. The statues of an elephant (the vehicle of Indra), lion (the vehicle of Durga) and Nandi bull (the vehicle of Shiva) are displayed along with the rathas. Though these temples are named after the Pandava brothers, they are not related to Mahabharata. The Rathas were built as models of South Indian temples. As they were not consecrated, therefore were not used for worship. Most of them remain incomplete but enchanting in their own way. The architectural elements gives a lovely impression of the remarkable architecture of the Pallavas.

Dharmaraja Ratha (Yudhisthir’s Ratha)

Shaped like a characteristic vimana (tower above the shrine) of Southern India of its times, Dharmaraja Ratha it the most magnificent and tallest of the Five rathas, with three storeys, though most of it remains incomplete.

The shrine is devoted to Shiva and is adorned with one of the best examples of early Pallava art. Very beautiful are the Shiva figures on the corners of structure. Dharmaraja Ratha contains engravings in Pallava Grantha script of the titles of Narasimhavarman I. Inscription mentions that this was created as Shiva temple of Atyantakama Pallava. Especially fascinating is the sculpture of Lord Shiva in the form of Ardhanariswarar which is half man, half women.

Bhima Ratha

The longest of Five Rathas, the 12.8 m long, 7.3 m wide, 7.6 m high structure is built in Gopura style with gabled roof. It is said to be devoted to Anantshayi Vishnu as a large bas relief of Vishnu in the form of Sayanamurti is located inside. The building remains unfinished but fascinating. The sanctuary has a circumambulatory passage around it. Pillars of the shrine are adorned with figures of lions.

Arjuna Ratha

The Arjuna Ratha is devoted to Lord Shiva. Shaped like a small wooden shrine, the distinctive style in Southern India, it is an impressive building. Inside the shrine there are no embellishments, but the exterior is has interesting details. The facade is adorned with magnificent sculptures, showing gods and humans.

Nakula Sahadeva Ratha

This shrine is devoted to Indra and is associated with elephants. This ratha is the only one which is not placed in a "procession", it stands aside. The roof of this shrine is also shaped like a back of elephant. The relief sculpture of Ardhanariswara adorns the walls whereas columns and pillars are decorated with seated lions.

Draupadi Ratha

The Draupadi Ratha is the smallest of Panch Rathas. This shrine is shaped like a thatched hut, with a square roof. It is devoted to goddess Durga and has amazing artwork. The fine carved panel, which shows Durga on a lotus pedestal is marvelous. Outside, above the entrance door, is carved a sea-monster. The most interesting sculpture is Devi Durga standing on a head of the demon Mahishasura.

Entry Timings : 6.00 am to 6.00 pm

Entry Fee : INR 10 for Indian citizens; INR 250 for other, no fee for visitors below age 15.

No fee for still photography, INR 25 for videography.


Mamallapuram Dance Festival

Duration: 4 weeks

When: December - January

Dedicated to : Indian classical dance forms

Venue : Arjuna’s penance

Timings : 06:00 - 8:00 P.M.

 Tickets : INR 100



Organized by Tamil Nadu Tourism Department, Mamallapuram Dance Festival is one of the most popular festivals in Mahabalipuram. The festival is organized every year in the months of December and January. During the festival, there are performances of different classical dance forms of India including Kathakali, Bharatanatyam, Mohiniattam, Kathak, and Odissi. Along with these classical dance forms, there are performances of folk dances.

This four-week dance festival is organized at the Arjuna’s Penenace, a bass-relief sculpture. The Pallava rock sculptures form the background of the dance performances at the Mamallapuram Dance Festival. The festival is attended by dance lovers from all around. The performances are done on an open-air stage, which sets the mood perfect.

Mahishamardini Mandapam, Mahabalipuram

A part of ‘Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram’ which is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mahishamardini Mandapam is one of the 14 cave temples and other splendid architectures. This mandapam has various stunning reliefs displaying the artistic ability of the sculptors of the times of the Pallava dynasty. This actually is an unfinished temple and thus, does not has any inscriptions. It lies on the base of a hillock, along with Olakneswara Temple that is built on its top.



The front of Mahishamardini Mandapam temple has 2 pilasters and 4 columns, but the ceiling and floor is not complete. The designing on two center columns are different. It is believed this change happened when the Vaishnavites tried to remove these columns. One of them was actually removed and was replaced by a replica that was of low quality.

Placed on the opposite walls of the shrine, the panels are beautifully sculpted. The temple is named after one of the carve depictions that show eight-armed Goddess Durga defeating the demon-king Mahishasura. While the army of 7 demons accompany Mahishasura, the Goddess has 8 ganas.

On the other panel Anantasayan, an incarnation of Vishnu, is reclining on five- headed king of snakes, known as Ananta Shesha. Just below this sculpture is the sculpture of Mother Earrth or Bhu Devi. The divine weapons of the Lord, or four flying ayudh-purushas, surround the carving of Anantasayan. This panel is known to be one of the best examples of ancient art of India.

On the rear wall are 3 shrines, guarded by Dwarapalas (guards). A porch adorns the central shrine which is the largest one. The base of the porch has a pair of pillars that have vyalas or horned lions, carved on it. While the shrines on the side are simple but the central shrine has a huge Somaskanda panel that contains Lord Shiva, along with his consort Goddess Uma, his divine child Skanda and his vehicle, Nandi, placed at their feet. Other gods are in the background.

As Mahishamardini Mandapam in Mahabalipuram has images of both, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, it cannot be said that to which God, out of the two, the cave temple was dedicated to.

Timings : 07:00 hours - 19:00 hours (open on all days)

Entry Ticket : Free

Arjuna's Penance Mahabalipuram

Arjuna’s Penance is one of the magnificent monuments of Mahabalipuram. This wonderful bas air relief dates back to the mid-seventh century. Standing tall at a height of 43 feet, the monolith was carved on the face of two huge adjoining boulders, making its length around 96 feet. The majestic structure cannot be made out in photographs, it deserves to be praised by one’s own eyes. The subject of the massive structure is either Arjuna's Penance or the Descent of the Ganges, or possibly both. Historians and experts of archeology have never settled on one account as there are not sufficient sources or records.



‘Arjuna's Penance’ is an extract from the Mahabharata, of how Arjuna, one of the Pandavas, performed severe austerities in order to obtain Shiva's weapon. The concept of the story encompasses Hindu philosophy where it is believed that one could by penance, self-mortification, attain miraculous blessings from the Gods. The ‘Descent of Ganges’ story narrates the penance of Bhagirathi who performed austerities in order to bring Goddess Ganges down to earth. Lord Shiva consented to break the force of the descent of the river his hair, because otherwise the force would be too great for the earth to contain. The representation of the megalith relief supports either legend.

The composition of the relief includes scenes of the natural and celestial worlds. A natural cleft populated by Nagas (snakes) separates the two halves of the relief. Water pours down this fissure imitating a waterfall or the Ganges' descent. Just above the shrine, Arjuna or Bhagiratha is carved standing on one leg, his arms upraised, in a yoga posture. Behind him appears Lord Shiva, holding a weapon and attended by celestial beings. In the natural world life-sized elephants are shown protect their young. There are also numerous other animals. The entire presentation is done with utmost skill.

Entry Timings:6.00 am to 6.00 pm

Entry Fee:INR 10 for Indian citizens; INR 250 for other, no fee for visitors below age 15.

No fee for still photography, INR 25 for videography

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  2. That is quite awesome post in regard to Mahabalipuram tourism covering almost all the aspects for people in visiting this place. As mentioned this place if famous for shores temple. I just checked here the detail of this Shore Temple.

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