Mahabalipuram
Ancient temples that reflect the glory of erstwhile kingdoms, pristine beaches that emanate matchless natural beauty, rich cultural heritage that welcomes you with warmth – Mahabalipuram is in many ways the splendidly vibrant destination you will love to visit many times.
There are certain destinations that will leave a lasting impression on you, even years after your visit; and they keep calling you back, no matter how far away you are. Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is one such city that you won’t feel like leaving once you are here. Drenched in an enigmatic old-age charm, the city will amaze you with its rich history, thriving present and prospects of a glorious future. Noted in history as a busy port town, Mahabalipuram rose in stature and importance during the period between 4th and 9th century when the Pallava dynasty ruled the land. The heydays of the Pallavas saw the building many impressive architectural wonders, many of which continue to fascinate visitors to this day. The temples built during this era loudly proclaim the glory of the Dravidian architectural genre.
The highlight of this style can be seen in the ornate stone carvings made from uncut rocks. The splendour of sculptures that adorn these temples are simply stunning. The classic example of this is the Shore temple, one of the oldest temples in India built out of blocks of granite. These majestic structures and their relics that can be seen today, have made Mahabalipuram a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Though a destination for pilgrims and history buffs, Mahabalipuram doesn’t disappoint a leisure traveller. Take a look at the fascinating beaches in the area and you will know why. The strategic location of Mahabalipuram and its proximity to various major South Indian cities has cemented its importance as a weekend getaway. The mandapas (rock-cut caves): During the time of Narasimhavarman-I Mamalla, new innovations were introduced in the rock medium in the form of cave temples. Notable examples of the cave temple are Konerimandapa, Mahishmardhini cave, and Varahamandapa. These rock-cut caves are richly embellished with sculptural representations known for their natural grace and suppleness. Noteworthy among them are Mahishamardhini, Bhuvaraha, Gajalakshmi, Tirivikrama, and Durga.
The rathas (monolithic temples): The monolithic temples are locally called “ratha” (chariot), as they resemble the processional chariots of a temple. These five monolithic temples are each hewn out of a huge boulder. They display the full form and features of the contemporary temple form and show variations both in ground plan and elevation. They are richly carved with artistic motifs and wall panels depicting many Hindu divinities and royal portraits.
The rock reliefs: The sculptural bas reliefs are another very important class of masterly creations created during Mamalla’s reign. There are four such reliefs at Mamallapuram, the most noteworthy among them being the Arjuna’s Penance and Govardhanadhari.
The temples: King Rajasimha introduced structural architecture on a grand scale. The earliest and most modest is the Mukundanayananar temple, followed by the Olakkanesvara temple, perched on a rock near the lighthouse. The tempo of structural edifices culminated in the creation of the famous Shore temple, having the most finite layout of a Dravida vimana, majestically fringing the sea.
The excavated remains: Sustained removal of the sand over a period of time has brought to light several buried structures around the Shore temple. Unique among them is a stepped structure, a miniature shrine, a Bhuvaraha image, a reclining image of Vishnu, and a well from Pallava King Narasimhavarman Rajasimha’s reign (638-660 CE), all of which are carved in the live bedrock. Remains of additional temples have recently been excavated, including one to the south of the Shore temple.