The Ultimate Secret Of Mahabalipuram-A UNESCO Site
Mahabalipuram is a Group of Monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas, the Crocodile Bank, which is home to some spectacular crocodile and alligator species, and the beach resorts well-known tourist destinations in Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram has an important place in Indian culture, Also known as Mamallapuram, the place attracts a large number of visitors from all over the world. Mamallapuram is situated close to the sea and it is rich in artistic wealth. The rich portraits in stone of various deities, celestial beauties, and epic stories have an important place in Indian architectural history.
Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is best known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of 7th- and 8th-century Hindu Group of Monuments. Rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), the giant open-air rock relief, and the Shore Temple dedicated to Shiva are simply amazing. It is one of the most famous tourist sites in India. It was once the flourishing port of the Pallavas dynasty. an old lighthouse built of stone that exists intact to date, proclaiming the glory of Pallava trade and maritime supremacy. Mamallapuram is also the birthplace of one of the first three Alwars Boothathalwar.
History of Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram town lies on the Coromandel Coast and is an ancient seaside town. The place is outstanding historical marble in Indian culture as it was a well-established seaport during the 7th to 9th centuries of the Pallava dynasty. Mamallapuram was one of two major port cities in the Pallava Dynasty. The town was named after Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who was also known as Mamalla. The Pallavas kingdom rose to the pioneer in south India, after the decline of the Gupta Dynasty. They ruled from the 3rd century till the end of the 9th century A.D. The best period of their rule was between 650 and 750 AD. This period was called the Golden Age of the Pallavas. The Pallavas were very powerful and profound thinkers. During the rule of the Pallavas, Mamallapuram city has great poets, dramatists, artists, artisans, saints,s and scholars.
The mandapa and the rathas or temple chariots are hewn from granite rock, while the Shore Temple, erected half a century later, is built from dressed stone. The Shore Temple includes many reliefs, including one 30 m long and 14 m high, carved out of granite.
Neolithic burial urns, cairn circles, jars with burials, and many other things dating to the 1st century BCE have been discovered near Mahabalipuram. The Pallava kings ruled Mahabalipuram from Kanchipuram-The capital of the Pallava dynasty from the 3rd century to the 9th century CE and used the port to launch trade and diplomatic missions to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
Mahabalipuram Attractions
Pallavas have created many marvelous monuments with sculptural, caves, monolithic rathas, and temples. The beauty of Mamallapuram is not only due to this architecture but the vast casuarinas trees, the silvery sandy beach, and classical hand-male crafts all together make it a historical and fascinating tourist spot in Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram is a group of 40 ancient monuments and Hindu temples. This site has several types of monuments such as Ratha, mandapa, and cave carvings.
Arjuna Penance
Arjuna Penance is the splendor of Mamalapuram Town. It is a huge rock where a canvas unfolds a scene of gods, birds, beasts, and natural scenery. Some are of the opinion that it is in fact Bagirath’s penance to bring the celestial Ganges to the earth. A natural cleft in rock has been cleverly carved into the turbulent river Ganges with serpent gods worshipping like devotees. This is a complicated magnificent piece of skilfully carved work and the largest bas-relief sculpture in the world. Arjuna, the epic hero of Mahabharata, is depicted here as a sage doing penance in order to obtain divine weapons from Lord Shiva. All the carvings are made out of a huge boulder.
Mahabalipuram Caves
Mamallapuram has more than Ten cave temples. Most of the cave temples in Mamallapuram are carved in large ones in the south-north direction. Two cave temples can also be found at Chaluvakuppa, which is a little further away. Notable among the cave temples are-
Mahishasuramardini Cave
The Mahishasuramardhini Cave is carved into three shrines with bass relief on the serpent bed. Mahishasuramardhini is struck in bold relief in such an awe-inspiring way with the thrill of the beholder on the battlefield. Another excellent bas-relief depicting Lord Vishnu sleeping on the coils of serpent king Adisesha and goddess Durga fighting with demon king Mahishasura.
Varaha Cave Temple
Varaha Cave Temple is a small rock-cut mandapam featuring four panels of fine-looking doorkeepers and four interesting bas-reliefs. Lord Vishnu is shown in this Cave Coil in the incarnation of Varaha (boar) and the Vamana as a dwarf. This is an exquisitely caved bas-relief.
The Tiger Cave
Tiger cave is about 4km north of the main monument complex. There is a beautiful monolithic stage where cultural programs were held during the Pallava period. Though very near the sea this place is serene and calm.
Mahabalipuram Temple
Shore Temple
Shore temple is one of the oldest temples in South India. The Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram is enclosed by a row of bulls carved on a rock. The construction of this temple originally started around the middle of the 7th century and was later rebuilt during the reign of Narsimhavarma II, also known as Rajasimha. This icon of the soaring aesthetic aspiration of the Pallavas has been listed among the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO and is one of the most visited monuments in Tamil Nadu. It has a vimana towering over 18 meters of built-in basaltic rock. A prismatic lingam is on the sanctum facing the sea and Vishnu is seen reclining on the ground.
Krishna Temple or Krishna Mandapam
A stunningly beautiful bas-relief showing Krishna lifting the Govardhana mountain in order to protect the cows and the cowherds from the wrath of Indra, the god of rain, is the highlight of this cave temple. There is a sculpture on the rock face of one wall of Lord Krishna as the protector of all living beings, presenting man, bird, and beast.
Tirumurthi Temple
Tirumurthi Temple has three shrines to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The Pillar of this temple is ornamented with multifaceted figures and a facade standing in Mahishasura Mardini (Goddess Durga).
Pancha Pandava Ratha
Chariots of the Five Pandavas are shrines of the Pandu brothers and their common spouse Draupadi, chiseled out of huge boulders in the form of Temple Chariots. The Pandu brothers are heroes of the Indian epic, Mahabharata who won the battles against the Kauravas. Three of the Chariot Temples are dedicated to Dharmaraja, Bhima, and Arjuna; Nakula and Sahadeva have one temple and the fifth one is dedicated to Draupadi. The construction dates back to the 7th century CE. In addition, the Ganesha Ratha on the north side is also a beautiful piece of structure. The architecture resembles Dravidian temples with their imposing towers and multi-pillared halls and sculptured walls.
Ganesh Ratha
Ganesh Ratha is also a beautiful piece of art, cut out of a single rock, the shrine resembles a chariot. Though this temple was a Shiva temple earlier, now it is dedicated to Lord Ganesh.
Mahabalipuram Light House or Beacon
The beacon or lighthouse is a beautiful monument. Once you climb up you can have a great view. The impressive Light House stands on the rocky patches near the shore and has been open for the public view since 2011. All in all, there are 93 steps after which you see the beautiful view. A panoramic view of the vast seashore, several rock structures, and the town below can be seen. The circular sandstone tower of the Lighthouse is made of natural stones and is fully functional can be a real treat.
Krishna’s Butter Ball
Perched on a steep rock slope in the historic town, the massive round boulder known as Krishna’s Butter Ball refuses to give in to gravity or the shoves of tourists. The giant boulder appears to be frozen in its roll down the hill it sits on. The huge boulder is likely a glacial erratic that got stranded in a serendipitous position on the hill.
But According to Hindu mythology, when the god Krishna was just a baby, he was fond of stealing butter. Following this tradition, the big orange stone has been likened to a giant dollop of butter that the god dropped. The actual name of the stone is “Vaan Irai Kal,” which translates to “Sky God’s Stone. Krishna’s Butter Ball is a popular tourist attraction in Mahabalipuram.
Mahabalipuram Beach And Camping
Mahabalipuram Beach is known for its golden sandy shores and azure waters that are blessed with breathtaking beauty and jaw-dropping landscapes. The Mahabalipuram coastline stretches for a distance of about 20 km and the entire coastline is dotted with lovely beaches. visitors can simply lie down on the golden sandy beaches and bask in the warmth of the sun. The vast stretch of the sea is a beautiful sight with spectacular picturesque surroundings. Beach bonfire and camping in Mamallapuram is the perfect outing that allows visitors to explore the amazing beauty of the beach and camp under the clear night. This beach is famous for water sports including diving, windsurfing, and motorboating. The swimmers and windsurfers are bound to have a great time on this beach.
Mahabalipuram Coral Beach resort destination in Mahabalipuram stands to make all the safe and comfortable stay here. The resort offers an array of hospitality services under one roof including luxurious beachfront accommodations, a private deck, swimming pool, multicuisine dining and banquet hall, bar, gym, recreation center, private beach access, and many more.
The India Seashell Museum
It is one of a kind in India and has a large collection of varying kinds of seashells. The museum displays a collection of 40,000 unique shell specimens. The Museum also includes small aquariums, and interesting items like vehicles, trains, etc., made out of sea shells. The museum also houses a souvenir shop that sells various types of items made out of seashells, conches, and pearl jewelry and accessories.
Also, read- Fall in Love with These Magical Christmas Destinations in 2022
Mamallapuram Dance festival
Every year Mamallapuram dance festival is commemorated by the Tourism Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Mahabalipuram surprises its visitors with its plethora of temples, monuments, and rich culture. Imagine spending some sleepless nights among these beautiful structures, attending a dance program and popular folk forms from across the country. Dancers from various parts of India perform enchanting dances with their speechless moves. Tales from Mahabharat, Rade Krishna, Valli Muruga, Shiva Shakthi, and numerous ancient lore are brought alive through dance forms. The Mamallapuram Dance Festival presents various dance forms such as Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, and Bhangra.
Surfing in Mamallapuram is a great adventutous activity. The high waves of the east coast have made enthusiasts engaged in surfing. Many recognised training institutions and surfing clubs have set up along Mamallapuram Beach and is usually home to surfers during the evening and early morning hours. Mahabalipuram crocodile park is another attraction in the area.
The Mahabalipuram Crocodile park is situated approximately 15 km north of the tourist town of Mamallapuram. It is one of the largest reptile zoos in the world. It is spread over eight and a half acres of land and is home to over 2500 reptiles. including Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
