About Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is a famous town situated in the district of Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. Mahabalipuram, also called as Mamallapuram lies at an average height of 12meters. In the 7th century, Mahabalipuram was a port city of South Indian dynasty i.e. Pallavas. Mahabalipuram lies at a distance of about 60kms from the famous city of Chennai. Mahabalipuram got its name from the famous Pallava king Mamalla. The place comprises of various old, historical monuments of the 7th & 9th century. Mahabalipuram has been declared at a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mahabalipuram has a beautiful coastline along Bay of Bengal. The beautiful unspoiled and secluded beaches of Mahabalipuram attract tourists towards it. The place also comprises of various sculptures, which portrays different scenes of daily life. The art of Mahabalipuram can be classified into four different categories i.e. open air bas - relief, man-made caves, structured temples and rathas (Chariots). The renowned Krishna Mandapa and Arjuna's Penance at Mahabalipuram are one of the challenging enigmas of history.

According to the experts, there were around seven pagodas (Temples) situated along the shores. All except one were engulfed by the sea. Most of the sculptures and carvings found here were constructed during the rule of Narsinha Varman I and Narsinha Varman II. One can find here mostly monuments related to Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu as the kings were strict follower of Shaivism.

Temples in Mahabalipuram
There are two low hills located at a distance of around 400m from sea here in Mahabalipuram. On the larger hill, there are around 11 temples located on its both side. The famous temple Ratha found here is cut out from a big rock. On the other smaller hill, 5 rathas and 3 huge sculptures i.e. of an Elephant, Lion and Nandi are located.