Part 2- Ancient architecture of India — Places to visit in Mahabalipuram,TamilNadu

This is part of a tourist guide series, listing various ancient architectures of India. Specifically, we will cover various states and what are the awestruck architectures you will want to visit in each of those states.

Do you want to see the ancient architecture of India? Stay tuned for a complete guide to places you will want to visit.

Visiting Mahabalipuram is a unique and immersive experience that can leave visitors with a sense of wonder and appreciation for India’s rich cultural heritage. The town is home to a stunning collection of ancient temples, rock-cut caves, and impressive sculptures that date back to the 7th century AD. Walking through the town’s narrow streets, visitors are transported back in time as they marvel at the intricate carvings and artwork that adorn the temples and monuments.

Mahabalipuram

• Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a coastal town in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
• It is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, a group of monuments and temples that date back to the 7th and 8th centuries.
• Mahabalipuram was a bustling port city of the Pallava dynasty and served as an important trading center between the 3rd and 7th centuries CE.
• Some of the notable monuments and temples in Mahabalipuram exemplify Dravidian architecture and are also a must-visit attraction.

Mahabalipuram is also famous for its stone carvings and sculptures, which are sold in the local markets. These make for great souvenirs to take back home. Overall, Mahabalipuram is a fascinating place to visit for history buffs, beach lovers, and anyone interested in Indian culture and heritage.

8 must places to visit:

Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Mahishasura Mardini Cave, Tiger Cave, Varaha Cave Temple, Dakshinachitra

1 . Shore Temple: The Shore Temple is a 7th-century temple located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in Mahabalipuram. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India. The temple complex consists of two shrines, one dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other to Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings, including the depiction of Nandi, the sacred bull, and various other deities. The temple is particularly stunning at sunset, with its white granite walls and towers reflecting the golden light of the setting sun.

2. Pancha Rathas: The Pancha Rathas, or Five Rathas, are five monolithic temples that were carved out of a single rock in the 7th century AD. Each of the temples is dedicated to a different deity and is named after them. The temples are named after the Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, as well as their wife, Draupadi. The temples are known for their unique architecture and intricate carvings, including images of various gods and goddesses, animals, and mythical creatures.

3. Arjuna’s Penance: Arjuna’s Penance is a bas-relief sculpture that is carved into a granite rock face in Mahabalipuram. The sculpture depicts the story of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, with a central image of Arjuna performing penance to please Lord Shiva. The sculpture is one of the largest bas-reliefs in the world, measuring 27 meters long and 9 meters high. The sculpture is particularly impressive for its intricate details and the number of figures that are carved into the rock face.

4. Krishna’s Butter Ball: Krishna’s Butter Ball is a large boulder that is located on a slope in Mahabalipuram. The boulder is approximately 6 meters in diameter and is believed to weigh over 250 tons. The boulder is named after the Hindu god Krishna, who is said to have been fond of butter as a child. The boulder appears to be balanced precariously on the slope, and it is believed that it has been in that position for over 1,200 years. The boulder has become a popular tourist attraction and is considered a marvel of ancient engineering.

5. Mahishasura Mardini Cave: The Mahishasura Mardini Cave is a rock-cut temple that is located in Mahabalipuram. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Durga, who is depicted in the cave slaying the demon Mahishasura. The temple is known for its beautiful carvings and sculptures of various Hindu deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The cave is also home to several small shrines, each dedicated to a different deity.

6. Tiger Cave: The Tiger Cave is a rock-cut temple that is believed to have been built in the 7th century AD. The temple is named after the tiger that is carved into the entrance of the temple. The temple is known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings of various Hindu deities, including Shiva and Ganesha. The temple is particularly stunning at sunset, with the golden light illuminating the carvings and the surrounding landscape.

7. Varaha Cave Temple: The Varaha Cave Temple is a rock-cut temple that is located in Mahabalipuram. The temple is named after the Varaha avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is depicted in the cave in his boar form. The temple is known for its beautiful carvings and sculptures of various Hindu deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The temple also features intricate carvings of various animals, including elephants, lions, and peacocks.

8. Dakshinachitra: Dakshinachitra is a cultural museum that is located near Mahabalipuram. The museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of South India. The museum features traditional houses and exhibits that showcase the arts, crafts, and traditions of the region. The museum also hosts workshops and cultural events throughout the year, giving visitors the opportunity to experience South Indian culture firsthand.

Reaching Mahabalipuram from Chennai airport:

Here is a rough estimate of the average cost of each mode of transportation in the YEAR 2023- :

1. Taxi: The cost of hiring a taxi from Chennai Airport to Mahabalipuram can range from INR 1,500 to INR 2,000 ($20 to $27 USD) depending on the type of taxi and the time of day. App-based taxi services like Ola and Uber may be slightly cheaper, with fares ranging from INR 1,200 to INR 1,500 ($16 to $20 USD).
2. Bus: The cost of a bus ticket from Chennai to Mahabalipuram ranges from INR 50 to INR 200 ($0.70 to $2.70 USD), depending on the type of bus and the operator. Government-run buses are usually cheaper than private buses.
3. Car rental: The cost of renting a car from Chennai Airport to Mahabalipuram can range from INR 1,500 to INR 2,500 ($20 to $34 USD) per day, depending on the type of car and the rental company. Additional costs such as fuel, tolls, and driver fees may apply.
4. Train: The cost of a train ticket from Chennai to Chengalpattu, the nearest railway station to Mahabalipuram, ranges from INR 30 to INR 200 ($0.40 to $2.70 USD), depending on the class of travel and the train. From Chengalpattu, the cost of a taxi or bus to Mahabalipuram will be additional.

Keep in mind that these costs are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as season, availability, and bargaining skills.