Mahabalipuram Travel Guide
Mahabalipuram is a temple town situated along the shores of the Bay of
Bengal in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The sheer sculptural
extravaganza of the rock-cut temples is not only reflective of the
artistic tastes of the erstwhile Pallava rulers: the temples are also
regarded as the birthplace of an entirely new style of architecture,
which came to be known as the South Indian temple architecture.
The Shore Temple :
The Shore Temple at the Mahabalipuram sea-shore is the ultimate
expression of Mahabalipuram. A three-in-one abode of God - a Vishnu
temple positioned between two Shiva temples, is a treat to the eyes with
its surroundings plentiful in architectural grandeurs. On either side of
it is the sea spreading endlessly and infinitely. The complex wall of
this temple is decorated with charming sculptures of Nandi the bull,
while the figure of Vishnu is present in the sanctum sanctorum
Arjuna's Penance :
Arjuna's Penance, 27 mtrs long and 9 mtrs high, is a colossal relief
made on two huge boulders. It is perhaps the world's largest bas-relief,
a universe itself in stone. The cleft in the rock describes the descent
of the Ganga, brought to earth by King Bhagiratha to emancipate the
cursed souls of his forefathers. The two large elephants are notable for
their artistic beauty, and so are the images from the Panchatantra.
Amongst the images are a forest with tribal people and all forms of
animal life, just as they would appear in their habitat. Also, the
images presents women clothed in an aura of ineffable grace, a rich
inner beauty transfiguring the plainest of them. The entire picture has
a delicate edge of humor. Accordingly positioned against the ascetic is
a cat doing rigorous penance too.
Getting There :
By Air :
The nearest airport from Mahabalipuram is Chennai, 60 km away, which
ahs both domestic and international airports.
By Train :
The nearest railway station, Chengalpattu, is around 29 km away from
Mahabalipuram. Trains connect it to and from Chennai and several other
major cities of South India.
By Road :
Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is well connected by roads to Chennai,
Tirukkalikundram or Pakshithirtham, Kanchipuram, which is 65 km from
here and and Pondicherry.
