Mahabalipuram Tourism Guide
Mahabalipuram is a temple town situated along the shores of the Bay of Bengal in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
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 Rail : 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.
