Mahabalipuram, derived from 'Mamallapuram' is the prior and colloquial name of a town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, now officially called Mamallapuram. It has an average elevation of 12 meters (39 feet). Mahabalipuram was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu

The monuments are mostly rock-cut and monolithic, and constitute the early stages of Dravidian architecture wherein Buddhist elements of design are prominently visible. They are constituted by cave temples, monolithic rathas (chariots), sculpted relief and structural temples. The pillars are of the Dravidian order. The sculptures are excellent examples of Pallava art.

SHORE TEMPLE

It is believed that there were seven magnificent temples what are known as the seven pagodas, built near the sea share. But the lonely survivor is the shore temples. It was originally constructed during the 7th century and later it was Narasimha Varman II, (Rajasimha) completed the skilled work in his rule. This is one of the oldest of the south Indian Temples which were structural temples constructed in the nature Dravidian style. There are three temples of which two Shiva Temples face east and west respectively. The other one is the Vishnu Temple.

ARJUNA’S PENANCE

This rock bas-relief was built by king Narasimha I. This rock is shaped like that of a huge wale. The sculpture is carved at the back portion of the whale shaped stone. It measures 27 meters in length and 9 meters in height with a crack in the middle of the rock. Arjuna is the great hero of the great epic Mahabharata. On either sides of the rock one can fin d the God’s of the triple world, demi-gods, or gods of men, birds and beasts, the Nagas, the Nymphs all found mingling into the theme of Arjuna’s penance.

MANDAPAMS

Apart from the Rathas there were other constructions too erected by the Pallava kings. They were masters in building sock-cut carves and Mandapams. There are 14 such important constructions in and around Mamallapuram. Mythological scenes are depicted on these architectures. The Mandapams are mainly located on the main hill.

1)KrishnaMandapam
2)MahishasuramardhiniMandapam
3) Varaha Mandapam

PANCH RATHAS OR THE FIVE RATHAS

The five Rathas is a set of magnificent monolithic rock temples. Panch is a Hindi world which means ‘Five’. These fine rock temples are located in a sandy compound. These five Rathas are the perfect examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture. There are built in the shaper of pagodas and they look similar to that of the Buddhist shrines and monasteries. These chariots are constructed with Towers, The cars of gods, multi pillared halls, and sculptured walls which are chiseled out minutely.

The Rathas have an association to the great epic Mahabharata which describes the heroes of Mahabharata with their wife Draupadi which is termed as pancha pandava rathas. The five rathas are (i) Draupadi’s Ratha, (ii) Arjuna’s Rath, (iii) Nakul – Sahadev’s Rath, (iv) Bhima Rath and (v) Dharamraja Yudhistar’s Rath.

OTHER ARCHITECTURES

These ordinary rocks in Mamallapuram lane been transformed by the Pallavas into beautiful sculptures and monuments which are beauty to a place. This shows the skills of the Pallava craftsmen. The other marvels in and around Mamallapuram are Trimurti cave, Kodikkal Mandapam, Replica of Arjuna’s Penance, Ramanuja Mandapam, Adivaraha Temple, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Koneri cane, Pancha Pandava Mandapam and Sthalasayana Perumal temple.

PLACES AROUND MAHABALIPURAM

There are many places around Mahabalipuram to be visited. They are cholamandal artist’s village, Dakshina Chitra, Muthukadu, Crocodile and Snake Bark, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Various Temples, Kovalam, Mudaliarkuppam, Thirukkalukundram, Tirupporur, Vandalur and Vedanthangal.