Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram is a renowned UNESCO world heritage site located in southern state of India – Tamil Nadu. The complex is huge built approx. 7-8th century AD during Pallava dynasty. Manab and I had gone to Chennai for visiting doctor. After our check up and other essential things were done we had two days left before our onward journey. We booked a cab on Ola and went straight to Mahabalipuram. On the way we saw hoarding of India Seashell Museum. I so badly wanted to visit it but due to time constraint saved it for next trip. After seeing roadsign of Pondicherry/Puducherry on the way Manab regretted for not visiting Pondi this time.
I loved each and every part of our journey. I pointed out one place near sea shore to our cab driver which had beautiful trees beside the sea. The driver said this place is famous for movie shoot but at the same time infamous too as some bad incidents happened there. My desire to check out that place vanished then and there!
As we reached Mahabalipuram I found out many local shops selling various products. I bought tapioca chips (reminding of my days when I used to eat alot in Manipur). Manab purchased two tickets before entering Shore Temple.
Shore temple
Shore temple as the name itself says about the temple, located by the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The temple is located at little bit of higher altitude from where sea can be seen. The temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Shore temple
Shore temple
Maa Durga on Lion
Maa Durga in Mahisasuramardini avatar is seen mounted on open mouthed lion. There are other sculptures like bull amd Shiva Linga are also there among many beautiful rock sculptures.
Somaskanda Panel – Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati and their son Skanda in between
Anantasayi – Lord Vishnu in sleeping position
Lord Vishnu in resting position on Sheeshnag (the serpent) is seen on the wall. This form of Lord Vishnu depicts that he has reached ultimate enlightenment.
Pancha Rathas – Five chariot temple complex
Ratha temples or the temples carved in chariot form are one of the major attractions in Mahabalipuram. These are named after five Pandavas of Mahabharata namely Dharmaraja Yudhisthir, Bhima, Arjun Nakula and Sahadeva and their wife Draupadi. But as per the historians these temples are actually dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Maa Durga.
Dharmaraja Ratha
Dharmaraja Ratha
Rock-cut elephant near Nakul-Sahadeva Ratha
Bhima Ratha
Among all the temples of Ratha temple complex Bhima Ratha is the largest one.
Bhima Ratha
Bhima Ratha
There are many cave temples at Mahabalipuram/Mamallapuram. One famous cave temple is Mahisasuramardini cave where story of the fight between Maa Durga and Mahisasura (demon) is depicted on rock wall.
On the way to Mahisasuramardini Cave
Mahisasuramardini Cave with ancient light house on the top
Fight between Maa Durga and Mahisasura
Inside Mahisasuramardini Cave
Next to Mahisasuramardini cave modern light house is located. It is a popular tourist attraction.
Modern Light House
Near Light House
Mahisasuramardini Cave
Lion’s foot
Varaha Cave
Varaha means boar. In Hindu Mythology Lord Vishnu took “varaha” form to relief common people of earth from the demon Hiranyakashyapa.
Ganesha Ratha
As per the historians this Ratha temple was originally dedicated to Lord Shiva but during nineteenth century local villagers replaced the Shiva Linga with Ganesha.
Krishna’s butterball
Krishna’s butterball is a huge single rock/boulder lying on a short incline.
Huge rocks at Mahabalipuram
We also went to Arjuna’s penance or Descent of the Ganges where various mythology related stories are carved on the rock wall. It was a hot summer. Local people were selling lemon water and other cold drinks nearby. Drinking just one glass of lemon water could not satisfy my thirst so drank two more glasses. It was very refreshing.
We started our return journey to Chennai by booking a cab. After checking out temples by the bay at Mahabalipuram I wanted to see the sea very closely. So we got down near Marina beach. After spending some time there we returned back to our hotel.
Near Marina Beach
Near Marina Beach
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