In this blog, you will see what to expect at Mahabalipuram on a holiday and I also tried to portray the sculptures beauty though my lens.
For a new person, Mahabalipuram is a very confusing place, as there are lot of things to see. I will keep it clear and simple. I will list out 3 landmarks, once you land on 3 landmarks, you should be able to cover the entire Mahabalipuram. The following are the 3 and all the 3 are situated at minimum a km away and you would need a bike/auto or a long walk.
- Shore temple.
- Pancha rathas.
- Krishna’s butter ball.
1. Shore temple:
This is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite, dating from the 8th century AD. At the time of its creation, the site was a busy port during the reign of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty As one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. It is one of the oldest structural (versus rock-cut) stone temples of South India.
Tip: This temple opens at 6AM. So, plan this first in your itinerary, if you are going there early morning or plan this place for sunset. Noon is not recommended for a pleasant experience :)
still, managed to some pleasant photographs of the shore temple.
I eavesdropped a conversation of guide and he was saying, some of the idols, sculptures are brought out by a tsunami (2004) and that inspired the movie Dasavatharam.
You can spend at shore temple almost an hour, on a hot day. But if manage to be at this place at sunrise or sunset, it will be even more pleasant. And once you come out of shore temple, you will spot a small shopping like below:
2. Pancha rathas
This is an example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture. The complex was carved during the reign of King Narasimhavarman I (630–668 AD): the idea of realising monolithic buildings, an innovation in Indian architecture, is attributed to this ruler.
This entire monument, five chariots, are built in one single stone and they are dedicated to Pandavas in Mahabharatham.
Quick tip: With one ticket in Mahabalipuram, you can visit both Shore temple and Pancha rathas, whereas the third place needs a different ticket, as it’s covers lot of monuments and a big place.
Before going to the third place — Krishna’s butter ball, the most famous Arjuna penance is situated outside. Don’t forget to stand for a minute to observe the architecture — it has lot of details in it. Let me show:
Pro Photography Tip: Do you notice the rock above this architecture? You can stand above by entering in to the group of monuments compound, which I will explain below. So, you can ask your mate to go there and take a photo from here.
Close to this place, to the left, I noticed the sculpture of Lord Krishna holding the mountain to save the villagers. I am sure y’all must have known this story in your childhood tv shows.
3. Krishna’s butter ball:
This is a gigantic granite boulder resting on a short incline. The original name, Vaan Irai Kal, according to the Atlas Obscura, translates from Tamil as “Stone of Sky God”. According to Hindu mythology, lord Krishna often stole butter from his mother’s butter handi; this may have led to the namesake of the boulder. In 1969, a tour-guide is said to credit its present name, Krishna’s Butterball, to Indira Gandhi who was on a tour of the city.
You see, how it is misinterpreted?
Yes, you are right, sliding below the butter ball is common. People have slide for ages and it’s very smooth. Even adults do this performance.
Behind the rock, I noticed this dog sleeping comfortably in the shadow, I wanted to keep the dog’s face in foreground, rock in the middle ground and the burst sun star in the background.
You see, you notice anything here, is made on single rock-cut, called monolith architecture. This Krishna’s butter ball is located at group of monuments, which a big terrain consists multiple monuments, right from small idols to big light house.
What is see below is a bed, it’s an actual bed. I believe it’s “samanar padugai”!
From the above lord Shiva temple, once you climb, you will get the absolutely fascinating view of light house.
Good news and Bad news: The view is so delightful from the above but the light house closes at 4:30PM. So, none is allowed to witness the dramatic sunset from above.
Hope you enjoyed this blog and the photographs. If you are more interested, watch the following vlogs, where I guided the entire Mahabalipuram — how to cover all places in day. And, it’s in Tamil.
