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Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a town in Kancheepuram district in Tamil Nadu. It is a 7th c port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km. south from the city of Chennai. It is believed to have been named after the Pallava king Mamalla. It features various historic monuments built mainly between the 7th and the 9th c and has been acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Features of Mahabalipuram in Chennai
- The monuments are mostly rock-cut and monolithic displaying the architectural style of the early stages of Dravidian pattern.
- There are cave temples, monolithic chariots, sculpted reliefs and structural temples.
- The Buddhist elements of design are prominently visible.
- The style of the pillars belongs to the Dravidian order. The sculptures are exquisite examples of the Pallava art.
- One historical assumption is that this area once served as a school for young sculptors.
- It is believed that the different sculptures, some half finished, may have been examples of different styles of architecture, probably demonstrated by instructors and exercised by the young students.
- This can be seen in the Pancha Rathas where each Ratha or chariot is sculpted in a different style.
- There are other important structures too.
- 'Arjuna's Penance' is a relief sculpture on a massive scale depicting an episode from the Hindu epic The Mahabharata
- The Varaha Cave Temple is a small rock-hewn temple dating back to the 7th c.
- The Shore Temple is a structural temple along the Bay of Bengal with the entrance from the Western side away from the sea.
- The temple was rebuilt stone by stone from the sea after being washed away in a cyclone.
- The Pancha Rathas consists of five imposing pyramidal structures named after the Pandavas, Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishtra, Nakula and Sahadeva and Draupadi.
How to Reach Mahabalipuram in Chennai
By Air
The Kamaraj Domestic Airport and the Anna International Airport are located at Tirusulam at a distance of 20 km from the city.
By Rail
Chennai is also well connected to all the major cities in India through a wide network of railways. The rail service connects to all the main cities of the neighboring state and the country. By Road
The excellent road network of Chennai makes it easily accessible from other important cities of Tamil Nadu and the neighboring states.
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