We are now in Mahabalipuram. Before we move ahead, lemme give you some info regarding this place. Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram is a town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is around 60 km south from the city of Chennai. It is an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport during the time of Periplus (1st century CE) and Ptolemy (140 CE). Ancient Indian traders who went to countries of South East Asia sailed from the seaport of Mahabalipuram.
By the 7th century it was a port city of South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas. It has a group of sanctuaries, which was carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries : Rathas (temples in the form of chariots), Mandapas (cave sanctuaries)and the Shore Temple, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The monuments are mostly rock-cut and monolithic. The sculptures are excellent examples of Pallava art. There is a touch of Khajuraho art in Mahabalipuram as well.
By the 7th century it was a port city of South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas. It has a group of sanctuaries, which was carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries : Rathas (temples in the form of chariots), Mandapas (cave sanctuaries)and the Shore Temple, with thousands of sculptures to the glory of Shiva. The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.The monuments are mostly rock-cut and monolithic. The sculptures are excellent examples of Pallava art. There is a touch of Khajuraho art in Mahabalipuram as well.
So once we arrived at Mahabalipuram, the first site which we visited was Krishna's Butter Ball.
Now this is mainly a huge rock on a single piece of rock.
Other than being a Heritage site, Krishna's Butter Ball is also a hideout for love birds, infact most of the sites in Mahabalipuram. Thanks to the crevices, secluded spots and lots of "jhari".
Some stone carvings and the map of the place.
Next site is Arjuna's Penance. It is located just beside the site of Krishna's Butter Ball. Measuring 96 by 43 feet (29 m × 13 m), it is a giant open-air relief carved of two monolithic rock boulders. Here's a pic of it.
Just beside Arjuna's Penance is the next site that we visited, Varaha Cave Temple. It is a rock-cut cave temple and such caves also called mandapas.The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cave chamber is about 33 by 14 feet (10.1 m × 4.3 m) in width, and has a height of 11.5 feet (3.5 m). This is the only cave temple where worship is offered every day during morning and evening hours. You can see all these in the pics below, for a better idea.
By now it was noon time and sun was at its peak. Now regarding the weather in TN, well its hot throughout the year, which hovers around mid 30s and in shore areas like this along with heat its very humid also. The heat and humid was taking a toll on me, and i was longing to get back to the car! But then, I cannot move around at all places with a car. Well it's advisable to keep yourself properly hydrated, to keep up with the weather. So, further we now go to the next site, the Light House of Mahabalipuram. Here's a pic of the Lighthouse.
This is the ASI park, which is located near the rock caves.
Below, is an overhead view of the complete area.
Now, going to our next place of visit, Sthalasayanap Perumal Temple. Located very near to Arjuna's Penance. It's being said here that people who wants to live in their "own house" should visit this temple. (Puja karwane ke liye kuch bhi!!) The residing Deity is called "Sthalasayana Perumal". It refers Lord Vishnu who chose to recline on the spot. The entry gate to the temple.
This is for the 1st part of the trip, rest of the Mahabs visit, is coming up in the next blog. Keep reading!
Other than being a Heritage site, Krishna's Butter Ball is also a hideout for love birds, infact most of the sites in Mahabalipuram. Thanks to the crevices, secluded spots and lots of "jhari".
Some stone carvings and the map of the place.
Next site is Arjuna's Penance. It is located just beside the site of Krishna's Butter Ball. Measuring 96 by 43 feet (29 m × 13 m), it is a giant open-air relief carved of two monolithic rock boulders. Here's a pic of it.
Just beside Arjuna's Penance is the next site that we visited, Varaha Cave Temple. It is a rock-cut cave temple and such caves also called mandapas.The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cave chamber is about 33 by 14 feet (10.1 m × 4.3 m) in width, and has a height of 11.5 feet (3.5 m). This is the only cave temple where worship is offered every day during morning and evening hours. You can see all these in the pics below, for a better idea.
By now it was noon time and sun was at its peak. Now regarding the weather in TN, well its hot throughout the year, which hovers around mid 30s and in shore areas like this along with heat its very humid also. The heat and humid was taking a toll on me, and i was longing to get back to the car! But then, I cannot move around at all places with a car. Well it's advisable to keep yourself properly hydrated, to keep up with the weather. So, further we now go to the next site, the Light House of Mahabalipuram. Here's a pic of the Lighthouse.
This is the ASI park, which is located near the rock caves.
Below, is an overhead view of the complete area.
Now, going to our next place of visit, Sthalasayanap Perumal Temple. Located very near to Arjuna's Penance. It's being said here that people who wants to live in their "own house" should visit this temple. (Puja karwane ke liye kuch bhi!!) The residing Deity is called "Sthalasayana Perumal". It refers Lord Vishnu who chose to recline on the spot. The entry gate to the temple.
This is for the 1st part of the trip, rest of the Mahabs visit, is coming up in the next blog. Keep reading!
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Banjara_the nomadic
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