If you are looking for a weekend getaway, Mahabalipuram is one of the places to be. This place is a mix of art, culture, and wonder.
Mahabalipuram/Seven Pagodas is a UNESCO world heritage site in Tamilnadu and one of the most visited tourist spots in South India. We can even call the city of Rocks as mostly includes sculptures, caves, and temples in Rocks. The temples located here at Mahabalipuram were mostly constructed during the rule of famous ruler Narasimhavarman and the successor Rajasimhavarman.
The history class above was just an introduction to what's coming next.
SHORE TEMPLE
Built-in the shore of the Bay of Bengal, the construction is completed with blocks of granite. It is believed that during the time of the Pallava dynasty, Mahabalipuram was popular trading port.
This is the only existing temple in the “seven pagodas”, there were six more which must have submerged natural calamity. It is the tsunami in December 2004 which exposed some of these submerged parts of temples in Shore Temple complex and provided evidence to the myths.
The secret behind the name “Mahabalipuram” occurs from this site, as it is believed that Prahalada’s son Bali founded Mahabalipuram (puranam)
KRISHNA'S BUTTERBALL
This stone also named “Vaan Irai Kal,” which translates to “Sky God’s Stone,”. Butter is Lord Krishna’s favorite food, and the myth is that it fall from the sky.
The position of this rock is the surprising element as it looks like it is falling a slope but it is firm in the position. So far human power could not cause any effect to this mystery ball.
Would be great if Thor gives it a try, to see if he is worthy enough to move it.
PANCHA RATHAS
Pancha Rathas or Five Rathas is named after the Pandavas and Draupadi, although it does not have any connection with the Mahabharata epic. The rathas are named as Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, and Draupadi Ratha.
MAHABALIPURAM BEACH
Beach will be active in the evening. You can try horse riding, different local games, varieties of Indian snacks, buy seashells, etc.
The best time to visit the beach is in early morning to watch the sunrise and in the evening. Kids will enjoy the beach.
How to Reach
We started our journey from Sholinganallur, Chennai. We took around 45 minutes to reach there. From Chennai, you will get many buses to reach there.
Also, if you travel in a private vehicle you will have to pay an amount of Rs.100 (currently) to enter the city that too varies for four-wheelers. Two-wheelers it is free to enter.
MUST CARRY
You will be exposed directly to sunlight, so always better to have a scarf, sunscreen and take cover for your skin. While visiting the beach, it is better to carry a pair of flip-flops.
MOVIES SHOT HERE
2 States, Shalimar, May Madham, Thalapathi
If you are a fun-loving and interested in archaeological mysteries, do visit here as you will find many interesting facts. It is one of the best spots to visit with your family.
ARJUNA'S PENANCE
Located in middle Mahabalipuram is a marvelous rock carving. It is named as Arjunas Penance / Descent of the Ganges. The monument relates two stories, one from Mahabharata where Arjuna had to perform austerity Tapas to get Shiva's weapon. The one who “gives to get” meaning penance, hence Arjunas penance was named.
Another story which we get from here about Ganga, where sage Bhagiratha performs austerity Tapas in order to bring the Ganges down to earth. Both these stories are interpreted here.