Summer- Max-36.6 c Min-21.1 c
Winter- Max-30.5 c Min-19.8 c
INTRODUCTION
The town of temples, sand and sea - Mamallapuram, formely known
as Mahabalipuram is world renowned for its beautiful Shore Temple.
It was once the main port and naval base of the great Pallava kingdom
and was later made the capital of this Dynasty.
PLACES TO VISIT
Arjuna's Penance
Carved in relief on the face of a huge rock, Arjuna's Penance is
the mythical story of the River Ganges issuing from its source high
in the Himalaya . the panel depicts animal animals, deities and
other semi-divine creatures, fable from the Panchatantra, and Arjuna
doing a penance to obtain a boon from Siva.
Shore Temple This
beautiful and romantic temple, ravaged by wind and sea, represents
the final phase of Pallavas art and was built in the late 7th century
during the reign of Rajasimha. It is believed that at one point
in time there were seven such temples, six of them were victims
to the natural elements of erosion. This temple has three shrines;
one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other two to Lord Shiva. The
frothy waves form a striking backdrop to the temple, protected by
rows of rock-carved bulls. The most unique feature of the temple
is that it houses shrines to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Mandapams
There are eight mandapams ( shallow, rock-cut halls ) scattered
over the main hill, two of which have been left unfinished. they
are mainly of interest for their internal figure sculptures. One
of the earliest rock-cut temples is the Krishna Mandapam. It features
carvings of a pastoral scene showing Krishna lifting up the Govardhana
mountain to protect his kinsfolk from the wrath of Indra. On the
hill rests a dangerously balanced boulder named Krishna's Butterball
after his legendary affinity for fresh butter.
Five Rathas These
are the architectural prototypes of all Dravidian temples, demonstrating
the imposing gopurams and vimanas, multi pillared halls and sculptured
walls which dominate the landscape of Tamil Nadu.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is at Chennai.
Rail: Mahabalipuram is connected by rail via Madras with
all the main places in India
Road: Private and Government bus services connect Mamallapuram
to Chennai (58 km) and other major cities.
State
Express
101, Bhanot House,
17, Community Centre,
Gulmohar Enclave Extn., New Delhi - 110049, India Tel: 91-11-26855483,
26852712, 26524006 Fax: 91-11-26868552,
24351351 E-Mail:statexp@del2.vsnl.net.in
This
beautiful and romantic temple, ravaged by wind and sea, represents
the final phase of Pallavas art and was built in the late 7th century
during the reign of Rajasimha. It is believed that at one point
in time there were seven such temples, six of them were victims
to the natural elements of erosion. This temple has three shrines;
one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other two to Lord Shiva. The
frothy waves form a striking backdrop to the temple, protected by
rows of rock-carved bulls. The most unique feature of the temple
is that it houses shrines to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. 
These
are the architectural prototypes of all Dravidian temples, demonstrating
the imposing gopurams and vimanas, multi pillared halls and sculptured
walls which dominate the landscape of Tamil Nadu.
State
Express