Mahabalipuram was established as a town in 7th century by Pallava kings who ruled south of Madras. It became famous harbour town used for trading with many south eastern countries. The Pallavas built a number of structural temples. Since the temple is near the sea it is known as "Shore Temple". Mahabalipuram is named after the King Mamalla (meaning the great warrior) also known as Narasimhavarman I, who ruled during the 7th century at the head of the Pallava Dynasty, who scooped out most of the rock cut temples and carvings at that place.
The monuments may be subdivided into five categories. Ratha temples in the form of processional chariots, monolithic constructions cut into the residual blocks of diorite which emerge from the sand. Mandapa, or rock sanctuaries modelled as rooms covered with bas-reliefs. Rock reliefs in the open air illustrate a popular episode in the iconography of Siva, that of the Descent of the Ganges. Temples built from cut stone, like the Temple of Rivage.
Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram Beach
A fascinating seaside this is placed at the east coast of India. Turned up at a distance of fifty-eight km from Chennai, the golden sandy seaside is a charming region encircled with the aid of the rolling hills and glittering sea. The beach is recognized as the pristine beaches of Tamil Nadu, which draws hundreds of vacationers every year. It's an idyllic area for lazing around the area and sunbathing.
Shore Temple
The Shore Temple has three shrines, devoted to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. the principle temple is a five-storeyed shape sculpted out of granite devoted to Lord Shiva. The pyramidal shape is 60 toes (18 m) high and sits on a 50 toes (15 m) square platform. In the Garbha Griha, sanctum sanctorum, a Shivalinga is worshipped. On the rear stop, there are shrines dealing with each other. One shrine is devoted to Ksatriyasimnesvara and the alternative to Lord Vishnu. In the shrine, Lord Vishnu is visible reclining on the 'Seshanag', that's a symbol of attention in Hinduism.
Five Rathas
Pancha Rathas also referred as Pandava Rathas are the maximum notable architectural edifices of the nine monolithic temples of Mahabalipuram situated at the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, near Chennai. The 5 structures every chiselled inside the form of rathas or chariots out of large block of stone or monolith of granite typifies monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture that dates back to the 7th century during the reign of the Pallava dynasty.
Tiger’s Caves
It has a shrine this is dedicated to mom Divine Durga. The front of the caves sport massive and mind-blowing figures. The stone carvings depict a big occasion associated with Goddess Durga and her victory over evil demons. because of the satisfactory climate and affinity to the ocean, this region is a favoured by using picnickers and locals.
The Crocodile Bank
Approximately 34 kilometers from Chennai, on the outskirts of Mahabalipuram, is located the Crocodile financial institution, a conservatory and soft domestic of loads of species of crocodiles. Utmost efforts are installed to offer to hold the environment as a natural as feasible for rearing the crocodiles. The sight of large reptiles basking in the sun and their sudden moves excite the visitors here. One can also see the crocodile eggs and touch the bumpy lower back of the crocodiles. Being the biggest crocodile sanctuary in India opened by using the state authorities, this vicinity also houses tortoises, turtles, and snakes.
Tamil Nadu Tourism in India is a land that simply charms all its visitors. As one of India's most popular tourist destinations, Tamil Nadu receives a good number of footfalls every year. In fact, a visit to South India can never be considered complete without a Tamil Nadu Tour and its delightful tourist attractions. From beautiful beaches to ancient temples, a Tamil Nadu Tour in India is sure to throw up many delightful surprises for its visitors to remember. Interspersed with the Tamilnadu tourist attractions is its rich history that is simply fascinating. It is common to see tourists devouring every little detail offered by the tourist guides or the locals. Tamil Nadu Tour will also introduce you to the state's rich culture that amazes visitors from all across the world. Be it a Bharatanatyam performance or a shopping tour around some of its colourful markets, you will see that the culture of Tamil Nadu is reflected in everything you can see around you. Indeed, nothing can beat the splendour of this Indian state that has remained in perfect touch with its roots even as it makes giant strides in the modern world. So take a look at our Tamil Nadu travel guide.