Mahabalipuram : A historical treat for travellers

Mahabalipuram, better known as by its moniker, Mamallapuram is a tourist hotspot situated smack in between Chennai and Pondicherry. Heralded by UNESCO as a world heritage site, Mahabalipuram stands tall living upto expectations. Stone carved temples, rock cut statues and monuments speak volumes about the rich fables of erstwhile kingdoms that existed in its folds.  Founded by Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman I in the 7th century AD, Mahabalipuram has always been the epitome of acitivity, be it trade or culture. Here is a detailed account of what can be expected at Mahabalipuram along with a glimpse of its history.

1. Shore Temple :
Better known as seven pagodas by Europeans, what intrigues most of those coming here is that only one of the so called pagodas are to be seen now. Better known as shore temple now, the temple is believed to be just a small of what it was. It took nothing less than a Tsunami to bring to fore the lost temples and artifacts. Since then, navy and Archeological department has been trying hard to locate the lost temples. For a normal traveler, a visit to the shore temple is a must but for those interested in going beyond that, the lost temples are definitely a spike in curiosity. The aesthetic part of the temple can be best enjoyed when the sun sets spreading orange colour on the canvas.

2. Five Rathas:
An incomplete work of architecture, the five rarthas resembling those used by five panadavas, was a brain child of King Narasimhavarman I. Though discontinued after his death, the incompleteness of the structure didnt stand in the way of this monument's journey to the world heritage list.

3. Krishna's butter ball
Placed majestically on the slope of  a hillock and defying the rules of gravity, Krishna butter ball has always baffled the visitors and historians alike. Its common to see tourists taking picture of this giant boulder often amazed by the sheer size of it.

4. Rock cut Ganesha temple
The monolithic structure dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is a stones throw away from Krishna's butter ball. Originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, the main deity of the temple was replaced by the villagers in 1880s after seeking formal permission from the then district collector, thus making way for the Ganesha temple.

5. triple celled rock cut shrine
Dedicated to the trio of of Brahma Vishnu and Mahesh, the shrine dates back to the seventh century Pallava period and exhibits carvings on the stones.

6. Rock cut Varaha temple
A magnificent display of vishwakarma sthapahis or ancient rock cut architecture, the Varaha caves welcome you with pillars based on horned lions and carved walls.

7. Royagopuram
One of the important places to be in Mahabalipuram is Royagopuram. The beauty of this unfinished monument just shows the glimpse of what it could have been if completed.

8. Ramanuja Mandapa:
A witness of scuffle between shaivas and Vaishnavas, the temple with its arthamandapa supported on six pillars with cells inside is a marvel for enthusiasts. What stands out is a stair leading to the top of the temple chiselled out of hard rock.

9. Light house :
One of the oldest of all the light houses in India, it is must be place to have a panoramic view of Mahabalipuram.

10. Arjuna's penance:
 Right next to the road, it is a marvel of architectural excellence. Made out of pink granite, the relief is a fusion of art and mythology depicting Arjuna's penance and descent of Ganga. A cleft running through the middle of the relief depicting the flow of mighty Ganges. What seems a crowded sculpture reveals the story behind it, all you need is patience and a keen eye.

And the fun doesn't end there, this heritage place is not only about heritage. Food, watersports , comfort stay its all available here. Surfing, parasailing and deep sea diving being the best of attractions for all tourists. For those jnteresint in upping the ante, venture into looking for the lost temples, bet it would be the best experience to garner .