Mahabalipuram
that was formerly known as Mamallapuram is one of
the most frequented tourism destinations in
Tamilnadu, a province in India. The place is just 55
Kilometers off Chennai, the capital city of
Tamilnadu and forms a major excursion destination
around it. In fact, Mahabalipuram along with Chennai
and Kanchipuram forms the famous 'Golden Tourism
Triangle' ashore Coromandel Coast.
Mahabalipuram is a 7th century port city of the
Pallavas, a Dravidic dynasty that once ruled over
the major portion of peninsular India. Typical of
Orientals, there are lots of theories behind its
naming. Some say that it has been named after the
demon king Mahabali who was renowned for his
generosity. Some maintain that it has been named
after the Pallava king Mamalla. Mahabalipuram has
various historic monuments built mostly between the
7th and the 9th century. The majority of these
temples and monuments have been built by one or
another Pallava kings. Kings of later dynasties too
have done some additions and restoration works.
The most famous and magnificent monument here is the
Shore Temple. This temple looks absolutely
mesmerizing when lit by moonlight. Although the
religious activities in this temple have been
discontinued way back in the late 19th century, the
temple attracts a lot of tourists everyday. Due to
the architectural and heritage value attached to it,
The UNESCO has crowned this historical city as a
'World Heritage Site'.
Most of the monuments here are rock-cut and
monolithic. These temples are very different from
the later-Dravidian era temples that were built in
the reign of the famous Chola kings Raj Raja and
Rajendra Chola. The temples of Mahabalipuram will
thus offer a contrast amidst the high raised 'Gopurams'
that are so typical in the south Indian temples. The
temples of Mahabalipuram represent the early phases
of Dravidian architecture wherein Buddhist elements
of design can be clearly seen.
Cave temples, monolithic rathas (chariots), sculpted
relief and structural temples are something that is
found in the ruins of Mahabalipuram. The pillars are
of the early Dravidian order where as the sculptures
are predominantly Pallava in their architecture. The
majestic Mahabalipuram invokes a certain kind of
mystery, with its sculptural extravaganza depicting
strong artistic temperament of the Pallava rulers
who are considered by many as the conceivers and the
driving force behind the Dravidian art movement.
