Trip to Mahabalipuram, Chennai

Tourist spot in Mahabalipuram
- Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple-
Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which is located almost 40 kilometers away from Chennai in a place called Thiruvidanthai. It is one among the 108 Dhivya Desams of Lord Vishnu and is highly revered in “Nalayira Divya Prapandam”, a sacred text of Vaishnavites. Many Alwars and saints have praised this temple. Many devotees who wish to have a good life partner would pray to this temple to get a good life partner. It is believed that Goddess Varahi, the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu had married 360 daughters of Sage Kalava on 260 days. Hence this temple is worshipped as a temple dedicated to people looking for a life partner. It is believed that this temple is self-manifested By Lord Varaha and Komalavalli. It has been declared as a monument by the Archaeological Survey of India
- Shore Temple- the Shore Temple was a part of the Seven Pagodas in Mahabalipuram. Seven Pagodas is an old Hindu legend. As history has it, Prince Hiranyakasipu did not believe in Lord Vishnu. However, his son Prahlada was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu which forced Prince Hiranyakasipu to banish Prahlada from the kingdom. Prahlada was the welcomed after a while after which he went on and became the king. He had a grandson named Bali who also founded Mahabalipuram.
After Tsunami hit the coastline of Coromandel in 2004, an old distorted temple was exposed in the process. This temple was made up of granite only. After this event, the news of Mahabalipuram being a part of the Seven Pagodas as mentioned in the diaries of Europeans began doing the rounds. It was also stated that out of temples, six of them remain sunken in the sea. The Tsunami also brought to light some old sculptures of elephants, peacocks and lions which were used to decorate the walls of the temples during the reign of the Pallavas in the 7th and 8th century.
- Five Rathas-
The Five Rathas, also known as Panch Rathas, is a exemplary set of rock temples. They are excellent examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture.
These temples are built in the same shape as pagodas, and greatly resemble Buddhist shrines and monasteries. The rathas are associated with the great epic Mahabharata. The first ratha that is located right by the entrance gate is Draupadi's Ratha. It is shaped like a hut and is dedicated to the goddess Durga. Next comes Arjuna's Rath. This one has a small portico and carved pillar stones and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are no carvings inside this temple, but many are on the outside
Krishna's Butter Ball
Krishna's butterball is a gigantic granite Boulder measuring 6 meters high and 5 meters wide and weighs over 250 tons. This strange object in the town of Mahabalipuram is said to be in the same position since over 1200 years. At one point in its history, seven elephants were employed to move it, but to no avail. It is believed that the rock is a piece of stolen butter dropped by God.
Varaha Cave Temple
Varaha Cave Temple is an exquisite rock cut Hindu temple located in Mahabalipuram. Created during the reign of Narasimhavarman I Mahamalla, it is one of greatest examples of Pallava art. The temple dates back to the 7th century and bears a testimony to the ancient Vishwakarma Sthapathis. It houses an idol of Lord Vishnu in his Varaha form, a boar lifting Mother Earth.
Krishna Cave Temple
Krishna Cave Temple is an open-air relief dedicated to the might of Lord Krishna. It was later enclosed within a mandap during Vijyanagar empire in 16th century. Various carvings in the monument depict the story of the Lord lifting mount Govardhan and of his frolicking with the milk maids. It is said to be the most poetic depiction of the famous legend.
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