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.
