Mamallapuram

Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is a historic coastal town in the Kanchipuram district of Tamil Nadu, India, located on the Bay of Bengal about 60 kilometers south of Chennai. The town’s name derives from the Pallava king Mamalla (Narasimhavarman I), and it is renowned for a group of rock-cut and monolithic monuments that date from the 7th and 8th centuries.

The site comprises several components built under Pallava patronage, reflecting early Dravidian architecture. Key features include the Rock-cut Cave Temples, the Pancha Rathas (Five Rathas), and the large bas-relief known as Arjuna’s Penance or the Descent of the Ganges. The Pancha Rathas are a set of five monolithic shrines carved from single granite blocks, each shaped like a chariot and named after Pandava brothers. Arjuna’s Penance is one of the world’s largest open-air rock reliefs, depicting mythological figures and scenes. The Shore Temple, perched above the sea, is a temple complex dedicated to Shiva dating to the late 7th or early 8th century and is noted for its coastal setting.

In 1984, Mahabalipuram was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, recognizing its historical and architectural significance. Today, the town is a major archaeological and tourist destination, complemented by a nearby beach and cultural attractions.