Mahabalipuram Tour from Chennai takes us to the 8th century world heritage site famous for spectacular rock cut architecture. The experience comprises spell binding Pancha Rathas or Chariots carved in stone, Asia’s largest bas-relief structure at Arjuna’s Penance, a gravity defying boulder and the magnificent Shore Temple, which was one of the 7 Pagodas as mentioned by Marco Polo during his visit in the 11th Century.
Mahabalipuram was known to be a trading post during Roman Times. It rose to prominence as a bustling seaport during the rule of the Pallava Dynasty headquartered in Kanchipuram during the 7th century AD. Ships sailing from South India to South East Asia used to depart from the Mahabalipuram port.
Pancha Rathas
We reach the World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. Panch Rathas, or the 5 chariots is our first destination. These are rock cut monolith structures, where of the chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharata epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva.
Arjuna’s Penance
Next in our Mahabalipuram tour from Chennai, we visit Arjuna’s Penance, a 100 feet x 45 feet bas relief where an entire masterpiece from the Mahabharata epic has been carved.
The river Ganga is at the centre of the panel, surrounded by divine beings, hunters, animals, birds and trees belonging to the Himalayan ranges. Do not miss the sculpture of a cat standing on one leg in imitation of a holy man while plump mice gather around!
Krishna’s Butterball
The next halt is at Krishna’s Butterball, a curious sight of a 5 meters diameter ball shaped boulder which is perched precariously on a slope and seems to defy Newton’s laws of gravity!
Ganesha Ratha
This is a imposing chariot carved out of a single stone. Originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, it now has the deity of his son Lord Ganesh. It was built in the 7th century by King Mahendravarman I. The other highlight of this temple are the 18 inscriptions in ancient grantha and nagari scripts of Sanskrit.
Mahishasura Mardini Cave
Two of the most impressive works of art of Mahabalipuram reside in this cave. It has 2 imposing bas-reliefs on the walls. The first one is Lord Vishnu sleeping on top of the coils of a serpent. The other is with Goddess Durga fighting with the demon on a lion.
Varaha Cave
The Varaha cave is carved out of huge piece of granite and dates back to the 7th century. This temple took several decades to be completed. There are squatting lions adorning the pillars which support the hall. Another highlight are the sculptures of two guardian angels who protect the sanctum.
Shore Temple
The magnificent Shore temple beckons us next in the Mahabalipuram tour from Chennai. This 8th century structural temple is made of granite and served as a beacon for sea farers of the time. Legend says that this was a part of a complex of 7 temples dotted along the Sea. In fact the legendary traveler Marco Polo also mentioned Mahabalipuram in his memoirs and called it the city of 7 pagodas.
The tour is organised by Five Senses Tours Private Limited which is recognised by the ministry of tourism. The company supports local communities by way of providing livelihood, training and employment of local guides and procurement of local products.