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Interesting Facts about Heritage Places in Mahabalipuram that Survived Tsunami Will Leave You Amazed!

Mahabalipuram, a town near Chennai has a rich historical and heritage wrapped within self. Apart from being the  place which is almost water locked from all sides, there are many interesting facts about Mahabalipuram that are noteworthy. The marvel of the must visit places in this town and Mahabalipuram as a whole is that these monuments braved the massive Tsunami that jolted the south-eastern coastal areas of India along with many other neighboring countries. Amidst the massive destruction that was caused by the natural calamity there was a silver lining too which you will come to know on reading the article.

According to the legends and history books, Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram was called ‘Kadalmalai’ meaning the land of sea and mountain. Later it got its popular name Mahabalipuram after the the kind-hearted asura king Mahabali. However, when the Pallavas started ruling the place, the name was changed again and kept after the name of one the first powerful kings from this dynasty namely Narasimhavarman-I who was also known as Mamallan. Here are the interesting facts about Mahabalipuram and the must visit places when in this coastal town:

  • List of Contents

    Shore Temple – ‘The’ monument which has tonnes of interesting facts to tell about Mahabalipuram:

Shore Temple - Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram Source: Copyright www.theotherbraininc.com
Shore Temple – Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram Source: www.theotherbraininc.com

This temple was constructed by the most famous rulers of this region, Pallavas around 600-700 A.D.  Theyused Mahabalipuram as a trading sea port and this temple also acted as the landmark for navigation. This is also the reason that artisans from many foreign lands worked on building of this temple and other monuments in Mahabalipuram. Their cultural influence is quite evident here like the carvings of lion & dragon which is characteristic of Chinese & other South-East Asian countries. It is one of the oldest stone temples in South India.

When seen from a distance it resembles the Dharamraja rath (Chariot). The shore temple is a collection of seven temples or seven pagodas as popularly known. Out of these seven temples five temples are still visible while two temples are submereged in the water. The tip of one such temple can be seen inside the water during a ferry ride which is available near to the beach area.

Shore Temple - Another Portion Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram
Shore Temple – Another Portion Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram

Shore temple was constructed by two kings namely Mahendra Varman -II & Narimha Varman. During this very time, the inception of  another town Kanchipuram as the town for silk cloth making was done. There are about 2000 temples in Kanchipuram and it is said that this is because the workers in the silk factories considered it to be a pious task and so they first used to visit the temple, pay homage to deity and then start their work. Kanchipuram is still famous for its unique silk sarees and clothing material.

It is said that the sculpture in Mahabalipuram and that of Angkor Wat in Cambodia have striking resemblance. The marvel of the sculptures within the temple complex is that with just a chisel & a hammer, workers of that time carved not only beautiful statues and more but also tried to narrate the stories of Gods & Goddess. There are 63 statues of Nandi here. At one place in the temple complex there is a statue of lion which is the vehicle of Goddess Parvati from Hindu mythology. Within this statue itself there is a small sculpture of Goddess and just near to its bottom there is another sculpture of a beheaded deer as a mark of sacrifice to deity.

Tsunami Catastrophe & the Silver Lining:

During the 2004 Tsunami catastrophe, Shore temple was the first monument to get hit in this town but because of its strength, it survived. As per locals thee temple complex was thoroughly covered by sand however once the catastrophe was over on clearing the sand there were a few more sculpted monuments etc. were discovered. These were hidden below the soil before Tsunami came.

The defeat of Pallava kings in a war against the Chalukya dynasty ruler led to this collection of temples being left incomplete.

  • Arjuna’s Penance & Ganga’s Descent Monument:

Arjuna's Penance & Ganga's Descend Monument - Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram
Arjuna’s Penance & Ganga’s Descent Monument – Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram

A monument hardly half kilometer away from Shore Temple stands tall named Arjuna’s Penance. It is also known by thee name of Descent of Ganga Monument. This is because in this monument the sculpture’s that are carved indicate on two narratives that have found their place in the local folklore. One is about Arjuna’s pleading for penance to God post the war at Kurukshetra and the other story is how Bhagirath prayed to God and brought Ganga river on earth.

Here there are 150 different sculptures carved comprising of  various animals like Snake, Cat, Rat, Elephant, Sun, Moon and more while the most bizzare ones being the sculptures of lizard and dragon.

Have you seen this old 10 Rs. note? Check again at Arjuna's Penance & Ganga's Descend Monument - Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram
Have you seen this old 10 Rs. note? Check again at Arjuna’s Penance & Ganga’s Descend Monument – Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram

Further, there is one interesting sculpture that is the favorite spot of all guides. It is the sculpture of a pair of deer which is to the bottom of this monument. The reason for the same is that this deer pair can be noticed on the old 10 Rs. Indian currency note. When late former Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi visited Mahabalipuram for the opening of the nuclear power plant in 1980s, she also visited these monuments and she liked the deer sculpture so much that she recommended it to be used within the design of Rs. 10 bill.

  • Krishna’s Butter Ball:

Only Hercules might be able to shift this rock also known as Krishna's Butter Ball - Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram
Only Hercules might be able to shift this rock! – Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram

Among all the must visit places in Mahabalipuram, Krishna’s Butter Ball as it is popularly known is one that is truly Incredible. Basically it is a gigantic rock that stands tall on a horizontally placed small hilltop like rocky area. Now the incredible thing about it is that it though it in the shape of a ball but it has been standing and balancing at the same place from infinite amount of time. Its color and shape has hardly changed in all these years.

Another monument at Krishna's Butter Ball- Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram
Another monument at Krishna’s Butter Ball- Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram

When Pallavas came to this place it was already there and post that many natural calamities like Tsunami (2004) and acts to push the rock by applying varied kinds of force have failed to deter this rock from its place. Even scientists of various countries have come and done experiments on it to know the reason behind this unfathomable balance.

  • Old Light House:

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The old light house is not in the conventional shape like the modern light houses. It again is a canvas for the then artisans who have left their work in the form of sculptures. As  visible in the previous monuments, here also the sculptures are etched to narrate a story. The architecture found here is of monolithic style and has sculptures of Shesh-nag (snake), Lord Shiva reclining. Some other sculptures here are of Goddess Durga & Mahishasura depicting the story of how Goddess killed the trouble making anti-hero.

On reaching to the top of this old lighthouse there is a sculpture called Dakshina Murthi which has a statue of Shiva inside. From the top of this lighthouse entire Mahabalipuram town along the breathtaking view of Bay is visible on one side making it one of the must visit places in Mahabalipuram. While from the other side of this lighthouse the nuclear power plant located in Kalpakkam is visible.

New Lighthouse as seen from top of Old Lighthouse! - Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram
New Lighthouse as seen from top of Old Lighthouse! – Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram

At a stone’s throwaway distance there is the new lighthouse. However, the heritage beauty in true sense is the old lighthouse which is a protected monument by Archaeological Survey of India.

  • Paanch Rathas:

Another of the monolithic architectural gems in Mahabalipram is the Paanch Rathas. This monument complex also perfectly befits ones purpose of doing a heritage walk in Mahabalipuram within a limited time frame. Paanch rathas monument are said to be excavated only 200 years ago from under the sand.

Paanch Rathas monument - Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram
Paanch Rathas monument – Interesting facts about Mahabalipuram

Here there are five chariot shaped temple like monuments made namely after Arjuna, Dharamraj Yudhistar, Draupadi, Nakul & Sahdev, Bhima. These places are not consecrated though they were meant to be worshiping place.

These chariot monuments vary in shapes & structure. This gives an idea about the advanced status of architecture planning.

After enjoying the beaches of this town, doing a heritage walk and learning interesting facts about Mahabalipuram is amazing. It takes you back to the history chapters that were there during the school time. All these places can very easily be covered in one or maximum two days.

Hotel Sponsor: Chariot Beach Resort {Click here to read the review of Chariot Beach Resort, Mahabalipuram}

(35) Comments

  1. Heard alot about this butter ball.. Dying to see it ? Loved Ur post alot hun..

  2. Such amazing pictures from mahabalipuram I just loved it all

  3. I ALWAYS LOVE TO TRAVEL HISTORICAL PLACES AND LOVE TO HEAR THE STORY ABOUT IT.. love TO READ IT

  4. The looks even more beautiful and quite peaceful too if it isn’t crowded.

  5. Love this article and after seeing the pictures and reading about it i so wish to go there will plan out soon 🙂

  6. Wow… This place is so serene and beautiful

  7. You have listed some best place to see in Mahabalipuram. Last month my parents went to visit Mahabalipuram. Thanks for sharing this incredible and interesting facts about Heritage Places.

  8. Had never known so much about Mahabalipuram! Facts about Shore Temple were really interesting and great that it survived Tsunami!

  9. So much to discover! had learned a bit in History, but there are more facts here than I knew befre!

  10. I am really amazed to read such interesting things about Mahabalipuram. There is so much that we are not aware of related to our own country. Loved reading the post

  11. preety85 says:

    Very informative post, thanx for sharing all the details.

  12. Wow, this place is full of history.. Love the place so much.. Would definitely visit once..

  13. hdpreeti says:

    Beautiful pictures Judy – loved the nuggets about Mahabalipuram

  14. Awesome pictures and details. Mahabalipuram is replete with history and mystery 🙂

  15. I have been here twice and every time I learn something new. Indian history is so rich!

  16. wow this was a really interesting read.. knew only about some of these places, but you have compiled them beautifully..

  17. Papri Ganguly says:

    Never knew such facts but heard a lot about butter ball. Such a beautiful and magical place

  18. Michelle Job says:

    Beautifully documented in words and pictures. I am from Tamil Nadu. But Mahabs is one of the few places I haven’t seen yet. Should visit it sometime!

  19. I am really happy with your blog because your article is very powerful for a new reader, thanks for sharing!!

  20. Very informative post. I love to have some background of the places people visit because just putting up pictures doesn’t give much perspective. Good job on this one!

  21. Seems amazing place. Thanks for sharing.

  22. We are planning to visit here soon. Have heard a lot about this wonderful place. Thanks for sharing this post. Will guide us well while planning our visit.

  23. Dr. Surbhi Prapanna says:

    I had heard a lot about Mahabalipuram but never get a chance to visit it. Krishna’s Butter Ball look like an amazing spot here. will love to visit this my family someday in future.

  24. This post was nostalgic for me. I love Mahabalipuram! The sea, the hills and the temples are ethereal. Even I sighted the submerged temples. And Krishna’s butter ball I had a great fall!

  25. Rightly mentioned the monuments in Mahabalipuram are strong enough that they stood straight in the massive Tsunami. Love how all the important details have been shared.

  26. alpanadeo says:

    Heard about this place but I have discovered many new things from this post. Good to know about the reason behind the pair pf deers on Rs.10 and also Butter Ball was interesting and new to me.

  27. This is a very interesting post, butter ball is one thing that I’ve been wanting to see, let’s see when does that happens.

  28. We were planning to visit Mahabalipuram in dec, but missed it because of covid restrictions. Will keep this post saved and plan our next visit soon.

  29. This is such a beautiful post and I loved the way you have shared all the details!!

  30. Mahabalipuram in Chennai seems like a place filled with history and story. The place looks so beautiful and artistic. Will definitely check it out when in Chennai next

  31. The stories and history of Mahabalipuram has been divine and with the intresting facts attached to it, I shall surely plan to visit with family as I am an ardent fan of history.

  32. This place is an historical Marvel. I’ve been to Chennai for an event but not been around to explore. I’ve also heard about Mahabalipuram but was not aware about the rich history and the Tsunami story. Thanks for sharing this interesting piece.

  33. Mahabalipuram is a great place with lots of historic heritage. I’ve visited a number of times as part of school excursions and family trip

  34. It’s a great information for history enthusiasts like me .thank u so much for such wonderful research

  35. sonu chouhan says:

    Very very useful information.thank u for wonderful research…i love such information..i love such sites

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