Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. It is believed to have been named after the Pallava King Mamalla.

Though it is no longer a port, Mamallapuram has retained its fame, thanks to the great Pallava artisans. It is among the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture and the jewel in the crown of the Pallava contribution to Tamil Nadu. In a land that is liberally strewn with some of the best in temple art, Mamallapuram holds its own, and stands as a silent yet eloquent witness to the glory of its creators and sculptors. Unfortunately most of the work was left incomplete, and time and nature have also eroded the remains of this once great port.

Despite this, Mamallapuram's wonders in rock leave visitors enthralled, conveying as they do, an impression of beauty, harmony, gentle wit and humour. The monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their beauty even after sunset. The Mamallapuram dance festival is conducted every year during Jan - Feb. It is a month long festival and dances are organized during the weekends. Well-known exponents of the art perform classical dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Odissi.

ATTRACTIONS

Caves -

There are nine rock cut cave temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave, contrasting the goddess fighting a demon on one side, and Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep on the other, is a particularly remarkable one.

Krishna Mandapam -

This cave has a big bas-relief, the world's largest and measuring 27m X 9m, and is the pride of Mamallapuram, notable for its realistic representation. The panel relates one of the stories of Lord Krishna. The huge whale back shaped rock contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts, birds and infact, representatives of the entire creation.

The Shore Temple -

This is one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 8th Century AD and is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style.

Five Rathas -

These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent example of Pallava art. Shaped in different styles, the five structures are named after the Pandava brothers of Mahabharatha and Draupadi. These are monolithic temples, each created in a different style, they are also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas, and the forts of the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock formation.

Mandapas -
There are a number of Mandapas in Mamallapuram, which are adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs. The sculptures display the artistic skills of Pallavan rock cutters. The main objects seen carved here are the figures of Gods and Goddesses. The Ganesh Mandapam is an active shrine even today and bears the figure of an Elephant God. Varaha Mandapam is dedicated to the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, namely Varaha - the boar and Vamana - the dwarf. Mahishasurmardini Mandapam depicts Goddess Durga, slaying a demon. Panch Pandava Mandapam is unfinished and is adorned with delicate carvings.