World famous for its shore temples,
Mahabalipuram, was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. 58
kilometres from Madras on the Bay of Bengal, this tiny sea side village of Mahabalipuram,
is set in a boulder strewn landscape. Tourists are drawn to this place by its
miles of unspoiled beach and rock-cut art. The sculpture of this place, is particularly
interesting, because it shows scenes of day-to- day life, in contrast to the
rest of the state of Tamil Nadu, where carvings generally depict gods and goddesses.
Mahabalipuram art is divided into four categories : open air bas reliefs, structured
temples, man-made caves and rathas ('chariots' carved from single boulders,
to resemble temples or chariots used in temple processions). The famous Arjuna's
Penance and the Krishna Mandapa, adorn massive rocks near the centre of the
village. The beautiful Shore Temple towers over the waves, behind a protective
breakwater. Sixteen manmade caves in different stages of completion, are also
seen scattered through the area.
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