Mahabalipuram

 Mahabalipuram – The Rathas & Beyond

(Short Story Part II)

Our overnight stay in Mahabalipuram was suggested by a  family friend, an IAS officer, who insisted that we explore the town in the early morning.  The humid climate of South India makes morning visits far more comfortable, allowing you to take in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site at ease.

In my last post, I spoke about the Shore Temple. Today, let’s explore another marvel—the Rathas and Krishna Mandapam of Mahabalipuram.

Mahabalipuram is a living museum, with over 40 monolithic wonders carved from single rock formations in the 8th century. These structures have created a self-sustaining local economy, providing employment to skilled sculptors and craftsmen whose artistry is renowned worldwide.

Our first stop was the Rathas—six rock-cut temples shaped like chariots. Though never used for worship, they served as architectural prototypes. Some associate them with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, while others link them to Hindu deities like Durga, Vishnu, Brahma, Shiva, and Indra’s celestial elephant, Airavata. Each Ratha has its own design, drawing influences from Dravidian, Bengali, and Buddhist architecture.

Next, we visited Krishna Mandapam, an intricately carved rock panel depicting Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill. Nearby stands Krishna’s Butter Ball, a massive boulder mysteriously balanced on a slope, unmoved for centuries. Even Pallava kings and British officials failed to shift it!

Mahabalipuram isn’t just about history—it’s a testament to India’s artistic brilliance. The town continues to produce master sculptors whose creations are sought after worldwide. If you love art, history, and culture, this place is an unmissable gem.

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