| Mahabalipuram Temple
town is located at 58 km from Chennai. Mahabalipuram temples are fascinating
because of their unique architectural and structural style of the past
era.
Temples of Mahabalipuram reflect great sense of artistic work of Pallava
rulers. These temples are regarded as the birthplace of unique new style
of South Indian architecture.
Mahabalipuram temples can be divided into four categories on the basis
of art: monolithic temples constructed in the style of rathas, caves
temple called mandapa, the masonry temples and sculptured scenes or
carved hill edge.
Monolithic Temples
Locally called by the names of Rathas, these temples were constructed
from top to bottom. Pyramidal vimana with sikhara at the top is the
interesting and magnificent feature of monolithic temples. Mahabalipuram
has total 8 monolithic temples- five Rathas at one place, Ganesha Ratha,
Valayankuttai Ratha and Pidari Rathas.
Cave Temples
These temples are constructed by scooping hill from front to back.
These caves temples are divided into inner and outer mandaps. Little
modification in cave temples structure and architecture gave birth to
Mamalla style.
Shore Temple
The most famous temple of Mahabalipuram was built in the 7 th century
during the reign of King Narshima-Varman II Rajasimha. This temple is
the most complex temple of South India. Two shrines are placed one behind
the other, one in east direction and other in west. A rectangular shrine
dedicated to Lord Vishnu while the former two shrines are dedicated
to Lord Shiva separates these two shrines. There is a large open court
located at the western end.
Stalasayana Perumaal Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this is an ancient temple dated back to the
Pallava period. It covers an area of 4 acres with a massive gopuram.
This temple has been mentioned in the Sangam period Tamil work Pattuppaattu.
Tiruvidandai Temple
Another Vishnu temple, located at 42 km from Chennai enroute to Mahabalipuram.
It is also called by the names of Varahapuri and Sripuri. This temple
covers an area of 2.5 acre and faces east direction. This temple contains
features of Chola art. Main feature of the temple is 9 feet high image
of Varaha Perumaal.
Tirukkalunkunram Temple
This Shiva temple located near Mahabalipuram is a group of 2 temples
with grand towers and walls. The presiding deity of ground temple is
Bhaktavatsalar and of hill temple is Vedagireeswarar.
Enjoy Tour to Mahabalipuram Temples along with India Tour Guides. For
more information fill the form below.
| Tamil
Nadu Temples |
| Chidambaram
Temple, Chidambaram |
Rameshwaram
Temples, Rameshwaram |
| Kanchipuram
Temples, Chennai |
Thanjavur
Temples, Thanjavur |
| Ekambareswarar
Temple, Kanchipuram |
Jain
Temple, Chennai |
| Kailasanathar
Temple, Kanchipuram |
Perur
Patteeswaraswamy Temple, Coimbatore |
| Mahabalipuram
Temples, Mahabalipuram |
Parthasarathy
Temple, Chennai |
| Meenakshi
Temple, Madurai |
|
|
