Mamallapuram is around 58 km south to Chennai. The world famous shore temple has been listed among the world heritage sites of UNESCO. The beach temple was built during the seventh century in the period of Rajasimha.
The temple hasn’t suffered much from the sea, as there is already a breakwater protecting it. The waves have only caused damage to the pavement.
Mamallapuram is famous for its stone carvings. Most magnificent carving is “Arjuna’s Penance”, which is the largest carving (30m long by 15m high) on the face of the rock. Arjuna’s Penance is a story from the Mahabharata and shows how Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata, performed severe austerities in order to obtain Shiva’s weapon.
“Five Rathas” Five monolithic temples each created in different style. They are also known as Pancha Pandava Rathas.
“Krishna Mandapam”, it is a rock cut temple and has a carving showing Krishna lifting up the Govardhana Mountain to protect people from the wrath of Indra.
