Mahabalipuram Travel Photo Collection

The Mahabalipuram monuments are typically rock-cut and monolithic, and represent the early stages of Dravidian architecture in which Buddhist fundamentals of designs are eminently observable. They are created by cave temples, structural temples, monolithic rathas (chariots) sculpted reliefs etc. The sculptures are admirable illustrations of Pallava Art and the pillars are of the Dravidian order.The most significant examples are Five Rathas known after the renowned five Pandava brothers of the Mahabharatha legend. These Rathas (chariots) are carved out of a single rock with choice of all recognized forms of plan and elevations. Whereas the Draupadhi, Dharma, and Arjuna rathas are square on plan, but the Bhima and Ganesa rathas are rectangular and Sahadeva ratha apsidal.

The Shore Temple is so called because it looks out over the Bay of Bengal. It is supposed that there were seven marvelous temples which are known as the seven pagodas, built near the sea shore. But the solitary survivor is the shore temple. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite. It was originally constructed during the 7th century and later it was Narasimha Varman II, (Rajasimha) who completed the skilled work in his rule. This temple, standing as it is on the sea shore for over one thousand years! Most of its sculptures having been eroded, due to saline action but leaving remnants here and there, mere outlines, shines in its perfect beauty. It is one of the oldest of the south Indian Temples which were structural temples built in the Dravidian style. This shore temple has obtained reputation and visitors gather here because it has been listed among the world heritage sites of the UNESCO. This shore temple is full of designs made by carvings.

Excluding the Rathas and shore temple there were other structures too constructed by the Pallava kings. They were masters in building rock-cut carves and Mandapams. There are 14 such significant constructions in and around Mahabalipuram. Legendary scenes are illustrated on these architectures. The Mandapams are mainly situated on the main hill.

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