Religious/ Spiritual

Mayuranathaswamy temple in Mayiladuthurai is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Husband of Goddess Parvathy. Mayuranathaswamy literally means husband of Mayuram (incarnation of Parvathy), that is Lord Shiva. This is known as the ‘big temple’ in Mayiladuthurai. The origin of this temple is related to the mythical story of Parvathy’s birth as a peacock and her prayer to Lord Shiva. The Shiva Lingam in this temple is really immaculate.

Arjuna's Penance is a famous rock sculpture that portrays a story out of India lore. It is carved onto the back side of a whale shaped rock. The sculpture measures 9 meters high and 27 meters long. Arjuna is the great hero of the great epic Mahabharata, and the name of the sculpture comes from his story. There is some controversy however as to whether the story portrayed is actually the story of Arjuna or if it is the story of Bhagiratha who is an ancestor to Lord Rama. Numerous gods and demigods as well as animals and people are all carved on the sculpture.

The Five Rathas, also known as Panch Rathas, is a set of rock temples. They are excellent examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture. These temples are built in the same shape as pagodas, and greatly resemble Buddhist shrines and monasteries. The rathas are associated with the great epic Mahabharata. The first ratha that is located right by the entrance gate is Draupadi's Ratha. It is shaped like a hut and is dedicated to the goddess Durga. Next comes Arjuna's Rath. This one has a small portico and carved pillar stones and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

There is a huge rock standing on one of the hills of Mamallapuram which is named as Krishna's Butter Rock. This rock stands on one side of the hill and looks as if it will roll down. Fearing any such accident, the Government once tried to pull down the rock with the help of elephants. But it did not even budge.
Mahabalipuram is still to be discovered. There are mysteries still to be uncovered. Whatever it is, Mahabalipuram is a marvelous example Dravidian and Pallava architectural skills.

Mahishasuramardini cave, remarkable for the two impressive friezes at each end of its long hallway. On the panel to the right, Durga, the mother of the universe, is shown seated on her lion,. She is shown in the process of killing the buffalo-headed demon, Mahisha. At the opposite end of the veranda, there is a sculpture in which Lord Vishnu is depicted sleeping peacefully on his serpent bed. On top of the hill, there is another section that portrays sculpted figures and mythical scenes, including one large panel of Lord Vishnu as a gigantic boar.

There are many mandapams in Mahabalipuram. Some of the important ones are Krishna Mantapa, Mahishasuramardini Mantapa, and Varaha Matapa. Krishna Mandapam is the biggest among the Mandapams and it lies next to the Arjuna's Penance. The sculptures inside this Mandapam beautifully picturize the myth of Lord Krishna during his brave and energetic adulthood.
Mahishasura Mardini Mandapam is a rock cut temple. It consists of three small shrives in the inner wall which is exactly the typical pattern of the pallava art and architecture.

Placed in a sandy land, the five chariots (Panch Rathas) are named after the five Pandava brothers. Although they are not completed, but even these incomplete structures provide you with a mesmerizing view into the past. The five chariots are so well crafted that it seems as if they are trying to show off their architectural brilliance. All five structures are carved out of a single pieces of rock that underlines the fact that, even without super technology, the people in that era were highly skilled and crafty. These shrines are an epitome of perfect and precise planning. The dome-shaped tower found on some of the temples here, became an inspiration and example for other South Indian temples.

Tradition has it that there once stood seven temples along the shore line in this area. Today, the only one that is there is the Shore Temple. It was built during the 7th century by the artisan Rajasimha under the rule of Narasimha Varman II. It is one of the oldest temples that can be found in South India that is built in the Dravidian style. It has lately increased in popularity because it is now listed as one of the world heritage sites of the UNESCO. Numerous carvings can be found throughout the temple. Three separate buildings make up the temple.

Tiger's Caves is near the coastal village of Salurankuppam that is only 5 kilometers to the north of Mahabalipuram. This amazing mandapa contains a shrine that is dedicated to the goddess Durga. There are large and impressive figures located in front of the caves. As with most carvings in India, the carvings and figures tell a story. This story has to do with an event that happened to the goddess Durga. The Tiger's Caves are a popular picnic spot, so you may want to plan your day s that you are there at lunch time.