Charms of Pallava Architecture

A 50 km smooth ride from Chennai on the ECR highway leads to Mahabalipuram, also called Mamalapuram. Home to beautiful Pallava architecture; Mahabalipuram has lovely marble and stone structures diligently maintained by the archaeological authorities.

The monolithic temples called Five Rathas are termed as Pancha Pandava Rathas though they have nothing to do with Mahabharata. The fact that each temple is carved out of single rock is fascinating enough for a person to wander around and be lost in the beautiful structures.

Strange Krishna’s Butterball and the cave temples are the other lovely structures around the vicinity of lighthouse. These structures being sporadic over a large area demands energy and sweat. A bottle of water is definitely helpful.

The fame of Mahabalipuram is the Seashore temple with two gopuras dedicated to Lord Shiva. The carvings are wonderful and the stones are kind of reddish in colour. Don’t miss the strange Shiva Linga in one of the gopuras. It is worthwhile to sit in the shades watching the gopuras listening to the music of waves. Peace of mind is surely delivered.

Note: Pictures courtesy Sony Ericsson W610i mobile device. This place is sure a boon for SLR.