In the nick of time between the motions of a wave that was advancing and receding one we could see the outline of what appeared to be small, dark-colored boulders. As we moved on, we saw numerous such structures spread across the entire area. "These are the remains of the six submerged Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram that surfaced briefly during the deadly tsunami in 2004," stated our boatman. It hasn't been established beyond doubt that the structure submerged are actually the temples or pagodas that were lost in Mamallapuram however, experts from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) have confirmed the existence of ancient structures that are beneath the water, and may be part of the port town that was likely to have been swallowed by the sea a few centuries ago.
It is located around 60km to the south Chennai, Mahabalipuram is a long-established tourist destination whose international appeal increased following UNESCO classified the old group of sites in the area as an World Heritage Site in 1984.
We were just a few kilometers into the sea and enjoying a boat ride organised with Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram, when the boatman pointed out an area in the sea where waves seemed to pound violently over the obstruction. Within a split second between the motions of a wave that was advancing and receding one we saw a glimpse of what we believed to be small, dark-colored boulders. As we moved on, we saw additional such formations that were spread across the entire area. "These are the remains of the six submerged Shore Temples of Mamallapuram that surfaced briefly during the deadly tsunami in 2004," stated our boatman. It hasn't been established beyond doubt that the structure submerged are actually the temples or pagodas that were lost in Mamallapuram however, experts from the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) have confirmed the existence of old structures submerged. They might be part or the ports city which was probably swallowed up by the sea a few centuries ago.
It is located around 60km to the south Chennai, Mahabalipuram is a long-standing tourist destination that has seen its international appeal increased following UNESCO classified the old collection of temples in the area as an World Heritage Site in 1984.
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Boats docked at Mahabalipuram's store in Mahabalipuram
It is said that during the seventh and eighth centuries Mahabalipuram (or Mamallapuram) was an active port city that was which was under the control of the Pallava dynasty. Art and architecture lovers they supported the construction of exquisitely carved monuments made of rock, as well as other architectural landmarks.
A trip to Mahabalipuram generally starts at an excursion to the Shore Temple. It was built at the start in the eighth century this stone-cut temple sits along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. According to legends, it was one of seven shore temples constructed however there is no record of what transpired with those six others. The interest for this particular Shore Temple renewed after survivors who were on the coastline in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami claimed to have seen evidence of ancient structures and statues in the seabed when the water receded for only a moment before the tsunami hit.
Explorations conducted by an NIO team, as well as participants of members of the Scientific Exploration Society, U.K. have already found evidence of ruins in the waters off Mahabalipuram as they conducted underwater explorations in April of 2002. Following the tsunami, divers have reported discovering an intricately carved lion an elephant half-completed, as well as the stallion flying, as well as other items.
The site is subject to natural erosion and The main Shore Temple is in the process of being restored as we discovered on our visit to the temple in the late summer. The tourists were however climbing up the remaining architecture-related ruins in the temple complex.
The five temples with a chariot in the Pancha Ratha complex are interesting not just as monolithic structures dating up to the 8th century and 7th centuries, but additionally for their appearance. The temples were named in honor of their five Pandava brothers, and Draupadi. The first one is named after Draupadi is shaped like an a thatched roofed hut made of Bengal. The second, which is known as Arjuna's Rath is shaped like the shape of a Buddhist Vihara. Between the two are massive sculptures depicting a lion an elephant, and bull. The one is named in honor of Bhima is a vaulted-roof roof.
These cave-like temples also known locally as mandapas are distinctive in style. They are located on the outskirts of the town and sculptured Varaha Cave temple dates back to the 7th century. Its Tiger Cave, probably an open-air theatre, is one of the most popular attractions. Mandapas that are popular are ones which are dedicated to Ganesh, Krishna and Mahishasuramardini.
Arjuna's Penance is said as one of the biggest bas reliefs anywhere in the globe, is observed at the intersection. The 27m x 9m piece has more than one hundred sculptures. Two of the most famous scenes that are depicted here come from one of the two Indian epics. One of them, the one from Mahabharata depicts Arjuna doing a penance in order to please Shiva as well as one from Ramayana shows Bhagiratha praying to Shiva. one from Ramayana depicts Bhagiratha asking Shiva to let Ganga to ascend to the surface.
Krishna's Butter Ball, a huge boulder that was placed on a rocky platform over the centuries has transformed into a fun selfie area.
However, today, Mahabalipuram is not only about architecture and history. Its beautiful beaches and adventurous sports are also major drawcards. Covelong (also also known as Kovalam) approximately 20km from the beach, has become a popular destination for surfers all over the world.
If you have time You can also go to The Cholamandalam Artists' Village (35km away) as well as Dakshin Chitra (25km) which are both located within Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu and Chennai. Dakshin Chitra has a collection of 18 historical homes that have a range of contextual exhibits in every house.
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The journey to Mahabalipuram: Mahabalipuram is about 60km via road from Chennai and is the nearest railway station and airport.Accommodation: There are a variety of resorts and hotels in or around Mamallapuram. The extravagant Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram is situated along the shoreline. It is able to arrange local excursions and sightseeing without prior notice.
Where to Go: most ideal timing to travel to Mahabalipuram is in winter.As managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, the monuments of the heritage group are open daily from 6am until 6pm. The timings can vary in accordance with the season and other special events. Admission tickets to Shore Temple Shore Temple is Rs 40 per head for Indians and 600 Rs for foreigners. Tickets purchased here can be used for all temples within Mamallapuram. Guides are plentiful, however they are not all accredited.
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