Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu

Mamallapuram meaning “the town of Mamalla, the great wrestler” also known as Mahabalipuram meaning “the town of the great king Bali” it is a town located in Tamil Nadu in the SE India. The place is known for its magnificent temples, shrines, and various historic monuments built between 7^th and 9^th century.

From Bangalore, we started the journey at six in the morning by car. The distance was close to 350 kilometers to Chennai or Madras (old name) then the next day a 60 kilometers journey to Mamallapuram.

Our main goal was actually to go to Chennai and the trip to Mamallapuram was an added bonus. We didn’t get the chance to roam and visit the rock-cut and monolithic architectures, which is the most important part while visiting Mamallapuram! But we did get the chance to meet a very talented sculptor.

It is believed that this place served as a school for young sculptors. And we were lucky to have met one. The lodge we stayed at was the owner and also a talented sculptor, Mr. Natesan. His works are displayed in his garden at Hotel Surya. Below are images of some of his works.   

Lord Shiva as Nataraja

A sculpture of the Hindu God Shiva “Auspicious God” as Nataraja, Nata meaning dance and raja meaning Lord. The dance represents creation and destruction. The image represents balance of the opposite world.

Buddha

Other amazing sculptures in the garden.

Nataraja “The Cosmic Dancer”

Lord Krishna playing flute for Radha

Lord Krishna is the most popular incarnation of the Hindu God Vishnu, the protector and the restorer of moral order. And Radha was the incarnation of the Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. When Krishna plays the flute, all the deer, cows and birds would be enchanted and just listen to Krishna’s divine music.

If you’re interested to see his other works, you’ll find it in his museum and I am sure he will proudly take you there to have a look at his most recent creations.

By accident on our way home we got the chance to see also the Marina Beach.  It was a nice day, blue sky and cool weather. We decided to pull over, rolled our pants and just wet our feet, sit on the sand and just feel the wind while listening to the waves.

Marina Beach

Then on our way back to Bangalore, a snap of the beautiful Sunset on the Chennai-Bangalore Highway.

Sunset at Chennai-Bangalore Highway

TIPS:

1.     If you’re driving from Bangalore-Chennai Highway, bring cash for toll fee. I think we paid 5 to 6 toll along the way, the road was good so it was worth it.

2.     If you’re driving by car, bring some water and snacks (of course) although you can have a stop over at Vellore like we did to order in for food.

Tags: Buddha, Indian sculptures, Krishna, lakshmi, marina beach, nataraja, radha, shiva, tamil nadu