Why the
Mahabalipuram Temples
in the state of Tamil Nadu
are special

This archeological site on the Bay of Bengal has an impressive variety of 7th-to-8th century Hindu monuments.

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Best 3
Mahabalipuram Temples

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Shore Temple  See photo

It looks like one temple, but is really three (two dedicated to Shiva, the other to Vishnu). The Shore Temple's structures and sculptures are in relatively good shape considering that they have been assailed by eroding sea winds and rain for over 12 centuries - and by the ultra-tragic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

Five Chariots

These free standing temples were sculpted from the same single granite mass, to which their bases remain attached. Note: They depict the massive temple-style chariot used in religious processions as opposed to the common chariot used for battle and transportation.

Large Bas Relief

The Arjuna's Penance bas relief measures 27 meters (90 feet) long and 9 meters (30 high). It relates a Hindu epic story.

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More
Mahabalipuram Temple
tips & insights

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Runner-up attraction

It's the Krishna Mandepam, one of the several interesting rock-cut cave temples.

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Getting there

The Mahabalipuram Temples are a 90-minute drive from Chennai, the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu.

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Mahabalipuram photo by Alexanderpf - CC BY 2.0

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