Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is famous all over the world for its Shore Temple. It is a small town having a population of 13, 300 only. Mamallapuram was the second capital and sea port of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram, the first Tamil dynasty of any real consequence to emerge after the fall of the Gupta Empire. The Pallava Kings established themselves as the arbiters and patrons of early Tamil culture between the 5th and 8th centuries AD. Most of the temples and rock carvings here were completed during the reigns of Narasimha Varman I (630 -668 AD) and Narasimha Varman II (700 -728 AD). They are notable for the delightful freshness and simplicity of their folk-art origins, in contrast to the most grandiose monuments built by later larger empires such as the Cholas. The Shore Temple in particular strikes a very romantic theme and is one of the most photographed monuments in India.
The wealth of the Pallava Kingdom was based on the encouragement of agriculture, as opposed to pastoralism, and the increased taxation revenue and surplus produce which could be raised through this settled lifestyle. The early Pallava Kings were followers of the Jain religion, but the conversion of Mahendra Varman I (600 - 630 AD) to Shaivism by Saint Appar was to have disastrous effects on the future of Jainism in Tamil Nadu, and explains why most temples at Mamallapuram and at Kanchipuram are dedicated to either Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu.
Mamallapuram is a pleasant little place positioned at the foot of a low-lying boulder-strewn hill where most of the rock carvings are to be found. Carved in relief on the face of a huge rock, Arjuna’s Penance is the mythical story of the River Ganga flowing from its source high in the Himalayas. There are eight Mandapams (shallow rock-cut halls) scattered over the main hill, two of which have been left unfinished. Krishna Mandapam is one of the earliest rock-cut temples, featuring the carvings of a pastoral scene showing Krishna lifting up the Govardhana mountain to protect his kinsfolk from the wrath of Indra.
The Shore Temple is a beautiful and romantic one, ravaged by wind and sea. It represents the final phase of the Pallava art and was built in the late 7th century during the reign of Rajasimha.
Fourteen kilometers from Mamallapuram is Tirukkalikundram, which is a popular pilgrimage centre. It is also known as the Hill of the Holy Eagles. Its hilltop temple is famous as two eagles come here every day, just before noon, to be fed by a priest. Legend has it that they come from Varanasi and are on their way to Rameswaram. This place is also known as Pakshiteertham.
I try my best to come here whenever I am in Chennai. I am also told that exactly at noon the two Eagles are fed by the priest. No one knows since how long they are coming. Be it summer, winter, rain or storm, the two Eagles will come to be fed by their priest. A Wonderful Phenomenon !