Mahabalipuram temple & Rathas (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram was a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. It is believed to have been named after the Pallava king Mamalla.

* Thirukadalmallai, the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu
* Descent of the Ganges - a giant open-air bas relief



* Arjuna's Penance - relief sculpture on a massive scale extolling an episode from the Hindu epic, The Mahabharata.

In one interpretation, a figure in the bas-relief who is standing on one leg is said to be Arjuna performing an austerity
Tapas to receive a boon from Shiva as an aid in fighting the Mahabharata war. The boon which Arjuna is said to have
received was called Pasupata, Shiva's most powerful weapon.



* Varaha Cave Temple - a small rock cut 7th century temple.