Mamallapuram, the second capital and seaport of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram was at the height of its political power and artistic creativity between fifth to eighth centuries. Most of the temple and rock carving here date back to the reigns of Narasimha Varman I and Narasimha Varman II.

The early Pallava kings were followers of Jain religion, but the conversion of Mahendra Varman I to Shaivism explains why most temples at Mamallapuram (and Kanchipuram) are dedicated to either Shiva or Vishnu.

The sculptures here show scenes of everyday life- women milk buffaloes, pompous city dignitaries. On the contrary, the carvings in the rest of the state are mostly related to gods, goddesses and images of ordinary folk conspicuous by their absence. There is much to see at Mamallapuram. Approximately 200 stone sculptors line the streets and chisel their stone from dawn to be beyond dusk. Mamallapuram is especially popular with tourists and weekenders from Chennai.

Shore Temple
Originally constructed around the middle of seventh century, this beautiful and romantic temple was later rebuilt in the reign of Narsimha Varman II (also known as Rajasimha). The temple represents final phase of Pallava art. The two main spires of the temple contain shrines for Shiva. Facing east and west, the original linga captured the sunrise and sunset. A shrine dedicated to reclining Vishnu is also contained in the temple. In 1996, ruins illustrating Vishnu were exposed. A huge rock wall now protects the temple from further erosion.

The shore temples of Mahabalipuram are famous all over the world. This village is situated on the Bay of Bengal at 58 kms from Madras. The Pallavas, Patrons of Tamil culture made it as their second capital. Most of the rock carvings and temples here were done during the reign of Narsimha Veman I and II. These rock carvings and temples lack grandeur, yet, it is their simplicity that captivates every eye. The romantic theme of the shore temple is simply fabulous. It is one of the most photographed monuments of India. The scene in the night when the monuments are floodlit is so brilliant that words cannot justify the beauty. The carvings depict scenes from day to day life.

The stone carving art at Mahabalipuram can be divided into four categories: - open air bas - relief's, structured temples, man-made caves and rathas (chariots carved from single boulders, to resemble temples or chariots used in temple processions). The famous Arjuna's Penance and the Krishna Mandapa, adorn massive rocks near the center of the village. The beautiful Shore Temple towers over the waves, behind a protective breakwater. Sixteen man-made caves in different stages of completion are also seen, scattered through the area.

Places to see

Arjuna's Penance
The story of the river Ganges flowing from the high Himalayas is depicted in this stone carving. Fables from the Panchatantra, animals some deities and Arjuna doing a penance a boon from Lord Shiva are encarved here It is said that Arjuna had made a journey to a bank on the river Ganges to do penance, in the hope that Shiva would part with his favorite weapon, the pashupatashastra, a magic staff or arrow. Another school of thought says that the scene depicts Bhagirathi's Penance.

Mandapams (lowrise, rockcut halls)
In all there are eight mandapams scattered over the main hill, two of which have been left unfinished. The internal figure sculptures are very fascinating.