Weekend Getaway: Mahabalipuram Temples
Mahabalipuram is a monument complex on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal, in Kancheepuram district(near Chennai) The sculptures are excellent examples of Pallava art. The monuments are mostly rock-cut and monolithic, and constitute the early stages of Dravidian architecture. Mahabalipuram is known for its architectural grandeur.It was nicknamed the "land of seven pagodas".
Package Includes
Accommodation
Food
Cab
Sthalapuranam
Itinerary Temples
- Tiger cave
- Mahishashuramardhini Rock Cut Mandapa
- Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple
- Five Rathas
- Arjuna’s Penance
- The Shore Temple
Full Itinerary
Evening
Tiger Cave
- It gets its name from the carvings of tiger heads on the mouth of a cave which forms a part of the complex.
- The rocky outcrop close to Tiger Cave. The discovery of an inscription on one of these led to the excavation of the Subrahmanya Temple.
- It is a popular picnic spot and tourist destination.
Evening
Mahishashuramardhini rock cut mandapa
- Mahishasuramardhini Mandapa (Cave Temple) also known as Yampuri.
- According to legend, Durga killed the demon Mahishasura, who was considered unconquerable. Hence, following his slaying, she was given the title Mahishasuramardhini (conqueror of Mahisha).
- The goddess is shown riding a lion, her several arms holding a bow and arrow, pursuing the retreating Mahisha with his follower.
Morning
Sthala sayana perumal temple
- It is also known as Thirukadalmallai temple.
- It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu.
- The place has the reputation of being the birth place of Saint Boodhathazhwar and Bhoothatazhwar Avatar festival, celebrated during the Tamil month of Aipasi (October–November) being the most prominent.
- As Lord Vishnu gave darshan to the sage Pundareeka in reclining position, He is praised as Sthala Sayana (reclining) Perumal.
- It is the belief of the devotees that worshipping Sthala Sayana Perumal means worshipping Perumal in His Vaikundam itself directly.
- Devotees pray for the removal of obstacles in their wedding proposals.
Morning
Five Rathas
- Pancha Rathas also known as Pandava Rathas.
- Pancha Rathas is an example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture.
- The Pancha Rathas(five rathas) complex resembles a chariot (ratha), and each is carved over a single, long stone.
- The structures were never consecrated because they were never completed following the death of Narasimhavarman I.The structures are named after the Pancha Pandavas and their common wife Draupadi, of epic Mahabharata fame. they include the Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha, and Draupadi Ratha.
Morning
Arjuna’s Penance
- This magnificent relief, measures approximately 30m(100ft) long by 15m (45ft) high. It has a giant open-air rock relief.
- Arjuna's Penance is a story from the Mahabharata of how Arjuna, performed severe austerities in order to obtain Shiva's weapon.
Morning
The Shore Temple
- The Shore Temple is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal
- It is one of the oldest structural (versus rock-cut) stone temples of South India.
- The two towers rise above shrines to Shiva and their original linga (phallic symbols of Shiva) captured the sunrise and sunset.
- Breakfast for 2 persons.
- Transportation in AC Etios/Dzire cabs.
- Hotel accommodation based on type of package (standard/deluxe/premium) chosen. The price mentioned in this package is for family of two members sharing a single room. For extra person, please place a separate request with us.
- Room type is Standard A/C Room in 2 star hotel.
- Toll charges and driver's allowance.
- Upon booking confirmation, the sthalapuranam of temples mentioned in the itinerary will be sent through email.
- No extra charges for one child below the age of five.
- Package does not include lunch and dinner.
- The pickup and drop point information will be provided to the customer before booking. It is customer's responsibility to reach the pickup point of the trip at specified time. On request basis, GoSthala will arrange pickup from customers place of choice at any applicable nominal charges.
- All other expenses (temple entry ticket charges, parking charges, etc.) that are not specified in the package inclusions.
- Any loss/expenses incurred by unforeseen circumstances e.g. flight delays/cancellations, road blockages, vehicle breakdown, strikes, etc.
- Expense of personal nature such as laundry, etc.
- Any applicable service tax charges.
- Transportation provided will be as per itinerary only (not at disposal).
- The package price is indicative and based on seasonal demands the price is subject to change and will be informed prior booking.
- The package does not include guide services where not mentioned. Guide services can be availed from us at an additional cost.
- Payment method as follows: 25% payment on confirmation; 50% payment before starting the trip; Balance payment before end of the trip.
- 15% of package cost will be charged as penalty on canceling, 31 or more days before departure.
- 35% of package cost will be charged as penalty on cancellation between 22 to 30 days before departure.
- 50% of package cost will be charged as penalty on cancellation between 15 to 21 days before departure.
- 100% of package cost will be charged as penalty on cancelling, 15 days before departure.
