Temples in Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram's temples are mostly ancient monuments rather than places of daily worship. The Pallava sculptors carved shrines out of the rock here in the 7th and 8th centuries, and many of them, like the Shore Temple and the Pancha Rathas, are now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The town also has one living temple, the Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, where daily worship still takes place. Dress modestly at all of them, and follow the rules at each gate.
Famous Temples in Mahabalipuram
The Shore Temple stands on the beach and is one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India, built in the early 8th century. It has two shrines to Shiva and a small shrine to Vishnu lying down between them. It is a protected monument, and there is no daily worship.
The Pancha Rathas are five temples, each carved from a single piece of granite in the 7th century. They are named after the five Pandava brothers and Draupadi from the Mahabharata, and were never finished or used for worship.
The cave temples, such as the Varaha Cave and the Mahishasuramardini Cave on the rocky hill, are shrines cut into the rock with carved panels of gods and goddesses inside.
The Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, in the town near Arjuna's Penance, is a working Vishnu temple and one of the 108 Divya Desams, the most sacred Vishnu temples for Tamil Vaishnavas.
Tips for Visiting Temples in Mahabalipuram
- Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, especially at the Sthalasayana Perumal Temple.
- Wear shoes that are easy to remove where worship takes place.
- Visit early in the morning, before the rock and the crowds heat up.
- Do not climb on the monuments or touch the carvings.
- Avoid flash photography inside the cave shrines.
- Follow the photography rules at the living temple, and do not photograph people at prayer.
- Carry water and sun cover, as there is little shade between the monuments.
Questions
Mahabalipuram — FAQ
What are the famous temples in Mahabalipuram?
The best-known are the Shore Temple, the Pancha Rathas, the Varaha and Mahishasuramardini cave temples, and the Sthalasayana Perumal Temple. Most are ancient monuments, while the Sthalasayana Perumal Temple is still used for daily worship.
Is the Shore Temple still a working temple?
No. The Shore Temple is a protected monument cared for by the Archaeological Survey of India, and there is no daily worship inside. You visit it with an entry ticket, like the other monuments.
Can non-Hindus enter temples in Mahabalipuram?
Yes. The ancient monuments are open to all visitors with a ticket, and non-Hindus are generally allowed into the Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, though some inner areas may be restricted. Follow what the priests or staff ask.
What should I wear to temples in Mahabalipuram?
Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and shoes that are easy to take off. Light cotton is best, as you will be walking in the sun between the monuments.