Mahabalipuram | மகாபலிபுரம்

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tamilnadu. The ancient rock shore temples and other structures constructed by the Pallavas are a real treat to the eyes. The monuments at Mahabalipuram are excellent examples of Pallavan and Dravidian architectural brilliance.

Shore Temple

Pancha Rathas: The Pancha Rathas (five chariots) are five monolithic pyramidal structures named after the five Pandavas and their wife Draupadi. Many structures bear an unfinished look.

Light House: This (new) light house is built on the top of a large rock with stones (I guess) and it has a red lantern dome on top. It offers a breathtaking 360 degree view of the coastline. You will also see the other monuments and caves (some of them are named: Varaha Cave, Mahishasuramardhini cave, Dharmaraja cave etc) from here.

Inside my empty bottle I was constructing a lighthouse while all the others were making ships. ~Charles Simic

Lighthouses are more helpful than churches ~ Benjamin Franklin

I find my zenith doth depend upon
A most auspicious star, whose influence
If now I court not, but omit, my fortunes
Will ever after droop.
~ William Shakespeare

Fortune for just 50 bucks: “JYotSYa” is what it is called as in tamil… which means astrology (a way of predicting your future based on the placement of the stars at the time of your birth). This lady is one among the many who offers mobile astro-consultation right here on the beach. They speak only local language. Some read your face, hands (palmistry), and some will use animals (parrots and rodents) to pick a card for you. The card will have photos (mostly gods) and the predictions will be based on the photo (and your timing they say) that animal picks on your behalf. 🙂

Parrot Astrology: Parrot astrologers are not uncommon on Indian streets. Parrot astrology is featured as a value added services (VAS) in many textiles in Tamilnadu, especially Chennai. I was a bit surprised to see lucky color and stone advisory services extended in Kalyan Textiles in Calicut, Kerala. No doubt – astrology sells well in India.

The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea. ~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Mahabalipuram Beach
She sells sea shells on the sea shore;
The shells that she sells are sea shells I’m sure.
So if she sells sea shells on the sea shore,
I’m sure that the shells are sea shore shells.

Beetles 🙂 …. now in stripes.

The Eating Station: Can’t say food was great. You are not spoilt with choices on the ECR stretch I guess. Click here to read more about ECR Dhaba.

ECR Dhaba : The truck stops here….. Seen this inside the premises.

Relaxing Ganesha: According to Hindu mythology, Ganpathi’s head symbolizes the soul, body signifies maya ie: illusion. Ganesha holds an axe look-alike material in his upper right hand (you don’t see that here because he is in sleep mode), which is believed to eliminate impediments on the way. Lord Ganesha – perhaps, the most favored and most-worshiped god in India.

Relaxing Ganesha 2: There are several types of Ganapati idols such as Saumyaganapati, Balganapati, Herambganapati, Lakshmiganapati, Haridraganapati, Uchchishtaganapati, Suryaganapati, Varadganapati, Dvibhujganapati, Dashbhujganapati, Nartanganapati, Uttishthitganapati.. you name it they have it. Most modern and innovative varities have Ganesh with laptop and latest gizmos 🙂

The legs are the wheels of creativity. ~Albert Einstein 🙂

How many Megabites?: A good cut in stone – one sinks his teeth into others palm.

As men get older, the toys get more expensive ~ Marvin Davis

When I bring you colored toys, my child, I understand why there is such a play of colors on clouds, on water, and why flowers are painted in tints ~ Rabindranath Tagore