Home > The GReaT Divine Darshan > Mahabalipuram
HOLY PLACES
IN MAHABALIPURAM
Mahabalipuram’s the name, but if you want to sound like you belong, call it Mamallapuram. Once the shining port of the Pallava dynasty (4th–9th century AD), this coastal town is where stone met storytelling. The temples in Mahabalipuram aren’t built—they’re carved straight out of rock, with a level of detail that makes you wonder if the sculptors had magnifying glasses. Precision? Check. Drama? Double check. You’ll find entire Mahabharata episodes etched onto walls, and rathas (stone chariots) so detailed, you half expect them to roll off for a race. The Shore Temple still flexes its sea-facing beauty like it’s on a centuries-old runway. Arjuna’s Penance? That’s a 100-foot rock relief with gods, animals, and maybe even your ancestors. And those cave sanctuaries? Quiet, cool, and carved with stories that could give modern filmmakers a run for their money. Temples in Mahabalipuram don’t just sit pretty—they whisper, shout, and occasionally pose for your camera. Come for the carvings, stay for the ancient ‘stone selfies’. Just don’t ask the rathas for a lift—they’re more aesthetic than functional.
OUR Hotels
IN THE CITY, BY THE SACRED SITES 🏙
Radisson Blu Resort, Temple Bay Mamallapuram
After a day of exploring Mamallapuram’s temples and beaches, Radisson Blu Bay Resort is the perfect place to unwind. Drop your bags, kick back in a room so comfy it might just convince you to extend your stay. With plush beds and blackout curtains, you’ll be up and ready for your next temple-hopping adventures. Hunger creeping in? Our restaurant’s got you covered with food so good, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner. Post-meal, head to the spa, where relaxation takes over faster than you can say jet lag. If you're feeling adventurous, we’ve got a beachside BBQ and karaoke room waiting for your best performance. Whether it’s chill or thrill, we’ve got something to make you smile!
OURDivine Destinations
TRAVEL THROUGH THE MUSEUMS OF FAITH 🛕
ARULMIGU KANTHASAMY TEMPLE THIRUPORUR ✨
Born from sacred soil and brought to life by unwavering devotion, Thiruporur’s Kandaswamy Temple is where history, faith, and divine rediscovery come together.
Distance from Our Hotel16 km
Timing6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.FestivalVaigaasi Visaagam: (May-Jun)
Maasi Bramorchavam: (Mar)
Paalkudam/Paal Kaavadi: (Oct-Nov)
Kandha Shashti: (Oct-Nov)
Nava Rathri: (Oct-Nov)Sacred Food OfferedJaggery
Transportation CostFor assistance, please contact the front desk.
Disclaimer: The temple's timings are subject to change as per the operating committee's decisions.
About Arulmigu Kanthasamy Temple Thiruporur:
- The temple is located in Thiruporur, a panchayat town in Chengalpattu district, situated on Old Mahabalipuram Road, around 28 km from Chennai, making it a convenient pilgrimage site.
- The temple is believed to have its origins during the Pallava period in the 10th century AD, showcasing the early significance of the site in Tamil religious tradition.
- In the 17th century, the temple saw significant reconstruction and revival under Chidambara Swamigal, a saint believed to be a descendant of the ancient Sangam poets.
- During the 18th century, the temple was further expanded, with images said to have been excavated from the site and installed within the temple complex.
- Built in the Tamil Dravidian architectural style, the temple features a prominent five-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower), which stands 70 ft. high and 200 ft. wide.
- The temple's sanctum sanctorum houses a 7-foot-tall granite idol of Lord Murugan, depicted in a standing posture, holding a Vel (divine spear) and accompanied by his mount, the peacock.
- Separate shrines are also dedicated to Murugan's consorts, Valli and Deivayanai, as well as to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, reflecting the broader Shaiva tradition.
Divine Facts:
Long ago, when the forces of darkness tried their luck against the heavens, Lord Murugan didn’t just rise to the occasion—he turned it into a full-blown trilogy. He battled on land at Thirupparankundram, waged war at sea in Tiruchendur, and then took to the skies above Thiruporur. Yes, aerial combat was very much a thing—Murugan was clearly ahead of his time. Thiruporur gets its name from ‘Por’, meaning war, and with a celestial showdown that intense, the town practically earned its own divine action movie title. Alternate names like Tharukapuri and Samarapuri also floated around. Then came the plot twist. Legend says a massive flood swept through the land, submerging everything, including the temple. It was less 'lost city of Atlantis' and more 'temporarily misplaced holy ground'. But all was not lost. Enter Chidambara Adigal, a sage from Madurai who wasn’t expecting a DIY temple restoration project. One divine voice message later, he grabbed a spade and headed to a palm tree. No fancy tools, no Google Maps—just pure devotion and surprisingly good digging instincts. Underneath the soil, he discovered the idol of Lord Murugan, perfectly preserved and ready to be worshipped again. Naturally, he did what any sage with vision would do—he built a temple on the spot. Today, Chidambara Adigal has his own shrine in the temple, and during the Vaikasi Visakam festival, he’s not just remembered—he’s given the divine equivalent of a mic drop moment. In the final ritual, he’s symbolically shown merging with Lord Murugan himself.NITHYA KALYANA PERUMAL TEMPLE✨
A 7th-century Divya Desam where Lord Vishnu, as Varaha, rescued Bhudevi and earned the title Nithyakalayana Perumal by marrying 360 maidens—one per day.
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Disclaimer: The temple's timings are subject to change as per the operating committee's decisions.
About Nithya Kalyana Perumal Temple:
- The temple is dedicated to Varaha, the boar avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Nithyakalayana Perumal.
- It is located in Thiruvidandai, a village in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu, and is one of the revered 108 Divya Desams mentioned in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham by the Alvar saints (6th–9th century AD).
- The temple's original structure was built by the Pallavas in the 7th century AD, showcasing classic Tamil-style architecture.
- Significant additions and renovations were made during the Chola period in the 11th century AD, enriching the temple’s design and layout.
- The temple is surrounded by a granite wall that encloses all the shrines, while the temple tank is located just outside the main entrance.
- Worship follows the Tenkalai tradition of Vaishnavism, with four daily rituals observed with devotion.
Divine Facts:
Long ago, when balance tilted and the asuras tipped the scales, Vishnu’s gatekeepers Jaya and Vijaya were reborn on earth as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu—two demon brothers with ambitions larger than the universe itself. Hiranyaksha, with his newly earned boon from Brahma (and a suspiciously selective invincibility clause), thought he’d cracked the system. No human or animal could slay him. Clever? Certainly. Foolproof? Not quite. Because in his long list of exclusions, he forgot one thing: boars. Enter Varaha, the divine boar form of Vishnu, who dived into the Causal Ocean when Hiranyaksha kidnapped Bhudevi (Mother Earth) and hid her like a cosmic game of hide-and-seek. What followed was a clash of titans—maces collided, oceans roared, and after a duel that could've lasted several binge-watching lifetimes, Varaha emerged victorious, Bhudevi safely balanced on his majestic tusks. Now, here’s where the whispers begin. They say Bhudevi fell in love instantly, after all, being rescued by a valiant boar avatar wasn’t just dramatic, it was divine. Soon enough, word spread. Not just about the victory, but the boar with a golden heart and tusks that could rival a temple archway. A heavenly rumour began to swirl: maidens from across the realms wished to marry him. But it was Sage Kalava who really changed the course—he wished for Vishnu to marry his 360 daughters, one for each day of the year. And Vishnu, ever gracious, agreed. Thus began the eternal nuptials, earning him the name Nithyakalayana Perumal—the Lord of eternal weddings._1a2d1c16)
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OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL CHURCH ✨
Built in fulfilment of a divine promise, the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Covelong was completed in 1808 after nearly two decades of pause. Overlooking the Bay of Bengal, this 200-year-old parish remains a beacon of faith, healing, and devotion.
3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Disclaimer: The church's timings are subject to change as per the operating committee's decisions.
About Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church:
- Between 1770 and 1780, Rev. Fr. Carmalata initiated the construction of a church in Covelong (present-day Kovalam). He laid the foundation and raised the walls, but passed away before completing the structure.
- The partially built church remained incomplete for nearly 20 years after his death.
- Around 1800 to 1808, Sir John D’Monte took up the responsibility of completing the construction of the church.
- In 1808, the church was completed and formally established as a Parish.
- The church was dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and constructed along the shores of the Bay of Bengal, in her honour.
- The annual parish feast is celebrated on 16th July, commemorating the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
- In 2008, the church celebrated its bicentenary, marking 200 years since it was established as a parish.
ARULMIGU SRI STHALA SAYANA PERUMAL TEMPLE✨
This sacred Divya Desam in Mahabalipuram, where Vishnu reclines facing the sea, is a Pallava-era marvel and the birthplace of Bhoothath Alvar.
3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Vaikunta Ekadasi: (Dec-Jan)
Disclaimer: The temple's timings are subject to change as per the operating committee's decisions.
About Arulmigu Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple:
- Sri Sthalasayana Perumal Temple, also known as Thirukadalmallai, is one of the 108 Divya Desams revered by Sri Vaishnavas and is part of the Tondai Nadu group of Divya Desams.
- The temple is situated in Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram), about 40 km from Chennai and 7 miles from Thiruvidanthai, in Tamil Nadu.
- The Lord faces the east, towards the sea, and the Utsavar deity here is known as Ulaguyya Ninraan, symbolising Vishnu standing for the world.
- This temple is regarded as the Avatara Sthalam (birthplace) of Bhoothath Alvar, one of the twelve Alvar saints, who is believed to have emerged from a kadali (banana) flower in a temple tank.
- The temple is glorified in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, the collection of 4,000 Tamil verses composed by the Alvars between the 6th and 9th centuries AD.
- It was originally constructed in the Pallava period, with architectural contributions later added by the Medieval Cholas, Vijayanagara rulers, and the Madurai Nayaks.
- The main sanctum (Moolavar) also goes by the name Thiru Vala Vendhai Varaaha Moorthy and is located near the Kalangarai Vilakkam (lighthouse) and the Cave Temples.
- Nilamangai Thayar, the consort of the Lord, has a separate shrine and is depicted sitting on the floor, unlike most temples where she is shown seated on a lotus.
- Due to its intricate sculptural beauty, the temple is also called 'Artha Sethu', a symbol of artistic excellence.
- The temple is part of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site, though it is still an active place of worship and is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu instead of the ASI.
Divine Facts:
In the sacred town of Mahabalipuram, sage Pundarika was immersed in penance, offering 1,008 Tamarasa flowers to Lord Vishnu. His wish was to behold the Lord as Kshirabdhi Nath, resting upon the Ocean of Milk—a vision as rare as it was magnificent. With unwavering devotion, he even scooped out water to complete his offering, perhaps unaware that he was single-handedly attempting to recreate the Milky Way on Earth. At the very peak of his worship, an elderly sage appeared, asking for food. True to dharma, Pundarika set aside his rituals and left in search of a meal—because when hunger knocks, even the divine darshan must wait. On his return, he found the old man gone—but in his place lay Lord Vishnu, not amidst the cosmic ocean, but right there, on the ground, radiating calm and compassion. And so, He became known as Sthalasayana Perumal—the Lord who chose to rest at the very spot where devotion called.
