Mahabalipuram Temple Complex: Part – 2

This post continues from my earlier blog, Mahabalipuram Temple Complex – Part 1. After exploring the first half of the complex, I moved on to the other side, which is home to the Lighthouse and several beautiful monuments.

The Mahabalipuram Lighthouse stands tall on a rocky hill, offering breathtaking views of the town and the Bay of Bengal. Built in the early 20th century, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the sea breeze and the sunrise — though, unfortunately, it was a cloudy day during my visit, so I missed the sunrise view.

Just beside it is the Olakkannesvara Temple, also known as the Old Lighthouse. This ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, sits atop the hill and offers a stunning panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding monuments.

Next, I stopped by Draupadi’s Bath, a small rock-cut structure connected to the legends of the Pandavas. Though simple, it highlights the fine craftsmanship of the Pallava artisans and adds a touch of mythological charm to the complex.

The Dharmaraja’s Rock-Cut Throne is another fascinating structure — a large rectangular stone seat with a beautifully carved couchant lion at one end, symbolizing royal power and grace.

Nearby is a triple-celled rock-cut shrine dedicated to Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu. The central shrine of Shiva is slightly larger, and carvings of Gopis churning butter along with a nearby niche of Goddess Durga make it even more special.

The Trimurti Cave Temple is yet another masterpiece — a rock-cut shrine honoring the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The carvings here truly showcase the artistic brilliance of the Pallava dynasty.

Kottikal Mandapa, is a rock-cut cave with a small hall, simple pillars, and a shrine at the back. Sculptures of guardian figures suggest the cave may have been dedicated to Goddess Durga.

One of my favorite sights was the rock-cut sculpture of elephants, monkeys, and a peacock, all carved from granite. It beautifully captures the energy and innocence of wildlife in a natural setting.

And, of course, the iconic Arjuna’s Penance — a grand rock relief that depicts Arjuna performing penance to please Lord Shiva. It’s an awe-inspiring piece of art, full of life, movement, and divine energy.

Outside the complex, I visited the Pideri Amman Ratha, a small, unfinished monolithic temple dedicated to the goddess Amman. Though incomplete, it reflects the same Pallava craftsmanship and devotion seen throughout Mahabalipuram.

By the end of the day, I was thrilled to have covered most of the famous monuments in the complex. Visiting Mahabalipuram had been on my bucket list for a long time — and finally, I can proudly tick it off!