- It was a well established during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty, and has flourished accordingly.
- It was originally named after the rude, cruel, and arrogant King Mahabali who was killed during a fierce battle by Lord Vishnu at that location.
- It was named by the people more out of gratitude that the heartless king was killed there than out of respect upon his death for his leadership.
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| Shore Temple Mahabalipuram |
Tourist Attraction :
- During the rule of the Pallavas, new styles of art and architecture were pioneered. Mahabalipuram is where they tried and then exhibited their new artistic and architectural creations.
- As a result, the area is brimming with rock-cut caves and numerous temples. In fact, this region is often referred to as an open museum.
- Some of the temples were even carved out of one enormous rock rather than simply constructed out of rock.
- Not much pillaging has occurred here over the centuries, since the wealth of the Pallavas was never flaunted, so the temples are well preserved.