The Temples of Mahabalipuram

The temples of Mahabalipuram, portraying events described in the Mahabharata, were built largely during the reigns of King Narasimhavarman and his successor Rajasimhavarman. Most are monolithic stone structures. 

Some important structures include:

• Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna's Penance – a giant open-air rock relief.
• Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots) – five monolithic pyramidal structures named after the Pandavas (Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishtra, Nakula and Sahadeva) and Draupadi.
• Cave Temples – over ten rock-cut temples dating back to the 7th century.
• The Shore Temple – a structural temple along the Bay of Bengal with the entrance from the western side away from the sea.
• Other structural temples including the Olakkanesvara temple and the lighthouse, along with rock-cut features such as the Draupadi's tank and Krishna's butterball.
• Thirukadalmallai, the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.