#Mahabalipuram [02] The different Names and the Mythical Story of Mahabalipuram - TravellerG

[TravellerG]

#Mahabalipram [02]

Sl. No:	Title	Link	#TI No	Author
1	#Mahabalipuram [01] - Introduction of 24 Posts about Mamallapuram (UNESCO), Tamil Nadu	Here	68	TravellerG
2	#Mahabalipuram [02] The different Names and the Mythical Story	.	70	TravellerG
3					More

The different Names & the Mythical Story.

Before getting into a brief history of Mahabalipuram (the next post), let us have a glance at the different names of this place.

It is very interesting to know the multiple names of the present ‘Mahabalipuram’, found in different historic texts. The following are some of them, I found:

1. Mahabalipuram
2. Mamallapuram
3. Mamallapattana,
4. Mavalivaram,
5. Mavalipuram,
6. Mavellipore,
7. Mauvellipooram
8. Mahabalipur, etc.

Basically, these names refer to:

1. MahabaliPuram (The City of Mahabali - the mythical Demon King - explained later [*1])

2. MamallaPuram (The City of the “Great Wrestler” - explained in the next post [*2]).

Another version: The Tamil word Mallal means Prosperity/ Wealth and Mallapuram (short form of ‘MallalPuram’) might have been referred as an ancient economic/trade centre/city of South India/Southeast Asia.

To conclude, our Tamil Nadu government declared “Mamallapuram” as the official name through a gazette in 1957, although the city is still more popularly (globally) known as Mahabalipuram.

[*1]

The Myth - Mahabalipuram (No evidence on record)

According to Hindu mythology, the powerful King Hiranyakasipu was an enemy to Lord Vishnu, whereas his son, the prince Prahlada was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. After a hot argument between father & son, Lord Vishnu emerged from the pillar as Lord Narasimha (the 4th incarnation of Lord Vishnu - in the form of a giant man with the head of a lion) and killed Hiranyakasipu - thus Prahlada became the King.

Prahlada had a grandson in the name of Bali who also was a very great-wealthy King. For the selfish reason to protect Lord Indra, Lord Vishnu took ‘Vamana (Trivikrama) Avatar’ (5th incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and gave “Mokha” (Here to King Bali - hence this place got the name “Maha Bali Puram” (Maha = Great).

This location in Google Maps is Here

As this is a general post, accessibility is not emphasised.

[*2]

“Great Wrestler” - will be explained in the next post.

Can I request for your feedback & suggestions? dear @C_T , @Gurukrishnapriya @Mehedi_mht @Sophia_Cambodia @patriciocabreraate @ShipraMitra

Since this is a lengthy SERIES, …

You can help me a lot with your FRANK Feedback - even you may send me private messages.

1. Are the posts enjoyable? is the post readable in around 3 minutes or so?

2. Is the content USEFUL?

3. Are you feeling the content complete?

4. Is the balance between Photos & Narrations (TEXT) reasonable?

5. What more can I change to make the posts more enjoyable & meaningful?
   I have many doubts… thanks for your supports…

Hello new members, have a look & kindly give your feedback:

Harold_B, @user_not_found @Hgog Travelovesome.

Regards with thanks

[patriciocabreraate]

This single post, friend @TravellerG @ It really has an impact in its structure and reading time, but what I appreciate the most is the richness that the exchange of culture gives us and the potential knowledge that is inserted in your story

Simply thank you.

[Gurukrishnapriya]

Really this much information I don’t know. I am really amazed by the way you have described the post in detail @TravellerG sir. Thanks for sharing here and tagging me. Expecting interesting facts from you.

[NareshDarji]

Ohh… So many different names of Mahabalipuram!!! I’ve never heard about this. This is really great informative and well written post @TravellerG sir. Thank you so much for sharing great post with us.

[ShipraMitra]

This is my third attempt to comment (drafts go away when I try to insert a picture) , so I hope you do not mind keeping it brief.

Loved your post, @TravellerG . Last year I visited it the second time, attracted by the ancient history of the shore temple.

It is a great place as international destination. I stayed in four seasons resort, a Marriott chain. Their buffet breakfast is amazing. The grounds and the suites are very well kept.

I also visited the pearl museum, the crocodile farm and auroville. My suggestion would be to spend a week to absorb the beauty of the place in addition to the history.

As souvenir, Mahabalipuram has great stone carvings sold. I will not put any pictures here, so that this time I do not lose my post.

[AbdullahAM]

Another great post from you, i like your photos. Beautiful photos tells us about the history of ancient @TravellerG

[Hgog]

Very informative, educational and wonderful imagery.

[RosyKohli]

@TravellerG

Thanks for the wonderful post, & beautiful photo with the story. We are blessed to have you sharing such ancient photo.

[DiNEs_H]

Wow awesome presentation

[RoshanPatel]

@TravellerG

Thanks for sharing this information

I have been this place 2 times

Really nice place to visit

[AjitThite]

Keep amazing @TravellerG sir!! You’re simply outstanding in narrating information to us.

Thanks a lot!

[TravellerG]

Kindly accept my thanks to you for your response & pardon me for the delayed response (was with guests)

With warm regards, @patriciocabreraate

Here is the Master Guide post kindly give your opinion when free, please.

[TravellerG]

I did some homework (research for around 3 months - Mahabalipuram & Pondichery) before going for the Photo-Shoot; also we had a good, elderly gentleman (Guide) to explain the details throughout.

Thanks for your kind words & support, dear @Gurukrishnapriya

[TravellerG]

Feeling very happy that you enjoyed the post.

Thanks, Naresh Ji for your kind words

Warm regards, @NareshDarji

[TravellerG]

Hello dear friend, @ShipraMitra Kindly accept my thanks to you for your response &

pardon me for the delayed response (was with guests).

“…This is my third attempt…” sorry to hear this - I use 99% PC for LG Connect - mobile is very difficult for me too.

“… I stayed in four seasons resort,…” - yes, very good place - I too have attended a seminar there.

“… pearl museum, the crocodile farm and auroville…” - all are important POIs.

Could you have a look at this post, please

Thanks

[TravellerG]

Thank you my dear friend @AbdullahAM

Your motivations are very important to me.

[TravellerG]

Thanks for your response, @Hgog & Happy to know that:

“Very informative, educational and wonderful imagery.”.

Could you have a look at this GUIDE - if not kindly spare a few minutes, please

[TravellerG]

Happy to see your remarks, der @RosyKohli Ji.

Kindly have a look at this GUIDE, when time permits

[TravellerG]

Are you from Chennai, Dinesh?
If so are you interested to join me for Mahabalipuram POSTs collaboration?
Kindly let me know please, @DiNEs_H .

Can you kindly give your opinion of this GUIDE?

[TravellerG]

Hi, Roshan,

Will you be interested to collaborate with me for this series of posts? - welcome

Thanks for your kind response, @RoshanPatel .

What do you feel about this GUIDE?

Please respond, when free