Caption: The Cover Photo of Zone -4.PoI - 45.
Dear friends,
This post is a member of the Mega - Series of 51 posts, about Mahabalipuram, created as a Total “Photo-Walk and Traveller Guide” covering all the “Tourist Destinations” of Mahabalipuram. The 51 POIs are grouped into 4 Zones & a few stand-alone monuments according to the location of monuments. In other words, if one visits 4 zones, all the important POIs can be covered.
List of POIs & Headings - Here.
| POI | POI (Monument) Name | GMaps | TG Posts’ | Heritage | Photos | Visit | Monument | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | Links | Links | IMP | IMP | Priority | Type | (Minutes) | |
| ZONE -1 | ||||||||
| 1 | Murugan Temple | Here | Here | 4 | 4 | Low | Structural | 15 |
Introduction to Mahabalipuram:
Mahabalipuram is a picturesque historical coastal city in Tamil Nadu around 60 km from Chennai. One of India’s oldest cities. Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) stands at the top of the popular tourist destinations in Asia.
The previous post (POI No -44A ) of this series about ‘Pancha Ratha - Single POI’ is Here
The next (POI No - 46 ) is ’ Valayankuttai Ratha’, which will be published shortly.
This POI: Mukunda Nayanar Temple
Location: While coming from Chennai it is the first monument on left side.
Zone Map:
Photo - 1. Caption: India Map & the zone map of Mukunda Nayanar Temple.
Mukunda Nayanar temple
If you are entering Mamallapuram town while coming from Chennai, then, this is the first monument on your left side (easy to locate using Google Maps); due to its hidden nature, this is one of the least visited monuments in Mahabalipuram. Also, there is not much to see/photograph too - but still, I suggest you to cover.
This is a stand-alone monument, far away from Krishna’s Butter Ball or the shore Temple, etc. this a small temple and is a structural temple built with granite blocks. The present structure is very much renovated.
Mukunda Nayanar temple has all the Hindu trinities accommodated in this small temple. The back panel of the inner shrine carries Somaskanda - Shiva, Parvati with baby Skanda, accompanied by Lord Brahma & Lord Vishnu. This temple is believed to be sponsored by the Pallava King Rajasimha. With an octagonal top, the entry has two circular pillars & 2 pilasters. Though highly ruined, the temple is worth visiting till now.
Though the compound is not well maintained, the premises is worth being photographed.
All Photos Courtesy to @Rizwan.
Photo.2 - Caption: Facade of the Mukunda Nayanar Temple.
Photo.3 - Caption: Left side view of the monument.
Photo.4 - Caption: Path to the monument’s back side.
Photo.5 - Caption: Side view of the monument.
Photo.6 - Caption: Rear view of the monument.
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*Photo.7 - Caption: Another elegant front view.
Photo.8 - Caption: A closeup of the monument.
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*Photo.9 - Caption: Entry gate of Mukunda Nayanar temple.
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Accessibility:**Wheelchairs can be pushed to the facade of the temple.
- The Google Maps link of the POI = Here
- Reference Link (Puratattva) = Here
- Heritage Importance = 4/5
- Photographic Importance = 4/5
- Visit Priority = Normal
- Monument Type = Structural.
- The Duration to see the POI = 10 minutes.
- Entry: Free
- Official Visiting hours: 10 AM - 4 PM
- Photography:
- How to reach: By Railways: Nearest Railway stations are Chengalpattu (29 km) and Chennai (48 km) well-connected with many Indian cities. By Airways: Chennai International Airport (55 km) away from Mahabalipuram. By Road: Private/Public bus services can be availed from many cities of Tamil Nadu and South India including Chennai and Chengalpattu to reach Mahabalipuram.
Flash photography is prohibited in all the monuments of Mahabalipuram.
@SoniaK @CAAG1959 @Ramamoorthy123 @Saddam_1 @PattyBlack @Mukul_Anand @davidhyno @Docgaurav @Radhikasingla1 @Shrut19
ciao, un caro saluto dall’Italia 
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