Krishna's Butter Ball : One Day At Mamallapuram

Krishna's Butter Ball : 23rd Oct, 2011

Although our guide Arjun told us the name of the place was "Ajantha Place", but I didn't find any such name written on a banner or by surfing the internet on my mobile. Only one Signboard was held up saying that it's Krishna's Butter Ball and Arjuna's Penance Bas-relief (written in English and their regional language). 

Krishna's Butter Ball: It is a giant rock perched on a hillside of Mamallapuram, seemingly in defiance of all laws of physics, it's a common sight to see visitors placing hands under the stone posing for pics, which looks as though they are holding it!! The rock provides welcome shade if you dare to sit underneath it, and local kids have discovered that the slippery hillside nearby also makes a great natural slide.
     Situated on a hill slope near the Ganesh Ratha, is a massive natural rock boulder in a shape of huge ball, precariously balancing on a smooth slope. Known as Krishna's Butter Ball, this colossal boulder, which is about 5 metres in diameter, is perilously resting at an angle of 45 degrees. The rock boulder is surrounded by lush greenery that immediately has a calming effect on one's senses.

Krishna's Butter Ball

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Krishna's Butter Ball is between October and February when the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy the serenity of the place. Since it is an open air attraction and after noons can get sultry, it is advisable to carry sunshades, hat, sunscreen lotion and of course bottle of drinking water. Also wear comfy shoes and dress according to the weather. There is no particular timing to visit Krishna's Butterball as it is out in the open air, anyone can visit it anytime.

Behind Krishna's Butter Ball

Trivia: Interestingly, Pallava kings tried to move this huge rock boulder with the help of their elephants but they failed!!

Arjuna's Penance: Also known as the Descent of the Ganges, is a giant bas-relief filled with detailed carvings including a family of elephants and monkeys. Archaeologists still squabble over what, exactly, the bas-relief depicts....the central figure may actually depict Bhagiratha, not Arjuna.

Arjuna's Penance Bas-relief

It is quite popular with locals and tourists alike as it makes for an interesting backdrop for some whacky photographs. Brave-hearts may sit under the cool shade of the rock and can have their photographs taken. Children can enjoy sliding down the hillside as it is a great natural slide.

An old woman selling fruits on the slope

   

Tourists on their way

 

Located at a short distance from Krishna's Butter Ball is the Ganesha Mandapam, a temple that has been carved out a single rock. A ll in all, Krishna's Butter Ball is a serene and peaceful sight where you can relax with your family.

There is also the Varaha Cave consisting four impressive carvings of Vishnu , Lakshmi , Trivikama and Durga .

Varaha craving at Varaha cave

It was the dusk setting in but the rocky way was still super-hot. We headed towards the Watch tower or Light House, built in 1894. The view of the sea and the town from the watch-tower from the slope is an awesome experience. While returning back I found it very painful as the rock was very hot, our trip partners were tired and my feet underneath was bruised by the broken glasses thrown on the way as I was walking bare feet, so we had to back off. By the way it was a nice view from the rock to the green fields faraway and the sky turning colourful with hues of magenta-blue-reddish. Before coming down, I looked back and took pictures of the watch tower and a silhouette of a tree...

The beautiful dusk 

The watch tower, zoomed

Silhouette of a tree

Coming down while walking on the green grass, I felt comfortable. On he way we visited the Mahishamardini Cave, of which the central carving is of Shiva , Parvati and Murugan .