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Tamil Nadu

Krishna's Butter Ball

Krishna's butterball has sat in the same spot for the last 1200 years. AMAZING. Its located in India's sculptural capital,  Mahabalipuram. I shot it during sunset but was scared it'd roll right on me.
krishna's-butter-ball-mamallapuram-tamil-nadu-1-attr-hero
Krishna's butterball has sat in the same spot for the last 1200 years. AMAZING. Its located in India's sculptural capital,  Mahabalipuram. I shot it during sunset but was scared it'd roll right on me.
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Major Airports :

Chennai International Airport (MAA), Chennai

Nearest Railway Station :

Chengalpattu Junction Railway Station (CGL)

Major Airports :

Chennai International Airport (MAA), Chennai

A gravity-defying marvel

In the heart of Mamallapuram, there stands an astonishing sight that leaves both locals and tourists alike in awe: the enigmatic Krishna's Butterball. This colossal boulder, towering at approximately 16 feet in height, defies the laws of gravity as it perches precariously atop a narrow base, seeming to mock the very forces of nature.

Resisting the tests of time

Yet, the mysteries surrounding Krishna's Butterball do not end there. An age-old tale tells of the kings under the Pallava dynasty, along with their armies and mighty elephants, attempting to move the boulder in vain. It refused to budge, standing as a testament to its defiance against any force. Its breadth almost equals its height, and while it may appear rounded from certain angles, it is far from a perfect sphere. This geological wonder challenges conventional logic with its improbable balance.

A governor's failed attempt

Intriguingly, historical records reveal an audacious attempt to displace Krishna's Butter Ball from its perch in 1908. The Governor of Madras, Arthur Lawley, fearing for the safety of the town below, mobilised seven elephants in an effort to relocate the rock. However, to everyone's astonishment, the massive boulder remained steadfast, unmoved by the combined might of the elephants.


Krishna's butterball, the giant natural balancing rock in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Timings

Opening time - 06:00 AM

Closing time - 06:00 PM

A challenge to gravity

So, what accounts for this baffling defiance of gravity? Is it the result of supernatural forces or merely a matter of scientific principles at play? Krishna's Butter Ball, with its mysterious equilibrium, continues to pose this tantalising question to all who visit. As it stands proudly in Mamallapuram, it remains a testament to the enduring allure of ancient legends and the boundless wonders of the natural world.

Other marvellous monuments around the city

Mamallapuram's iconic rock-cut wonders tell many mythological stories carved into hard rock. At Krishna Mandapam, you can see Krishna as the protector, safeguarding his entire village from a deluge. Cows, milkmen, and mothers with children are all part of the relief.

The colossal Arjuna's Penance depicts the narrative of the sacred Ganges' descent from the heavens and Arjun's penance before Lord Shiva.

At the Mahishasuramardini Cave Temple, intricately carved reliefs breathe life into the fierce battle between the goddess and evil asuras. Conclude your journey at the Trimurti Cave Temple, featuring the exquisite depictions of the Hindu Trinity—Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva—carved into the western facade of a hill.

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