Old and New Lighthouses

Ascending the steps past a Pepsi-drinking monkey, we reached the area where the old and new lighthouses were constructed. Otherwise known as the flame-eyed Shiva, the old lighthouse was constructed in 678-800 AD. Carved out of the top of a very high granite rock the old lighthouse contains beautifully carved sides. It was used until 1900, at which time the new lighthouse took over. Of interest is that both lighthouses are a distance away from the sea.


At the base of the lighthouse rock is the famous Mahishasuramardini Mandapa cave. Here, a beautiful carved panel portrays an eight-armed Durga slaying the demon Mahishasura. On the opposite end is a reclining Vishnu, deep in meditation before creating the earth.

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Krishna’s Butterball

Close to the magnificent Arjuna’s Penance is a 15 meter (49 ft) spherical boulder known as Krishna’s Butterball. Perched precariously at the edge of a 45° slope, the boulder is a magnet for tourists who photograph themselves in touristy shots such as pretending to hold up the boulder or to bravely sit in the shadow of the rock. Legend has it that several Pallava kings and their elephants unsuccessfully tried to move the stones.

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Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram

Perilously close to the sea is the famous Shore Temple, perhaps the most famous of all Mahabalipuram’s sights. Composed of two towers, the Shore Temple’s architecture has significantly influenced subsequent architectural styles in south India and beyond. Due to eroding effects of the wind, sand, salt, and sea-spray, the architectural elements have a much softer, less detailed appearance. This is particularly so on the side facing the sea. Perched on the walls surrounding the temple were seated Nandi figures.

Of interest, the tsunami of 2004 revealed additional structures and animal carvings consistent with the Pallava period. Subsequent underwater excavations have since occurred, revealing new structures first chronicled by a British traveler in 1798, perhaps part of the legendary seven pagodas. It is theorized that the submerged structures were victims of an earlier tsunami.

In recent years the site has undergone renovation and a cosmetic upgrade, a suitable tribute to the temple's UNESCO World Heritage status.

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The Five Panch Ratha Temples of Mahabalipuram

Located in a sandy area are the ratha temples. Derived from the word chariots, the rathas were processional chariots – vehicles for the gods. They were named after the five Pandava brothers, heroes of the epic Mahabharata and queen Draupadi. Four out of the five rathas were carved out of a single rock, with the last smaller one scooped out of a rock. Each was dedicated to a god or goddess. Like many of the sculptures in Mahabalipuram, these pieces were unfinished. Chisel marks were visible particularly in the wide flat areas. Were these also unfinished or simply a texture the workers decided to leave? The Bhima Ratha and Dharmaraja Ratha buildings were particularly impressive, with imposing multi-storeyed layers, a barrel-vaulted or octagonal domed roof, and sculpted panels. A large sculpture of an elephant, standing lion, and unfinished Nandi (bull) also adorns the grounds. These temples were built from around 630-670 AD. One of the two main sites that required showing an admissions ticket, there were quite a number of people there, both Indian and foreigners. Trying to get a photo shot without people was extremely difficult, so I took advantage and used them to provide a sense of scale against these ancient sculptures.

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Sebilj - Pigeon Square

For the visitors of the old Baščaršija square of Sarajevo, one of the most recognizable landmarks is the Sebilj. This wooden public fountain, built in 1891 in a pseudo-Moorish style, is a common gathering place for people and pigeons alike. Legend has it that once you drink the waters of the Sebilj fountain, you can never leave Sarajevo for too long.

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