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Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a historic town located in the southeastern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, about 60 kilometers south of Chennai. Famous for its ancient rock carvings and stone temples, it dates back to the 7th and 8th centuries, when it served as a major seaport for the Pallava kingdom. The site is renowned for its group of sanctuaries carved out of rock in the form of rathas (chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of sculptures dedicated to the glory of Shiva. These monuments are mostly rock-cut and monolithic and constitute the early stages of Dravidian architecture wherein Buddhist elements of design are prominently visible. One of the most striking monuments is the Shore Temple, perched near the sea, which has stood the test of time and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its beautiful setting and intricate workmanship symbolize the heights of Pallava architecture and the maritime ambitions of their kings.