Krishna’s Butter Ball

Krishna’s Butter Ball
Vital Information for Visitors
Address:

Krishna’s Butter Ball, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Open & Close:

Open on all days: 06:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Entry Fees:

No Entry Fee

Duration:

Approx 30 minutes

Significance:

Balance against gravity on the cliff a mystery

Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu can easily be called as the ‘Magical land of God’. This small town has a very special boulder, which originally is called the ‘Vaar Iran Kal’ that translates to ‘Sky God’s Stone’. This huge ball of rock has been balancing itself on a sloping hilltop since time immemorial. The boulder is now called ‘Krishna’s Butter Ball’. The tale goes that Lord Krishna loved butter and often would steal it. One day he dropped a big dollop of butter that became the giant stone. Some local legends have another version where they believe this stone is like the vessel Lord Krishna often notoriously stole butter from. This gigantic attraction which is immovable has found its way to numerous photo albums of tourists from all over the world. This rock is even heavier than the monolithic stone of Peru or Machu Picchu.

1200 years have passed and this 250 ton stone has been standing still on a 4 feet base at a 45 degree angle. Numerous efforts have been made in the past to move the immovable. First one being by the Pallava King Narasimha Varma in the 7th century, but the mission was unsuccessful. Another attempt was made several years later, by the Governor of the state, as he felt that this boulder could slip down and the security and safety of the people around was his concern. Seven elephants were called on duty to try move this stone, but well, no luck there either! Of course, families & children who are baffled by this big rock, always try to move it with their hands and go back amused & eventually sit in its shade. Often one finds goats & dogs sleeping under the stone too which is a truly adorable sight to the eyes. Funny, how this big structure which seems to have appeared from nowhere, is now a picnic spot.

Which Sky God set this stone in this position? How did it reach here? It’s truly a miracle and something beyond human beings to achieve. This one for sure is some magic from the heavenly beings, for it defies the law of gravity. On a side note while some pondered over the questions, some used it as inspiration. The great King Raja Raja Chola from the Chola Dynasty was really impressed by the rock that never fell down and was inspired to create the famous mud dolls which are called ‘Thanjavur Bommai’. They are made with a half spherical bottom, which only lets them tilt, but never fall down. The Krishna’s Butter Ball that has defied the laws of physics makes for a great photo stop for tourists. This UNESCO world heritage site has been at the center of all mystery for years now.

Mahabalipuram Tour Packages

Grand Tour of South India

Grand Tour of South India

21 Nights / 22 Days
Destination : Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Kanchipuram-Pondicherry-Thanjavur-Thanjavur-Trichy-Chettinad- Madurai-Periyar Lake-Aleppey-Kochi-Bangalore-Mysore-Hassan-Hospet-Hampi-Badami-Goa

Leisure Tour of South India

Leisure Tour of South India

12 Nights / 13 Days
Destination : Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Bangalore-Mysore-Bandipur-Coonoor-Ooty-Kochi-Alleppey

Splendours of South India

Splendours of South India

22 Nights / 23 Days
Destination : Chennai-Mahabalipuram-Pondicherry-Thanjavur-Trichy-Madurai-Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Best of South India Tour

Best of South India Tour

16 Nights / 17 Days
Destination : Bangaluru- Hassan – Mysore – Coonoor – Kochi – Kumarakom – Thekkady – Madurai – Trichy- Tanjore – Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram - Chennai

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