I’m always on the look out for quirky things to see and do around the world. Once I had booked my ticket to Chennai, I soon found what I was looking for: Krishna’s Butter Ball. It’s big, quirky and definitely something I didn’t want to miss while I was in India.
Located 75km south of Chennai in the historical city of Mamallapuram (formerly known as Mahabalipuram), as soon as Elsa and I landed in the airport we jumped in a taxi and headed straight there.
Precariously perched on a steep rock slope, it’s impossible to miss this 20-foot high rock that looks like it’s going to roll at any moment.
The Origin of Krishna's Butter Ball
Krishna’s Butter Ball or Vaanirai Kal (Stone of the Sky God), as it is known to locals, has been sitting on a 45-degree slope in Mamallapuram for over 1,300 years and no one knows exactly how it got there.
According to Hindu mythology, when the great god Krishna was just a baby, he had a cheeky habit of stealing butter. Following this tradition, the huge rock is seen as a giant dollop of churned butter dropped by the god.
While some believe it was placed in its position by the Gods who wanted to prove their power, or by extra terrestrial beings thousands of years ago, popular consensus follows that of geologists who say the rock is simply a natural formation caused by erosion to produce a ventifact. As much as I enjoy the affectionate tale of Krishna’s Butter Ball, the scientific approach gets my vote!
Though it doesn’t surprise me why others might believe in the power of supreme intervention accounting for the rock’s unusual balancing act – it really does look like its been exempt from any gravitational force.
However, despite its seemingly impossible balancing act, scientists have said it is indeed possible and in some angles you can see the centre of gravity well within its sphere…
Attempted removal
Due to its precarious position, numerous attempts to dislodge the huge rock have taken place but to no avail.
One of the first individuals to attempt to dislodge the round stone was the Pallava king Narasimhavarman, who ruled southern India from 630 to 668AD.
Not for a lack of trying, the mission was unsuccessful, and a similar endeavour was undertaken in 1908 by the Governor of Madras, Arthur Lawley. He feared for the safety of the town at the base of the hill and is said to have used seven elephants to try to move it, also without any luck.
Unsurprisingly the abnormal rock is popular with tourists and locals, who pose for funny photographs under its base, in an attempt to push it back up the hill!
Further reading → 14 Unique Rocks Formations From Around The World
Where to stay in Mamallapuram
East Raja Street:
This area is close Krishna’s Butter Ball and Arjuna’s Penance. It offers a mix of budget and mid-range accommodations. It’s a quieter option compared to Beach Road but still within walking distance of many attractions.
Hotel pick → Hotel Mamalla Heritage
Sea front:
This area offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal, and is the place to stay if you want to be close to the beach. However, it has a more ‘touristy’ feel, so this might be something to consider if you prefer staying somewhere more personable with a local vibe.
You’ll find a variety of hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and restaurants along Beach Road. Staying here will also provide easy access to the beach and the Shore Temple.
If you want to really pamper yourself, take a look at Kaldan Samudhra Palace which pulls out all the stops. It’s located by the seafront 1.5 km North of the Shore Temple, close to Tiger Cave.
Want to explore more rock monuments in Mamallapuram? Read more → The Cave Temples Of Mamallapuram in India
Want to see more gravity-defying rocks? Take a look at Golden Rock in Myanmar.
