The balancing rock of Mahabalipuram
At Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, a 20-feet- high and 2-metre wide granite
stone on the slope of a hill is a major tourist attraction.
It is estimated to weigh over 250 tons.
The rock is balanced upon a 4-feet area of highly slippery slope of the
hill, resting at an angle of 45 degrees.
It stands in a way that challenges all natural laws.
When we look at it, we get a frightening feel that the stone will fall
down at any moment.
But it has been there sitting in that position for more than 1200 years!
The rock is called ‘Krishna’s Butterball.’
The name is said to be given by a tourist guide.
But it has been locally known in Tamil as ‘Vaan Irai Kal.’
In Tamil language the name means ‘Stone of Sky God.’
In 1908, the Governor of Madras State, Arthur Lawley, thought the rock
was a threat to the houses nearby.
He ordered to move it from there.
Seven big elephants were used to push the stone away from the slope.
But they failed to move it even an inch from its place.
It was not the first attempt ever made.
The Pallava KingNarasimhavarman I (630-668 AD) had also made an effort
to move the stone, but failed.
It is not a naturally formed stone as the rest of the hill is smooth and
without rocks. The stone proved to be impossible to push down the hill.
Then a few questions arise in our mind.
How was the stone pushed up the hill?
Is there something under it? Why has
it been known as ‘the Stone of Sky God’ ?
Tamil Nadu is a place of many geological wonders.
In Rameswaram, there are heavy stones which float in water.
Many say they are pumice stones which contain many air bubbles enabling
them to float.
