Raya Gopuram
ராய கோபுரம்
An unfinished giant temple gateway from the Vijayanagara period, with only its base and doorframe built, though the stone pillars are finely carved.
Raya Gopuram is the entrance to a temple begun in the 16th century under the Vijayanagara dynasty. It was meant to be a tall South Indian gopuram, but work stopped midway, leaving only the enormous granite doorframe and base. The pillars are carved with deities, dancers and animals in a style clearly different from Pallava work, which makes for an interesting comparison. It sits on the hillside behind Krishna's Butterball. Entry is free, and it is a popular spot with locals for photos and sunsets.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Krishna Mandapa
- Varaha Cave Temple
- Ganesha Ratha
- Sthalasayana Perumal Temple
- Mahishasuramardini Mandapa & Lighthouse
- Krishna's Butterball
- Stone Carving Workshops, Mamallapuram
- Trimurti Cave Temple