The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram consists of ten mandapas or excavated halls besides seven monolithic rathas, so called because they resemble the big temple cars in which the images of the deities are taken out in procession. The mandapas, which are no higher that 4.5 or 6 mts, are remarkable for the shape and design of their pillars and roll cornices and for the blending of figure sculpture enclosed with architecture. The panels of sculptures enclosed within plasters and mouldings on the interior walls of the Durga and Varaha mandapas represent the finest achievement of the Pallava style.

The Architecture of the monolithic rathas is based on the older Buddhist monasteries (Viharas). They are square or oblong on plan and pyramidal in elevation, but varying on size and some minor details. The largest and the most complete of them is what is called the Dharmaraja Ratha, which combines all the feature of the Pallava style-pillars in the portico with rampant lions, the pyramidal tower and the turreted roof. The Bhima, Ganesh and Sahadeva rathas are oblong in plan and are based on the architecture of the Buddhist Chaitaya hall. They are two or three storeys high, and are surrounded by a barrel roof with the Chaitaya gable at the ends.

The solidity of the masonry of the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram is vouched for by the fact that for over 12 centuries is has withstood the pitiless onslaught of the monsoons, the battering of sea waves and the treachery of drifting sands.