A gigantic granite boulder looks as if it was frozen in its free fall on a short incline in the town of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu. The boulder is 6 meters high, 5 meters wide and weighs around 250 tons. Amazingly, it has been in the same place for 1200 years. In 1908, the local governor Arthur Havelock attempted to move the boulder by force of seven elephants but failed.
According to a legend, Lord Krishna would often steal butter from his mother and had dropped one butterball. Hence the namesake of the boulder. The pebble is also called Vaan Irai Kal, which translates from Tamil as "Stone of Sky God."
However, Krishna's Butter Ball could be just a glacial erratic that became stranded in an unusual position on the hill. The stone slope is often used by local children as a slide and serves as a popular tourist attraction for all those who believe they can push it off the hill.
The drier and cooler period, ideal to visit Tamil Nadu, runs from November through February. It's also the best time to visit Krishna's Butter Ball.
Practical info
When was Krishna's Butter Ball first discovered?
The boulder known as Krishna's Butter Ball is believed to have been discovered in ancient times and has remained in the same place for the past 1200 years. Show more
Where is Mahabalipuram located in India?
Located on the southern coast of Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram is a small town recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its impressive group of 7th and 8th-century monuments. Show more
What is the weight and height of the boulder?
The massive Krishna's Butter Ball is around 5 meters wide and 6 meters tall, weighing approximately 250 tons, making it one of the most substantial boulders in India and an impressive geological formation to observe. Show more
How long has the boulder been in its current position?
For the past 1200 years, Krishna's Butter Ball has been seated in the same spot, and its balance and stability have fascinated visitors for centuries, showcasing its remarkable geological and natural features. Show more
Is it possible to move the boulder at present time?
Despite numerous attempts, Krishna's Butter Ball has not moved from its current location in over a century and remains a major tourist attraction. Moving it is a challenging prospect that even modern technology may not be able to achieve successfully. Show more
