Krishna's Butterball, Granite boulder in Mamallapuram, India.
The 250-ton granite stone rests on a small surface area of a sloping hill, creating an optical illusion of potential movement at any moment.
The rock formation dates to the seventh century during the Pallava dynasty rule, when Governor Arthur Lawley attempted to move it with seven elephants in 1908.
The stone's name derives from Hindu mythology, where Lord Krishna displayed affection for butter, while its Tamil name Vaan Irai Kal means Stone of Sky God.
The boulder stands at the Group of Monuments at Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 55 kilometers from Chennai International Airport.
The rock's balanced position influenced the creation of Tanjavur Bommai dolls, which maintain an upright position using a similar half-spherical base design.
Location: Kanchipuram district
GPS coordinates: 12.61908,80.19242
Latest update: May 26, 2025 20:50
Geological formations created by natural processes over millions of years. These stones and rocks display various shapes: arches, monoliths, spheres, and pillars. From Australia's Uluru to Norway's Kjeragbolten, these formations document Earth's history.
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