MAHABALIPURAM CAVES
Also Known As : Mamallapuram
Carved In : 7th And 8th Centuries
Mahabalipuram
lies 58-km south of Chennai,
which has a group monuments, founded by the Pallava kings, carved out of
rock in the 7th and 8th centuries.
Mahabalipuram was
previously known as Mammallapuram. The Pallavas, Patrons of Tamil culture
made it as their second capital. There is no site of monuments like
Mahabalipuram in the whole
of India, which has everything that makes a site memorable; tradition,
history, piety, western annals and current importance of tourism.
Mahabalipuram art is
divided into four categories: open air bas reliefs, structured temples,
man-made caves and Rathas ('chariots' carved from single boulders, to
resemble temples or chariots used in temple processions). The whole
complex consists of 10 cave temples (man-made), 9 monolithic chariots-all
in the name of 5 Pandavas, 4 Bas - relief sculpture panels on the rock
walls, and the Shore Temple.
The Mahishashuramardini Cave
There are 10 cave temples; out of the all the most beautiful is the
Mahishashuramardini cave (mid-7th century). The Mahisasurmardini Cave has
fine bas-reliefs on its panels of enduring beauty. On one side of which is
Lord Vishnu in a sleeping posture and on the other side of which shows the
Goddess Durga killing a demon.
The Somaskand a sculpture radiates peace, power, and wisdom while Lord
Vishnu is shown in omniscient repose in a masterpiece of 'Dhwani' (the art
of suggestion). On the opposite side is a huge theatrical panel showing
Goddess Durga's fight with the demon Mahishasura, an episode culled from
the celebrated Sanskrit poem Devi Mahatmya.
The Tiger Cave
The Tiger cave is located 5-km towards north of the main monument, which
was once used, as the venue for cultural shows and performances
exclusively for the royal family.
The Varaha Cave
The Varaha cave portrays the two Avatars (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu, as
'Varaha' and 'Vamana'. Particularly noteworthy here are four panels of the
famous Pallava doorkeepers, a mood of contemplative reverie, a lyrical
softness and subtle grace totally at variance with the primordial machismo
their role as guards of the gods imposes on them. The Dharmaraja cave,
built in the early 7th century, contains three empty shrines.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Shore Temple is one of the oldest in South India,
which stands on the seashore with its paved forecourts.
Arjuna's penance, which
is the world's largest bas-relief, is another wonder. It is 27m long and
8m high massive rock panel titled after Arjuna, the hero of the Indian
epic 'Mahabharata'.
The
monolithic sculptures of the six Rathas or chariots for the Pandava
brothers and their queen Draupadi, a Ganesh Ratha, an Old Lighthouse, and
the Kodaikal Mandapam, offer tourists a delightful experience with the
relentless sound of chiselling by the artisans and the roaring waves to be
heard in the backdrop.
One can also find a brilliant composition in stone, the 'Descent of the
Ganga', which is another interpretation of the bas-relief. Myriad
ornamental figures of celestial beings are shown adorning the divine
spectacle. Among the other exclusive frescoes are recreations of the
Panchatantra tales.
The 'Mandapams' (porticos) are grand specimens of art. Scooped out of
solid rock from a hillside, each mandapam depicts exclusive carvings rich
in detail. A serene pastoral scene at the Krishna Mandapam shows Lord
Krishna lifting the 'Govardhan' Mountain, to protect his kinsfolk from the
wrath of the Rain God Indra.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Chennai is the
nearest airport, handling domestic and international flights.
Rail: Mahabalipuram
is easily accessible by rail and the nearest railway station is located at
Chengalpattu.
Road: Mahabalipuram
being an important tourist spot of Tamil Nadu is well
connected by road with all major cities and towns of the state. Private
tourist taxis and state-run buses ply frequently to this place.
WHERE TO STAY
There are many hotels available in the area to suit all budget ranges such as the state-run Tamil Nadu Beach Resort Complex.
Know more about this Package !!!
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