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Mamallapuram
The town of temples, sand and sea - Mamallapuram, formerly known as Mahabalipuram, is world renowned for its beautiful Shore Temple, It was once the main port and naval base of the great Pallava Kingdom and was later made the capital of this Dynasty.
'Mamalla’meaning the great wrestler, was the name given to King Narasimha Varman I. Most of the temples and sculptures in Mamallapuram dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, were completed between 630 A.D. and 728 A.D. during the reign of Narasimha Varman I and Narasimha Varman II.
Sand, water and temples set the backdrop for the graceful and evocative dancers who celebrate the ancient Indian culture and tradition at the annual Mamallapuram Dance Festival held during January and February. Here the expressive Indian Classical dancers adorned in traditional costumes perform Odissi, Kuchupudi, Kathakali and Bharatanatyam.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Mamallapuram > Around Mamallapuram
This quaint little town of Mamallapuram is enriched with ancient and splendid sculptures. Each of the beautiful works of art has a story to tell. Like the large 27 m by 9 m bas-relief that narrates the tale of Arjuna's Penance. Arjuna here, is shown standing on one leg to please Lord Shiva into helping him win back the Pandava Empire. A fascinating combination of humans, animals and celestial beings seem to he rushing to the revered scene. Most prominent among them is a 4.8 m majestic elephant leading a procession.
Also known as the Descent of the Ganga, this impressive canvas portrays the life giving River Ganges flowing out from its high source in the Himalayas. Enchanting stories from the Panchatantra, are also a part of this magnificent bas-relief.
The most renowned landmark of Mamallapuram is the Shore Temple. Standing alone on the shore, this temple is protected by a wall constructed to minimise erosion. It is believed that at one point in time there were seven such temples, six of them were victims to the natural elements of erosion.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Mamallapuram > Around Mamallapuram
King Rajasimha built this exquisite temple over 1,200 years ago in the 7th century A.D. It has three shrines; one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other two to Lord Shiva. The frothy waves form a striking backdrop to the temple, protected by rows of rock-carved bulls.
The Most Unique feature of the temple is that it houses shrines to both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The 2.4 in long bas-relief of Lord Vishnu reclining on his serpent conch can be seen in his shrine. The 16-sided granite lingam in one of the chambers is said to have touched the ceiling once. The entrance is guarded by deities and the temple was given the World Heritage listing a few years ago. A classic example of the best Dravidian architecture, the unique temple will leave you in awe of the sculptor's talent.
Also worth seeing in Mamallapuram are the eight magnificent Mandapams - caves carved out of the hillside with splendid sculptures and pillars. Each of the shallow temples has five bas-reliefs with scenes from Hindu mythology and two of them remain unfinished.
In the Krishna Mandapam, the bas-relief shows Lord Krishna sheltering the shepherds and their cattle from the fury of the Rain God Indra with his enormous umbrella.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Mamallapuram > Around Mamallapuram
On the hill rests a dangerously balanced boulder named Krishna's Butterball after his legendary affinity for fresh butter.
In the Mahishasura Mardhini Mandapam are splendid sculptures of Goddess Durga fighting the evil buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura. Lord Vishnu sleeping on the coils of Adishesh the serpent can be seen too.
Varaha the boar, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is seen emerging from the sea clinging onto the rescued Earth Goddess in the Varaha Mandapam.
The five monolithic Rathas of Mamallapuram are named after the victorious Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharatha and their wife Draupadi. Though the temples are incomplete, they exude architectural brilliance of the Dravidian style, seen in the magnificent gopurams, Vimanas and carved walls. The majestic Lion, an Elephant and the sacred Nandi Bull guard the rathas.
People practice worship in the Trimurti Cave and the Adivaraha Temple. Beautiful sculptures of mythical creatures, monkeys and yalis cover the walls. The revival of the Pallava art and crafts can be seen in excellent replicas of ancient sculptures in granite, soapstone and marble at the Government School of Sculpture. You can buy these beautiful objects of art at various shops. Exquisite carvings in wood and dazzling jewellery are available too.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Mamallapuram > Around Mamallapuram
The five monolithic Rathas of Mamallapuram are named after the victorious Pandava brothers of the epic Mahabharatha and their wife Draupadi. Though the temples are incomplete, they exude architectural brilliance of the Dravidian style, seen in the magnificent gopurams, Vimanas and carved walls. The majestic Lion, an Elephant and the sacred Nandi Bull guard the rathas.
People practice worship in the Trimurti Cave and the Adivaraha Temple. Beautiful sculptures of mythical creatures, monkeys and yalis cover the walls. The revival of the Pallava art and crafts can be seen in excellent replicas of ancient sculptures in granite, soapstone and marble at the Government School of Sculpture. You can buy these beautiful objects of art at various shops. Exquisite carvings in wood and dazzling jewellery are available too.
Freeindia > Tourism > Chennai And Mamallapuram > Mamallapuram > Around Mamallapuram
People practice worship in the Trimurti Cave and the Adivaraha Temple. Beautiful sculptures of mythical creatures, monkeys and yalis cover the walls.
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