Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram as it is now know as - is on the East Coast of Tamil Nadu state.
It is around 60 kms from Chennai by road, enroute to Pondicherry.
Mahabalipuram is an interesting town with lot of 7th and 8th century temples, and is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are numerous monuments and old temples all over this town.
Five Rathas (Chariots) - There are five separate rathas at this site, each chariot is cut out from single stone. The rathas are not temples, but they are know to be dedicated to the Mahabharatha characters - one each one Yudhisthiran, Bhiman, Arjunan, one for Nakulan and Sahadevan, and the fifth one for Draupati.
Most Rathas are left unfinished (towards the bottom) after the death of the king (Narasimhavarman of Pallava Dynasty) who initiated the project.
Descent of Ganges also know as Arjuna's Penance - is a large rock relief (A rock relief is carving made on a large rock or boulder). These carvings have several myths and stories from Hindu Mythology - including Bhagiratha's prayer to bring River Ganges from heavens to earth.
Krishna Mandapam - This is a large panel of statues and pictorials from the village stories of Krishna.
Tri-murthi cave
The Shore Temple - This temple is situated at the Mahabalipuram Shore, and hence it is named as Shore Temple. The main structure and many smaller structures are visible. The restoration is going on at all sites, the temples and monuments are maintained, and the area is very clean and tidy.
It is around 60 kms from Chennai by road, enroute to Pondicherry.
Mahabalipuram is an interesting town with lot of 7th and 8th century temples, and is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are numerous monuments and old temples all over this town.
Five Rathas (Chariots) - There are five separate rathas at this site, each chariot is cut out from single stone. The rathas are not temples, but they are know to be dedicated to the Mahabharatha characters - one each one Yudhisthiran, Bhiman, Arjunan, one for Nakulan and Sahadevan, and the fifth one for Draupati.
Most Rathas are left unfinished (towards the bottom) after the death of the king (Narasimhavarman of Pallava Dynasty) who initiated the project.
Descent of Ganges also know as Arjuna's Penance - is a large rock relief (A rock relief is carving made on a large rock or boulder). These carvings have several myths and stories from Hindu Mythology - including Bhagiratha's prayer to bring River Ganges from heavens to earth.
Krishna Mandapam - This is a large panel of statues and pictorials from the village stories of Krishna.
Tri-murthi cave
The Shore Temple - This temple is situated at the Mahabalipuram Shore, and hence it is named as Shore Temple. The main structure and many smaller structures are visible. The restoration is going on at all sites, the temples and monuments are maintained, and the area is very clean and tidy.
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