Mahabalipuram
 Mahabalipuram
is situated 60 kms. south of
Chennai on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. In the 7th Century,
the Pallavas had a thriving port from where they traded with
distant nations. Around the town you will see beautiful stone sculptures and
exquisitely
sculptured panels, monolithic rathas and Temples.
This town is one of the major attractions to the tourists who visit the city of
Chennai. It is a World Heritage Centre, famed for the impressive rock-cut temples and a
beach that allures fun lovers.
Mamallapuram was built by the Emperor Mahendravarman. However it was during the reign of
Narasimhavarman I, that the town emerged as a prominent centre for trade. The word
"Mammalla" which means great wrestler was the title given to Narasimhavarman I.
The Pallavas who ruled from Kanchipuram commissioned a guild of sculptors to work on
granite and create an astonishing variety of excavated temples, monoliths and bas
relief's.
Mamallapuram earlier known as Mahabalipuram saw a glorious growth of trade on its shores.
On the sandy shores stand a multitude of exquisite expressions in stone. The intricately
carved caves narrate tales of Indian mythology. All these creative depictions are an
eloquent testimony of the craftsmen's inherent artistic talents of a bygone era.
 Arjuna's Penance is the world's
largest bas-relief. This 27 metre long and 8 metre tall massive rock panel is titled after the Mahabharatha
hero, Arjuna. The vast scene of Arjuna invoking Lord Shiva is a marvel. The "Descent
of the Ganga", which is another interpretation of the bas-relief, is a brilliant
composition in stone. Myriad ornamental figures of celestial beings are shown adoring the
divine spectacle. Among the other exclusive frescoes are the re-creations of the
Panchatantra tales.
The Shore Temple was built during the rule of the Pallava king Rajasimha. One should view
the structure at the onset of dawn. A spellbinding view of the sunrays envelope the
edifice. The brilliant glow is an unforgettable sight. At dusk, twilight transcends yet
another bewitching view. The temple with its beautiful polygonal dome enshrines Lord
Vishnu and Shiva. Vibrant sculptures that adorn the eye catching columned porch make the
monument, a masterpiece.
Mandapams, similar to porticos, are grand specimens of art. Scooped out of solid rock from
a hillside, each mandapam or cave temple depicts exclusive carvings, rich in detail. A
serene pastoral scene at the Krishna Mandapam shows Lord Krishna lifting the Goverdhan
mountain, to protect his kinsfolk from the wrath of the Rain God Indra. The Varaha
cave
portrays the two incarnations of Lord Vishnu, as Varaha and Vamana. The Mahishasuramardini
cave has a lively portrayal of the Goddess Durga, all set to slay the buffalo headed demon.
Yet another excellent bas-relief depicts Lord Vishnu resting on the coils of
Adisesha, the
serpent.
Every year in January the town celebrates a month long 'Mamallapuram Dance Festival'
performed by renowned exponents of the art. While the stones pulsate rhythm and life,
Mamallapuram stirs up to celebrate the cultural extravaganza where Odissi,
Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Bharatanatyam and the most expressive of Indian classical dances are performed
against the magnificent backdrop of temple, sand and sea.
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