The city of temples, Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) forms an integral part of the golden triangle tourists destinations of South India. Earlier known as Mamallapuram, the place has been given the term "the Land of Bali". The renowned tourist and pilgrimage destination is situated at a distance of 55 kms from Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu. It was once the capital of the Pallava Dynasty and is a major attraction today due to the largest Basilica in the world on the sea side. Called Arjuna' penance it even is widely known for the mandapams or the large hall that are eye catching in its decorations. This creative piece of architecture offers ample proof of the grand architecture of the 5th and the 8th century artistic creation.A majority of the temples and rock carvings belongs to the reign of Narashimha Varman1 In the 630-668AD. The conversion of the King Mahendre Varman to accept Shaivism led the creation of the monuments devoted to the Hindu gods like Lord Shiva and Vishnu. |
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Apart from this, nothing is known of the place. What was the purpose behind this whole exercise, and, more important, why all the royal patronage this place enjoyed suddenly disappeared, no one actually has any answer.
Experts say that there were seven pagodas or temples on the shores of Mahabalipuram. All but one were pillaged by the rapacious sea, though there is little underwater evidence to substantiate their existence.
Most of the temples and rock carvings of this place were built during the reigns of Narsinha Varman I (AD 630-668) and Narsinha Varman II (AD 700-728). Though the initial kings of Pallava dynasty were followers of Jainism, the conversion of Mahendra Varman (AD 600-630) to Shaivism led most of the monuments to be related with Shiva or Vishnu
shore temple
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Apart from this there is a fine sculpture of somaskanda, and on the southern wall the sculpture of Lord Vishnu in repose on his sever hooded cobra couch “Adisesha”, Lord shiva as somaskanda is shown with four hands. The upper hands are shown holding a snake in one hand and a beaded chain on the other, while his lower hands performing abhaya and yoga mundras. Goddess parvati is seated besides him holding a little Skanda on her lap and a Nandi Bull is found beneath. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu are picturized in the background representing the power, wisdom and peace symbolically the sculptures on the western and southern walls relate the episodes from Devi Mahaturya, the celebrated Sanskrit poem which is recites and sung by the followers of tantric school. The prelude is about the destruction of the two demons Madhu and Kaitabha, who are known for their power and strength. The story goes on to an end as to how these demons were deterged by yoga Maya through Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu kills these demons by slaying their heads with his discuss.
Tamilnadu which has in the southern past of India, which is the last of all states in the topography of India, has many beautiful places to watch. There are many beautiful sceneries, ancient monuments, historic temples for their unique sculptures, the culture and tradition of the natives and so on. There are lots of other things to be spoken as well. One such place to be watched, toward and enjoyed is mahabalipuram. This is a magnificent tourist place. Welcome to mahabalipuram, a legacy in stone.
Mahabalipuram lies on the Coromandel Coast which faces the Bay of Bengal. This is an elegant place to watch which a well established sea port was during the 7th and 10th centuries of the Pallava dynasty. This was the second capital of the Pallavas who ruled Kanchipuram. Formerly, mahabalipuram was known and called as Mahabalipuram. The former name of this place ‘Mahabalipuram’ has a history. A very rude cruel king Mahabali reined this place and in a fierce battle king Mahabali was killed by Lord Vishnu and the place was named after the dead, arrogant kind Mahabali.
It was during the reign of King Narasimha Varman I, the name Mahabalipuram was changed. It was renamed mahabalipuram which is called till now. There is a story behind. The name Mamallpuram king Narasimha Varman I was a great and valiant warrior. He was given the title Mamalla which means ‘the great wrestler’ so the name was converted from Mahabalipuram to mahabalipuram considering the great king and his achievements.
After the decline of the Gupta Dynasty, the pallavas rose to the pioneer in south India. They ruled over from the 3rd century till the end of the 9th century A.D. The best period of their rule was between 650 and 750 AD and this period was called the Golden Age of the pallavas. The pallavas were very powerful. They were profound thinkers.
It was during the rule of the pallavas, great poets, dramatists, artists, artisans, scholars and saints emerged. As one can say that the pallavas are the pioneers and forerunners of new styles both in art and architecture and mahabalipuram is the best place to praise off their skill and talent. New sculptures and unique paintings were innovative and exuberant. This place mahabalipuram itself became their exploring field and they made the best use of the resources. They game a shape and creative energy to what they imagined. It became a dream come true as it witnessed innovations in all styles.
The richness in mahabalipuram was not known to many, as these pallavas did not outlet and expose their quality and innovative creations to the outer world for obvious reasons. The aestheticism in mahabalipuram was hidden until the late 185h century. What is special about mahabalipuram? Of course every one can point out the rock - cut caves, temples made from a single rock, temples and strives of different structures, and bas-reliefs which are so artistic and sheer creativity. Mamallpuram is referred as an ‘open-air museum’. The great pallava kings Narasimha I and Rajasimha have well preserved these stylistic qualities that one enjoys in mahabalipuram even in the present day.
The beauty of the place is not only due to these architecture but the vast casuarinas trees, the silvery sandy beach the classical hand male crafts around have made them all to form what is a collective splendor. Any visitor who visits mahabalipuram will remain startled and intoxicated with the grandeur. They feel hand hearted and more out from this historical and fascinating tourist spot.
arjuna's penance
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The figures are carved in such a way as one can see that these figures hurry to see the miracle happened or which is about to happen. Figures of Sun and Moon are also seen. The other celestial (heavenly beings) of the race are the Yakshas, Gandharvas, Vidyadhars and attendants of Gods who can sing, dance and perform other fine arts. The other figures are Siddhas, Charnas, Kimpurushas, Kinnara (half-man and half-bind) with musical instruments like cymbals veena in their hands.
The other carving of a dense forest, the tribal and animals are seen. Influencing figures of a bid sitting on the tree, a black monkey staring the spectators and an iguana climbing a tree can be seen. Carvings of hunters with bow and arrows, rabbits, deer, tiger and a herd of elephants are also seen. There is also a figure of a saint standing on one leg, meditating with folded hands above his head and eyes closed. To its right is the figure of Lord Shiva. Another portrait of a shrine where Lord Vishnu and four saints are seated. The head of three saints have eroded due to the waves. There is a portrait of a river bank, a man standing on a bank praying to the sun, Nagas from underworld coming up with folded arms and sculptures of monkeys are also seen.
There is confusion whether this rock sculpture is the story of Mahabharata, where Arjuna undergoes meditation to be favored by Lord Shiva on the side of River Krishna or the meditation of Bhagiratha, an ancestor to Lord Rama who was sent to redeem the souls of his ancestors as inscribed in the Ramayana. Whatever the case may be, the skill and the talent of the artists are brilliant and to be applauded. They look realistic as well as humorous. This Arjuna’s penance is really a wonderful portrayal of art.
mahishasuramardhini mandapam
This is a rock cut care temple. This mandapam very well depicts the fantastic craftsmanship of the pallavas. It consists of three small shrives in the inner wall which is exactly the typical pattern of the pallava art and architecture. On the northern wall, the battle between goddess Durga and the buffalo – headed demon, Mahishasura is beautifully inscribed Mahishasura symbolizes animal strength, ignorance and egoism to go with. Every gods and celestial beings depended upon Mahishasura. In the course of time, Mahishasura became more frightful. Devi Mahaturya while describing his power refers that when be ran the earth broke to pieces and the swing of the tail made the ocean water spread everywhere. Then the tyranny of Mahishasura was destroyed by the three supreme lords, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, in the form of goddess. Many poets have sung in praise of this perfect portrayal especially by Heinrich Zimmer.Apart from this there is a fine sculpture of somaskanda, and on the southern wall the sculpture of Lord Vishnu in repose on his sever hooded cobra couch “Adisesha”, Lord shiva as somaskanda is shown with four hands. The upper hands are shown holding a snake in one hand and a beaded chain on the other, while his lower hands performing abhaya and yoga mundras. Goddess parvati is seated besides him holding a little Skanda on her lap and a Nandi Bull is found beneath. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu are picturized in the background representing the power, wisdom and peace symbolically the sculptures on the western and southern walls relate the episodes from Devi Mahaturya, the celebrated Sanskrit poem which is recites and sung by the followers of tantric school. The prelude is about the destruction of the two demons Madhu and Kaitabha, who are known for their power and strength. The story goes on to an end as to how these demons were deterged by yoga Maya through Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu kills these demons by slaying their heads with his discuss. |
krishna mandapam
| This is the biggest among the Mandapams and is dedicated to Lord Krishna Lord Krishna is a famous legend who has been the figure of many mythological stories. The sculptures inside this Mandapam beautifully picturize the myth of Lord Krishna during his brave and energetic adulthood. He lifted the huge mount govardhara in elder to provide shelter to his people and their animals from the rain. Lord Indra, god of rain poured rain continuously due to his wrath. The shepherd community namely Gokulas was shopped and thanked lord Indra once a year for his showers of blessings. |
But Lord Krishna asked the people to stop their practicing such custom as it was the people’s herd work that brought the people the materialistic wealth and not Lord India. Due to this lord India got angry and ordered the rain clouds to pour heavily to destroy all the animals. The people trembled in fear and went to Lord Krishna for help and lord Krishna did this mighty act of protecting the people by lifting the huge mount to protect the people and their cattle, the mighty effect was that he lifted the mount with his single little finger. The downpour was for server continuous days. Lord Indra felt very embarrassed and with drew the clouds, considering the marvelous act of the small boy. The pastoral life of the people is carved inside the mandapam. The sculptures that are beautifully portrayed constitute – a shepherd milking a cow while it licked its calf, a farmer walking with his child placed on his shoulder, a shepherdess carrying a pot of curd on her head, another with a rolled mat on her head and a tier of arranged pots in one hard, a young couple pictured beautifully and other pastoral portrayals.
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| The androgynous god Ardhanariswara (left), half Shiva and half Parvati at Dharmaraja Ratha. | | |||||||||
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| The northernmost ratha, Nakula - Sahadeva Ratha is a two storeyed vimana (above right). Located beside an elephant which is the mount of Indra, it suggests its dedication to the rain god. | ||||||||||
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| In the Tiger Cave Temple (right), 4km north of Mamallapuram, earth and animal life force are represented in this great example of Pallava style cave architecture. | | ||||||||
 | Two rocks of a total length of 90ft with a narrow fissure between them are used to represent the story of Arjuna who does penance to get an arrow from Shiva that will destroy his enemies. Arjuna (right) is seen standing on his left leg. The event is witnessed by creatures from heaven, earth and the underworld. | ||||||||
hotels in mamallapuram
Mamallaa Heritage
No.104, East Raja Street Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104 India
No.104, East Raja Street Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104 India
Mamalla Beach Resort Mahabalipuram
Tucked away in the lap of Nature, this picturesque resort is located in Kovalam Road, and is an ideal leisure getaway. There are 30 air-conditioned and non air-conditioned rooms to choose from that offer a splendid view of the enchanting aquamarine waters of the Bay of Bengal. Horizon, the multi cuisine restaurant promises to gratify one s palette. Other facilities like a business center, spa services and swimming pool are there for rejuvenation.
Radisson Resort Temple Bay, Mahabalipuram
An hours drive from Chennai, along the picturesque East Coast Road, is the Radisson Resort Temple Bay., an upmarket beach resort at Mamallapuram on the Coromandel coast. Spread over 46 acres of pristine, water front, the resort has 144 elegant and well-appointed Chalets, Villas, Pool Villas and Bay Bungalows. Its outstanding feature is the meandering pool of 27000 sq.ft., largest in India, besides the infinity pool.Food and Beverage options include The Wharf, a specialty restaurant by the bay which serves exquisite sea food, grills and pastas and the Water's Edge Cate, a 24 hour multi-cuisine restaurant. The Sindbad is an informal bar attached to the restaurant and the Maritime Tales is the lounge bar.The state of the art banquet facility includes a pillar-less ballroom spread obver 10500 sq.ft. alongwith several other meeting rooms. The Health & Fitness options comprise of Serena Spa, Ayush the ayurvedic therapeutic centre & cardio fitness centre. Indoor & outdoor activities
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India have many tourist places on holy place. It has many temples which are among top tourists attractions.
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