Mamallapuram

       Mamallapuram a place which belongs to the Chengalpet district is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal Sea. This is an ancient city. One can find rockcut cave, temples, sculptures, paintings, pillar carvings, handicrafts and artistry works in and around Mamallapuram. This was the port and the centre of the Pallava rulers.

Arjuna’s penance

The world’s largest base-relief which measures about 27 m × 9 m his in Mamallapuram. This is nothing but Arjuna’s penance. The huge rock is in the shape of a huge whale back. It contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts and birds. The whole art represents creation, as a whole.

Five Rathas

There are five monolithic temples named as Panchapandava Rathas of the five Rathas, it believed that four Rathas are built out of a single rock. The carvings are art motifs and wall panels representing the Hindu duties.

The Shore Temple

One of the oldest temples of South India which is located on the edge of the Bay of Bengal is this shore Temple. A row of bull rock carves are found in the entrance. King Rajasimha of the 7th century built it. It represents the Dravidran architecture. It has two shrines dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva a piece. Even after the sunset one can enjoy the temple excuberance due to the flood lights.

Cave Temples

More than 13 cave temples were carved and established by King Mahendra Varma I. The cave temples are simple and plainly decorated. The notable cave temples are Konerimandapa, Mahisasuramardhini cave, Varahamandapa, Adi Varahamandapa Trimurthi cave and Krishnamandapa.

Mahisasuramardhini cave

In this cave there is a posture of a Goddess fighting against a demon on one side and the cosmic sleep of Lord Vishnu on the other side is a wonderful cave structure which makes the visitors awestruck.

College of Sculpture

Trainees and students are trained in various branches of temple art and architecture. The sculptures are based on the Sirpa Sastra. There is a hall which exhibits the traditional sculptures.

Varaha Cave

It is a rock cut hall which has four panels, which has door keepers and four interesting bar – reliefs.

Krishna Hall

In this hall, it is portrayed in such a way, Lord Krishna as the protector of all humans and beasts and all living things of the world. It is an enjoyable spot to visit.

Krishna’s Butter Ball

This is near the Ganesha Ratha. It is near a narrow rock base. The pallava kings with the help of their elephants tried to move this grant boulder but failed in their attempt.

Open air museum

The cultural heritage of the Tamil sculptures, sculpted during the pre-sangam days is displayed in this modern open air museum. Nearly 200 sculptors have carved several sculptures from granite like chain stones, ornamental wheels and other items. This is near the shore temple and one can observe the changes to the past and present field of art in Tamilnadu.

Tiger Cave

This cave is located 4kms north of the main monument complex. During the Pallava rule, this was an open-air theatre where several programmes were conducted. This place is near the sea. But the atmosphere is peaceful and composed. It is a beautiful spot to watch.

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