Mamallapuram is a historic city and UNESCO World Heritage site in Tamil Nadu, India. During the reign of the Pallava dynasty, between the 3rd century CE and 7th century CE, it became an important centre of art, architecture and Literature. Mamallapuram was already a thriving sea port on the Bay of Bengal before this time. A significant amount of coins and other artefacts excavated from this region also indicate a pre-existing trade relation with the Romans even before it became a part of the Pallava Empire. Mamallapuram is also known as Mahabalipuram.
Mamallapuram is a resort and tourist centre. In addition to the ancient monuments and temples, it has an extensive beachfront on the sea, lined with resorts and tourist cabins. The town is also home to a college offering instruction in architecture and temple sculpture. It is a awesomic scenic place for nature lovers.
Cave Temples
The Adi Varaha Perumal Cave Temple is the earliest of all Pallava structures in Mahabalipuram. The grandeur of the actual mandapa (pavilion) is hidden behind a rather ordinary looking latter-day structure. The construction of this site began before the reign of Mahendravarman I. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu. The Trimurti Cave is dedicated to the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara representing the process of creation, sustenance and destruction. .
The Mahishasuramardini Cave can be found at a hilltop location. Mahishasuramardini is another name of the goddess Durga who is an incarnation of Shakti (power). She earned this name after the slaying of the demon Mahishasura.
Tiger Cave may not be a geographic fissure, but it boasts a set of most elaborately designed pillars and sculptures depicting several mythical creatures, lions and tigers. This also has a relief sculpture dedicated to Narasimhavarman II or Rajasimha
Shore Temple
The Shore Temple is located on the beach and if local lore is to be trusted it is the one surviving structure of the legendary Seven Pagodas. Despite continuous erosive effects of the moist and salty sea air, the Shore Temple preserves its beauty in many parts.
Pancha Ratha (Ratham)
Pancha Ratha (five chariots) is an architectural ode to Mahabharata’s five Pandava brothers Yudhistir, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva, and their wife Draupadi. Thematically and structurally, each ratha is significantly different from the other ones, but all of them were carved out of a long stone.
Descent of the Ganges
Also known as Arjun’s Penance, Descent of the Ganges is a gigantic open air bas-relief sculpted out of pink granite.
Nowadays Mahabalipuram:
Today, Mahabalipuram is trying to re-create its image as the country’s premier beach resort but it has not completely lost touch with its past cultural exploits. Every year, it hosts classical dance and drama festivals to preserve and promote the heritage of a very ancient culture.
If you want to know the ancient culture of India in Pallava empire period... Visit once there... Thank you
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