City Info
Mamallapuram 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tiger Cave
This cave is located 4 kms 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.