MAHABALIPURAM

Mahabalipuram is a town in Kancheepuram district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a 7th century port city of the South Indian dynasty of the Pallavas around 60 km south from the city of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. It is believed to have been named after the Pallava king Mamalla. It has various historic monuments built largely between the 7th and the 9th century, and has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.History :- The temples of Mamallapuram, built largely during the reigns of Narasimhavarman and his successor Rajasimhavarman, showcase the movement from rock-cut architecture to structural building. The mandapas or pavilions and the rathas or shrines shaped as temple chariots are hewn from the granite rock face, while the famed Shore Temple, erected half a century later, is built from dressed what makes Mamallapuram so culturally resonant are the influences it absorbs and disseminates. All but one of the rathas from the first phase of Pallava architecture are modelled on the Budhist viharas or monasteries and chaitya halls with several cells arranged around a courtyard. Art historian Percy Brown, in fact, traces the possible roots of the Pallavan Mandapas to the similar rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Referring to Narasimhavarman's victory in AD 642 over the Chalukyan king Pulakesin II, Brown says the Pallavan king may have brought the sculptors and artisans back to Kanchi and Mamallapuram as 'spoils of war.Mahabalipuram, or Mamallapuram, was the chief seaport of the Pallavas who ruled over much of South India from as early as the first century B.C to the eighth century A.D., and it is now recognized as the site of some of the greatest architectural and sculptural achievements in India. Under the reign of Narasimha Varman (c. 630), this seaport began to grow as a great artistic center. The beautiful cave temples and gigantic open air reliefs carved from blocks of granite date to the seventh century.Tourism :- people from various parts of India and across the globe throng the city of Mahabalipuram. The relaxed souls and the rejuvenated bodies make up for the perfect holiday trip to the southern India. While you are planning your Golden triangle tour of southern India the annual dance festival of Mahabalipuram can also be incorporated. The Dance Festival is hosted by the Department of Tourism of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The extravagance of classical music and dance has performances of Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Odissi and folk dances by the best artists. Various artists from across the globe throng the Attending the festival will prove to be an entirely unique and unforgettable experience. The festival commences on the 25th of December and is conducted on all Saturdays and Government holidays, up to the first week of February. The seat for the audiences is near the sea, which offers the nature at its best too. The sea is a prime attraction for the tourists to the land owing to its relaxed nature and the opportunity to sun bathe. The location of Mahabalipuram on the coast of Bay of Bengal increases it importance multifold. Art & Culture :- Mamallapuram known for its rocks carvings and monolithic sculptures has the famous shore temple, the only one to have survived the ravages of nature. Also known as the Seven Pagodas (temples), six now lie submerged in the sea.

HOW TO REACHBy Air - The nearest airport is at Chennai about 58-km way from Mahabalipuram which has both domestic and international terminus. Chennai is connected with all the major places in India through the numerous domestic flights. International flights also operate from various parts of the world to Chennai. By Rail - The nearest railway stations from Mahabalipuram are Chengalpattu (29-km) and Chennai (58-km). From these stations one has to take the road to reach Mahabalipuram. By Road - Mahabalipuram is connected with a good network of roads. There are bus available from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mahabalipuram daily. One can also hire a taxi from Chennai.WHEN TO GOBest time to travel Mahabalipuram is winter between November and February.
WHAT TO SEE

Arjuna Penance :- It is an enormous relief made on two huge boulders is the universe itself in stone, throbbing with a vastness of conception. This colossus of art, 27 metres long and 9 metres high, is perhaps the world's largest bas-relief. The cleft in the rock depicts the descent of the Ganga, brought to earth by King Bhagiratha to redeem the cursed souls of his ancestors. The two large elephants are remarkable for their artistry, and so are the scenes from the Panchatantra.

The Varaha Cave :- It is a small rock-cut mandapam (hall), is a faceted and finished gem with two incarnations of Vishnu-Varaha (boar) and Vamana (dwarf). The Dharmaraja Cave, built in the early seventh century, contains three empty shrines. The Mahisasurmardini Cave (mid-seventh century) has fine bas-reliefs on its panels of enduring beauty. The Somaskanda sculpture radiates peace, power, and wisdom while Lord Vishnu is shown in omniscient repose in a masterpiece of dhwani (the art of suggestion). On the opposite side is a huge theatrical panel showing, Goddess Durga's fight with the demon Mahishasura, an episode culled from the celebrated Sanskrit poem Devi Mahatmya.

Rathas :- A group of structures lying at the southern extreme of Mahabalipuram, amidst casuarina trees, are the famous Rathas (chariots). The Pancha Pandava Rathas, as they are called, are five in number. Out of these, four are carved out of a single rock, while the fifth on the west is scooped out from a small rock. The square Draupadi and Arjuna Rathas, the linear Bhima Ratha, the taller Dharamraja Ratha and the apsidal Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha, constitute the complex.

Krishna Mandapam :- The Krishna Temple is one of the earliest rock-cut temples of Mahabalipuram. The walls of the temples depict scenes of pastoral life, one with the image of Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill in his fingertips to protect his people from Indra.

Shore Temple :- The windswept and surf-beaten Shore Temple, the mute tireless sentinel of the shore, is the ultimate expression of Mahabalipuram. A three-in-one abode of God-a Vishnu temple sandwiched between two Shiva temples-it is a visual delight, its precincts abounding in architectural masterpieces. On either side of it the sea spreads, illimitable and infinite. The compound wall of this temple is lined with charming sculptures of Nandi the bull while the figure of Vishnu is present in the sanctum sanctorum.