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The second capital of the Pallavas, Mahabalipuram was once a thriving city port. Lying on the poetic Coromandel Coast, Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is 60 km to the South of Chennai. This city where the Pallavas once reigned faces the Bay of Bengal to delight visitors with its picturesque charm. It is not just the sandy beaches that makes Mahabalipuram charming, it is also the architectural wonders that drops jaws.
Mahabalipuram was renamed Mamallapuram during the reign of the Pallava King Narasimha Varman I. The title "mamalla" meaning "the great wrestler" was given to the king considering his bravery and achievements.
The Pallavas were great artistic thinkers. Only they could've conceived art in the form it stands at Mahabalipuram. It is a close to perfect visualization of a dramatic frame: silvery sands, blue seas, shadowy trees, and rustic yet sublime architectural style to top it all.
Jealous Gods?
Archeologists consider this ellaborate showcase of architectural skills to be a marking of the victory of Hinduism over Buddhism. It is very evident that these sculptures have strong Buddhist influence. Hence, it has drawn references to the seven pagodas. It is said that even the Gods were jealous to see the flooding treasures of architectural wealth which is why they caused floods so that most of the structures were submerged in the sea. During the 2004 Tsunami, a few structures came into sight. There are three shore temples that are built on the same platform.
Jram23
Ananthashayana!
Originally built in the 7th CE, it was later renovated by Narasimha Varman II. Two Shiva temples, two Vishnu temple, and the beautifully carved idols of Lord Narasimha and Goddess Durga can be found here.The main and the most magnificent idol can be seen in segments through various doors: this is the idol of Lord Vishnu manifested in the form of Ananthashayana.
seeveeaar
Arjuna's Penance or Descent of the Ganges?
There is a giant open-air bas relief that scholars and interpreters alike are confused whether the depictions are from the Mahabharata or the Ramayana or is it a confluence of the two trying to preach something of the higher worlds. This huge rock with intricate carvings is either portraying Arjuna's Penance or Descent of the Ganges!
russavia
Varaha Cave Temple
A fine testimony to Indian rock-cut cave architecture, the Varaha Cave temple is a couple of kilometres from the main group of monuments at Mahabalipuram. Here, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Varaha is the main attraction lifting His consort Bhudevi. The entrance to the temple built with mandapa has several pillars and the walls inside have perfectly carved scenes from the Epics.
Phaneesh N
Pancha Rathas
Named after the Pandavas and their common consort Draupadi, Pancha Rathas are five monolithic pyramidal structures. Each structure resembles a chariot or ratha.
Sistak
Dharmaraja Ratha
Built with three steps, the Dharmaraja Ratha has 16 inscriptions in Grantha and Nagari Scripts. There are also carvings of many Gods and Demi Gods.
russavia
Arjuna Ratha
Arjuna Ratha is said to have been completed before the Dharmaraja Ratha and is also said to be a replica of an earlier wooden version of the same. Arjuna Ratha stands next to Draupadi Ratha.
Bhima Ratha
A rectangular structure, Bhima Ratha has lion mounted columns and a gallery inside.
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Nakula Sahadeva Ratha
Simple and attractive, Nakula Sahadeva Ratha has no exaggerated carvings to go with it. But a huge monolithic elephant stands beside the Ratha.
Sandip Nirmal
Draupadi Ratha
Goddess Durga lies inside this Ratha of Draupadi's. It resembles a beautiful village hut! The lion-elephant theme is seen around the structures repeatedly.
Sharda Crishna
Reigned and How!
The Pallavas reigned like true lions over Kanchipuram and helped the world witness the best of Dravidian architecture. Mahabalipuram is the best of the Pallava world!
shandysnaps
