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Mamallapuram
It is 59km
south of Madras. It was an old port city and capital of the Pallava kings. It
consists of 4
kinds of rock structures, cut-out monolithic rock temples (rathas), cut-in cave
temples (mandapams), temples constructed from multiple pieces and materials, and
bas-relief sculptures carved on large rocks. 
The combination of old 7th
and 8th century Pallava carvings, temples and wonderful beaches make the place a
beautiful tourist destination.
The
Shore Temple is
situated near the Ocean. This was built by the
Pallava King Rajasimha in the early 8th century. The courtyard is surrounded by a massive
wall. The entrances are guarded by sculptures of mythical deities. Inside
one of the shrines, there is an image of Vishnu lying with a snake at his side in
cosmic sleep on the sea.
The world's largest
bas-relief, the 'Penance of Arjuna', is 96ft long and
43 ft high, carved on two adjacent boulders. The figure of' Shiva with an ascetic Arjuna to his left,
standing on one leg gives a mythical and realistic impression among the
many other figures. This figure is a scene from the Bhagavad Gita,
wherein Arjuna asks shiva for help in defeating his enemies.
There are more than twelve cave temples cut into the rock hill behind
the' Penance of Arjuna' bas-relief. Most of these temples are at the top
of the granite hill and some of them are quite remarkable but some
have been damaged. Read
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The Krishna
Mandapam This is a 12 column cave temple. It has a natural
figure of a cow being milked. There is a sculpture of Krishana holding up
the Govardhan mountain to protect his people from Indra's flood, on the black
wall, in side the Mandapam.
The Five Rathas (Pancha Pandava Rathas).
It is the most famous example of Pallava architecture. These
five architectures are made out of five individual pieces of granite,
with its own elevation, plan and exquisite detail. These individual rathas
(chariots) are named after Draupadi (wife of Pandavas) Durga (a
warrior wife of Shiva who rides a lion), Arjuna (a warrior in Mahabaratha)
and Bhima (a Pandava Son). The sculptures of an elephant (the vehicle
of Indra) lion (the vehicle of Durga) and Nandi bull (the vehicle
of Shiva) are structurally displayed in complete.Read
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The
Adivaraha cave is famous for its two portraits of royal Pallava kings with two goddesses.
The light
house built by the British gives a good view and serves as a landmark
in navigation.
The
Mahishamardini Cave
is near to the light house, on top of the hill. It
is the most outstanding mandapam. The wall on the right side, is carved
with the Durga, riding on the lion and defeating the Mahisha, the
buffalo demon. In the opposite side there was a carving of Vishnu reclining on
the great serpent Sesha. At the back of the Mahishamardini Cave there are
three cells containing Shiva, Uma (Consort of Shiva) and their son Skanda.
The Tiger
Cave
is 5Km away from Mamallapuram, at Saluvankuppam, This place is a favorite
picnic spot. The cave is distinguished by the crown of carved
tiger heads around the temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Tirukkalukundram (Sacred hill of Kites)
is 15 Km west of Mamallapuram. The pilgrims are come here to climb 500 steps to reach on
top of the hill to witness the Brahmin priests, who fed the two kites
(birds).
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