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This temple, also known as Thirukadalmallai, is the main temple in the village with two major shrines for Lord Talasayana Perumai and Nilamangai Thayaar. This is the avatrasthalam (Birthplace) of Bhoothathazhwar, the 2nd Azhwar. There is also a separate shrine for Lord Narasimha. The architecture depicts the Pallava style and was built by the Pallava kings.
Written Oct 9, 2009
This hall is just down the road from the Arjuna's Penance and has a large bas relief measuring 27m X 9m. Episodes from the life of Lord Krishna are depicted on the walls of the mandapam. It includes the scenes of the child Krishna holding aloft the Govardhana hill to protect the people of Gokulam from severe rains. It also holds the figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts and birds.
Written Oct 9, 2009
Arjuna's Penance or Bhagiratha's Penance is the name of a massive open air bas-relief monolith dating from the 7th century located opposite the Talasayana Perumai Temple. Measuring 96 feet long by 43 feet high, the bas-relief is also known as The Descent of Ganga. It displays animals, deities and other semi divine creatures as well as fables from the Hindu Panchatantra books and is one of the best sights at Mamallapuram.
The bas-relief has two names, because there is not full agreement regarding which of the stories the mural depicts. One theory is that the relief depicts the flow of the Ganges down from the Himalayan mountains. Legend says that King Bhagiratha brought down the Ganges from heaven to purify the souls of his ancestors. Later he realised that the flood would inundate the earth so he had to undergo a penance to convince Shiva to intervene. The Lord came down to earth and let the flood trickle through his hair, dispersing the water safely in a number of streams.
Written Oct 9, 2009
This cave temple (dating from between 630-660 AD) honours the Hindu trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - with a separate section dedicated to each deity. The shrines are guarded by statues of graceful doorkeepers.
Written Oct 9, 2009
This is a favourite photo opportunity among visitors and also a test to see just how strong you are as this huge naturally found boulder is precariously balanced on a slope. See if you can roll it off!
Written Oct 9, 2009
This temple is a small monolithic rock-cut temple with a mandapam (hall) dating from the 7th century. Inside, the side walls have large sculptured panels depicting Vishnu as Varaha, the boar, holding up Bhudevi, the earth goddess, which are good examples of naturalistic Pallava art. The Pallava doorkeepers are four pillars that have lions carved into the bases. Inside, on the rear wall, is the shrine with guardian figures on either side.
Written Oct 9, 2009
Originally dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is now dedicated to Lord Ganesh. The two-storeyed rectangular shrine is attributed to belong to Parameshvara Varman I (r. 669-90). The temple features beautifully carved inscriptions listing the royal titles of Parameshvara Varman.
Written Oct 9, 2009
This hall lies just to the north of the lighthouse and was originally a rock-cut triple celled Shiva temple with pillared mantapa in front. It later got converted into a hall and dates from AD 640-674.
Written Oct 9, 2009
This lighthouse, built in 1900, can be found along the main track through the rocky outcrop and gives some great views over the other rock temples, caves, village and to the Shore Temple, which you can just make out.
Written Oct 9, 2009
This hall can be found on the southern end of the rocky outcrop. The hall displays scenes from the Puranas (Sanskrit stories dating from the 5th century AD) with the sculpture of the goddess Durga on her lion mount considered one of the best.
Written Oct 9, 2009
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1 Review and 252 Opinions Temple Bay is just about the best place I’ve stayed, ever, anywhere. Granted, I don’t usually...
1 Review and 125 Opinions Stayed there for 2 days in August. I have to say it's a nice place worth spending time and...
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Reviews and photos of Mamallapuram attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Mamallapuram sightseeing.
This hall can be found on the southern end of the rocky outcrop. The hall displays scenes from the Puranas (Sanskrit stories dating from the 5th century AD)...
3 members live in Mamallapuram
Q: Hi friends has anybody been in Mahabalipuram in September Oktober 2008 sombody said the water on the beach is comming very high...
A: Probably the southwest monsoon. I have the same happen in Sri Lanka during monsoon season.
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So many mixed feelings after the Tsunami
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...
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In this page, I will start with introduction of the place/cave/temple and will follow with few tips based on my own impressions for that specific location. All my India pages will be having the same...
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Mahabalipuram or now called Mamallapuram is one of old port of the ancient Pallava dynasty(5th and 8th centuries).Its small coastel town,59km from Madras. Most of the monumnets are either rock cut or...
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Also known as 'The Descent of the Ganges' and as 'Bhagiratha's Penance,' this 12x30 meter rock carving is said to be the largest bas relief in the world. It is worth several visits and hours of visual...
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I've got some interesting experiences in Mamallapuram. I'd love to share with you the 6 tips I've written, the 7 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created.
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