Mamallapuram
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Introduction
to Mamallapuram
Mamallapuram is a historical retreat set amidst natural beauty, about 58 km south of Chennai. Mamallapuram is also known as Mahabalipuram, the city of Bali. This ancient city is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. It covers an area of 8 square kms situated at the sea level.
It is an international historic and heritage center as it is the place where the art and architecture first originated. This ancient place was the major seaport of the Pallava dynasty and was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. Mamallapuram is globally known for the famous shore temples. It later became an architectural center owing to its beautiful coastal area studded with small hills ideal for the creation of cave temples, stone carvings, etc. The Pallavas created many marvellous monuments like the sculptural panels, caves, monolithic rathas and temples. |
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These monuments carved out of solid rock, though ravaged by the sea and wind, still bear testimony to the magnificent heritage of Dravidian architecture. Besides the monuments, Mamallapuram is also known for the beautiful beaches and fine resorts. These monumental splendours and sunny beach resorts attract tourists from all over the world. The climate in Mamallapuram is tropical. In summers it is around 36.6 degree Celsius and in winters it is around 19.8 degree Celsius. Tamil and English are widely spoken languages
in Mamallapuram. The famous dance festival is celebrated in the month of December in
Mamallapuram. |
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History
The temples at Mamallapuram were built during the rule of Narasimhavarman and his successor Rajasimhavarman. These temples showcase the movement from rock-cut architecture to structural building. The mandapas or pavilions and the rathas or shrines shaped as temple chariots were carved from the granite rock face, and the famous Shore Temple was built half a century later. All the rathas except one ratha 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. The famous art historian, Percy Brown, traced the possible roots of the Pallavan Mandapas to the similar rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Mr. Brown said that the Pallavan king may have brought the sculptors and artisans back to Kanchi and Mamallapuram as the spoils of war which occurred between Narasimhavarman and the Chalukyan king Pulakesin II in 642 AD. |
Tourist Attractions in Mamallapuram
The Mahabalipuram art can be divided into four categories which are open air bas - relief, structured temples, man-made caves and rathas. The most important attraction in Mahabalipuram are the famous Arjuna's Penance, the Krishna Mandapa and the beautiful Shore Temple. Sixteen man-made caves in different stages of completion are also scattered throughout the area. The Shore Temple, one of the oldest in South India, stands on the sea shore with its paved forecourts. These temples were built by the Pallavas (450-900 AD). An immense intricately carved bas-relief, which is about 27 m long and 8 m high, depicts Arjuna’s Penance. Arjuna’s Penance is said to be the largest in world and is a masterpiece of composition. Early rock-cut temples excavated from the hillside have large carved panels which depict stories from Indian mythology. The carvings in the
Mahishasuramardini cave, which show the goddess Durga killing a demon and Lord Vishnu in his cosmic slumber (ananthasayanam), are particularly remarkable. Sri Krishna’s avatar comes alive in the Krishna Mandapam where a sculpted panel depicts pastoral life and the lifting of the Govardhan hillock. The another major sculptural excellence are the Five Rathas, referred to as the Pancha Pandava
Rathas. |
How to reach here:
By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Chennai which is about 58 kms. The Chennai airport has both domestic and international terminus. Chennai is connected with all the major places in India and world through various domestic and international flights.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located at Chennai and Chingleput which is about 29 km. Mahabalipuram is well connected by rail to various other cities in South India.
By Road:
Mamallapuram is well connected by road to various cities in South India like Chennai, Chingleput and Pondicherry. The road to Mahabalipuram is good. |
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