Tour Description :
Though
it is no longer a port, Mamallapuram has retained its fame in stone,
thanks to the great contribution of Pallava artisans. It is among
the most outstanding examples of Dravidian art and architecture and
a jewel in the crown of Tamil Nadu. In a land that is liberally
strewn with some of the best in temple art, Mamallapuram holds its
own, and stands as a silent yet eloquent witness to the glory of its
creators.Unfortunately most of the work was left incomplete, and
time and nature have also eroded the remains of this once great
port.
Yet, Mamallapuram's wonders in rock leave visitors enthralled,
conveying as they do, an impression of beauty and harmony. The
monuments are floodlit at night and so it is possible to enjoy their
beauty even after sunset. The Mamallapuram dance festival is
conducted every year during Dec-Jan. It is a month long festival and
dances take place during the weekends. Classical dances such as
Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Mohini Attam, Odissi, Kathak
etc., are performed by well-known exponents of the art.
Five Rathas : These rock-cut temples are rated as excellent
examples of
Pallava art. Shaped in different styles, the five structures are
named after the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharatha and Draupadi.
These are monolithic temples, each created in a different style.
They are also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas, and the four of
the rathas are supposed to have been scooped out of a single rock
formation.
Mahishasuramardhini Cave : There are nine rock-cut cave
temples. The Mahishasuramardhini cave, contrasting the goddess
fighting a demon on one side, and Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep on the
other, is a particularly remarkable.
Krishna Mandapam : This cave has a big bas-relief,
notable for its realistic representation. The panel relates one of
the stories of Lord Krishna.
Arjuna's Penance : The world's largest bas-relief measuring 27m
x 9m is the pride of Mamallapuram. This huge whale-back shaped rock
contains figures of gods, demigods, men, beasts, and birds and in
fact, can be said to represent creation itself.
The Shore Temple :
This is one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the
8th Century A.D. and is a good example of the first phase of the
structure of temples constructed in the Dravidian style.
Krishna's
Butter Ball : The huge boulder near the Ganesha Ratha is
popularly known as Krishna's butterball. It rests precariously on a
narrow rock base. It is believed that several Pallava kings have
attempted to move the stone, but legend is that neither the kings
nor their elephants could shift the boulder even by an inch. 