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Tuesday, 10 July 2012

Mamallapuram ammgine places in world

Mahabalipuram(Mamallapuram)
Mandapas
The main hill at Mamallapuram is dotted with pillared halls carved into the rock face. These mandapas, with their graceful columns and intricate figure sculptures bear witness to the Pallavas. The ten pavilions at Mamallapuram, of which two are unfinished, were designed as shrine, with a sanctum and one outer hall. The shallow porticoes are adorned with exquisite sculptures of gods, goddesses and mythological figures. The main active shrine is the Ganesh mandapa, with the idol of the Lord Ganesha standing for almost fourteen centuries after it was first constructed. Beyond the circular rock called Krishna's Butterball is the Varaha mandapa dedicated to the two avatars of Vishnu as Varaha, the boar and Vamana, the dwarf. The pillars of this pavilion display a motif that became the signature of the southern architecture. The Mahishasuramardini mandapa is dedicated to the goddess Durga in bas relief, slaying a buffalo-headed demon. The Vishnu Sayana Mandapa shows Lord Vishnu lying under the protective hood of the seven-headed serpent Adishesha. The Panch Pandava mandapa, that is unfinished, has a more elaborate facade. Its pillars are adorned with rearing lions springing from the capital, and the shrine is the only one surrounded by a passage which allows circumvolutions.


he Shore temple is located on a rocky hill very close to the sea. This is one of the oldest temples in South India. It belongs to the 8th century AD and is a good example of the first phase of structural temples constructed in Dravidian style. The structure of the temple is so unusual so that it can catch the first rays of the rising sun and to illuminate the waters after dark. As the main shrine faces the sea on the east, the gateway, the fore count and the assembly hall of the Shore Temple all lie behind the sanctum. The beautiful shore temple consists of two temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and
    Shore Temple, Mamallapuram

Vishnu in the reclining form. The main sanctum and one of the two lesser ones on the west are dedicated to Shiva. The enclosing wall has a series of Nandi bulls on it. Recently, a stone wall has been built to protect the shrine from the rising seas and further erosion. The temple is flood lit at night so that one can enjoy its beauty after sunset.



Tiger Cave Temple

The Tiger Cave Temple is located 4 kms north of the main monument complex. Earth and animal life forces are represented in this great example of Pallava style cave architecture. The temple was earlier an open air theatre, where cultural programmes were held. Though it is very near the sea, the place is very serene and calm.
 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
    Mamallapuram, Mamallapuram Tour


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. 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.



near the swimingcool

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