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Tamil
Nadu Cities
Mamallapuram
( Sightseeing )
Arjuna's
Penance
Carved in relief on the face of a huge rock, Arjuna's Penance is
the mythical story of the River Ganges issuing from its source high
in the Himalaya . the panel depicts animal animals, deities and
other semi-divine creatures, fable from the Panchatantra, and Arjuna
doing a penance to obtain a boon from Siva.
Shore Temple
This beautiful and romantic temple, ravaged by wind and sea, represents
the final phase of Pallavas art and was built in the late 7th century
during the reign of Rajasimha. It is believed that at one point
in time there were seven such temples, six of them were victims
to the natural elements of erosion. This temple has three shrines;
one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other two to Lord Shiva. The
frothy waves form a striking backdrop to the temple, protected by
rows of rock-carved bulls. The most unique feature of the temple
is that it houses shrines to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Mandapams
There are eight mandapams ( shallow, rock-cut halls ) scattered
over the main hill, two of which have been left unfinished. they
are mainly of interest for their internal figure sculptures. One
of the earliest rock-cut temples is the Krishna Mandapam. It features
carvings of a pastoral scene showing Krishna lifting up the Govardhana
mountain to protect his kinsfolk from the wrath of Indra. On the
hill rests a dangerously balanced boulder named Krishna's Butterball
after his legendary affinity for fresh butter.
Five Rathas
These are the architectural prototypes of all Dravidian temples,
demonstrating the imposing gopurams and vimanas, multi pillared
halls and sculptured walls which dominate the landscape of Tamil
Nadu.
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