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| HISTORY
OF MAMALLAPURAM |
Shore
Temple
The
Shore Temple on the Bay of Bengal was constructed in
the 7th century during the rule of King Narsimha-Varman
II Rajasimha (ac. 690-728).The Shore temples is a temple
complex consisting of two Siva temples and a carving
of Anantasayana Vishnu. It is an historic monuments
built largely between the 7th and the 9th century and
has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Arjuna's
Pennance
A
sculptured marvel at Mahabalipuram, often called "Arjuna's
Penance", is an enormous relief made on two huge
boulders. One of the biggest open-air rock canvases
in the world, this bas-relief is 31m long and 9m high.
The surface of the rock has detailed carvings, showing
the most endearing and natural rendition of animals. |
Five
Rathas
Five
monolithic chariot temples dedicated to Hindu gods.
The five rathas are Dharmaraja Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Arjuna
Ratha, Draupadi Ratha and Nakul Sahadev Ratha. These
are monolithic temples, each created in a different
style, They are also known as the Pancha Pandava Rathas,
and the fort of the rathas are supposed to have been
scooped out of a single rock formation. |
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The
Krishna Mandapam
This
is a 12 column cave temple. It has a natural figure
of a cow being milked. There is a sculpture of Krishana
holding up the Govardhan mountain to protect his people
from Indra's flood, on the black wall, in side the Mandapam. |
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Tiger's
Cave
It
is 4kms north of the main monument complex. It
was an open air theatre, where cultural programmes
were held. Though it is very near the sea, the
place is serence and calm. |
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Mahishasuramardhini
There
are nine rock-cut temples. The Mahishasuramardhini
cave, constrasting the Goddess fighting a demon
on one side, and Lord Vishnu's cosmic sleep on
the other, is particularly remarkable one. |
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Festivals
at Mamallapuram |
Pongal
Tourist Festival is celebrated on a grand scale
during the middle of January, and Dance Festival
in the month of December and January every year.
Sthalasayan Perumal Temple Festival-Masimagam and
Brahmmotsavam in the month of March.
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Dance
festival in Mamallapuram |
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A
vibrant festival of dance is held at the
venue of 'Arjuna's penance', a bass-relief
sculpted on the face two enormous adjacent
rocks, in Mamallapuram from early January
for four weeks. Exponents of classical dances
like Bharata Natyam,Kuchipudi, Kathak, Kathakali
etc. perform in an open air stage against
the magnificent backdrop of the Pallava
rock sculptures. Besides classical, folk
dances are also performed. Dancers from
different parts of India perform during
this festival. The renowned festival is
organised by the Department of Tourism,
Government of Tamil Nadu |
| How
to get there |
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------------------------Air:
Chennai (58km) is
the nearest airport with both domestic and
international terminus. Chennai is connected
with all the major places in India through
the numerous domestic flights. International
flights operate from various parts of the
world to Chennai.
------------------------Rail:
The nearest railway
stations are Chengalpattu (29km) and Chennai
(58km). From these stations one has to take
road journey to reach Mamallapuram.
------------------------Road:
Buses are available
from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu
and Chennai to Mamallapuram daily. Tourists
can also hire a taxi from Chennai.
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GENERAL
INFORMATION |
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| Area |
8
sq. km. |
| Altitude |
Sea
level |
| Population |
12,000
(Appx) |
| Climate |
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| Summer |
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| Winter |
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| Rainfall |
32.5
cm average |
| Clothing |
Tropical |
| Season |
Throughout
the year |
| Languages
spoken |
Tamil
and English |
| STD
Code |
044 |
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