factual description of mahabalipuram
Answers
Explanation:
Mahabalipuram is a sleepy coastal town 60 kms south of Chennai. This tiny sea side village set in a boulder strewn landscape is a site of many ancient sculptural marvels. It was the port city of the Pallavas who had mastered the art of construction without using bricks or mortar, carving out exquisite sculptures from rocks. The best examples of the ir art here are the five monolith chariots, the pride of Mahabalipuram. The various panels on the walls depict scenes from Hindu mythology and fables from the Panchtantra. The Mahabalipuram ruins, date to the seventh century and consist of a cave temple, shore temple, monolithic rathas (rock-carved temple chariots) and bas-reliefs (among the world's finest.). It is the ideal place to purchase intricately shaped and skilfully carved statues.Mahabalipuram , is one of the Indian towns that was devastated by the recent Tsunami waves in December 2004, but in true Indian style, the city's inhabitants showed tremendous grit and courage and had the city back to normal very quickly.
Answer:
Mahabalipuram -- Mahabalipuram is a sleepy coastal town 60 kms south of Chennai. .
The city of Mamallapuram was founded by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I in the 7th century AD. The mandapa or pavilions and the rathas or shrines shaped as temple chariots are hewn from the granite rock face, while the famed Shore Temple, erected half a century later, is built from dressed stone.
Some important structures include:
The Shore Temple
It is a structural temple along the Bay of Bengal with the entrance from the western side away from the sea. Recent excavations have revealed new structures here.
Varaha Cave Temple
It is a small rock-cut temple dating back to the 7th century. Varaha Cave has four impressive carvings of Gakalakshmi, Vishnu, Durga and Trivikama.
Pancha Rathas (Five Chariots)
It is a five monolithic pyramidal structures named after the Pandavas (Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishtra, Nakulaand Sahadeva) and Draupadi. A remarkable aspect of the rathas is that, in spite of their sizes they are not assembled – each of these is carved from one single large piece of stone.
Sculpture Museum
East Raja Street has hundreds of sculptures in stone, wood etc.It is well worth a visit.
Thirukadalmallai
It is the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was also built by Pallava King in order to preserve the sculptures from the ocean. It is told that after building this temple, the remaining architecture was preserved and was not corroded by sea.
Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna's Penance
It is a giant open-air bas relief.
Mahishamardini Cave
The central carving is of Shiva and Parvati and Murugan.
Light House
Light House was built in 1894.
How To Reach Mahabalipuram
By Rail
Chengalpattu is the nearest rail head which is situated at a distance of 29 km from Mahabalipuram.