Average elevation of town is 39 feet above sea level. Weather is hot & humid throughout the year, though pleasant in November to February. Total land area is 8 sq km & population 12000.
Mamallapuram village is listed as a World Heritage site & is famous for stone carvings. Lot of artisans can be found working on exquisite stone statues, religious idols & sculptures.
It is an ancient historic town & was a sea port having trading contacts with Romans & South East Asia & Sri Lanka. Chinese & Roman coins have been found in excavations. After decline of Gupta dynasty Pallavas flourished. It was business capital of Pallavas of Kanchipuram during seventh century. It was originally named Mahabalipuram after an arrogant & cruel king Mahabali who was killed in a fierce battle by Lord Vishnu. Later it was named city of Mammalla (meaning a great wrestler), the title of great Pallva king Narsimha Varman I.
It was also known to mariners as land of Seven Pagodas. All but one of such seven temples has disappeared in the sea. Last one is called Shore Temple. Another local name is Kadal Malai-Sea Mountain.
Lord Krishna has lifted Govardhan & people are taking shelter |
All the cows & people at ease under the Govardhan |
Krishna Mandapam front elevation. Fourth pillar from left has no lion. This pillar was broken during excavation & a plain pillar was placed by the British in 1924. |
Cave dwellings for Pandavas & Draupadi |
Meditation Chamber |
This small pool is at the top of the hill. Guide informed that Roman & Chinese coins were found during excavation in this well. It has since been filled up & closed. |
This pillar is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Ten circles indicate his ten incarnations each of which has been engraved in the individual circles |
Lion's den - one in stone is still sitting there |
Lighthouses. The left pillar was made by Britishers & on the right ancient one looking like a hut. They used to burn wood in this hut during the night to make it a lighthouse |
Roman & Chinese figures add twist to the historical sculpture |
3 comments:
https://jogharshwardhan.blogspot.com/2013/07/visit-to-mahabalipuram-part-i.html
Great Article about the history of Mamallpuram.The article and the pictures lends a good insight about the city.and gives you a clear picture of how to travel When to travel and What all areas to be covered.
Thank you Pallavi Mishra. Find time to visit the place. Historic place near seashore.
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