TEMPLUISM OF THE GREAT PALLAVAS WITH SPECIAL REPERENCE TO MAMALLAPURAM – A STUDY ABSTRACT Temples are found throughout India particularly in Tamil Nadu and it has retained its importance, signification and popularity through the ages. Art, religion, culture, philosophy and society are inseparable in the history of

Indian culture. Among them art is the gift of God. The purpose of art is unifying the depth of all things. The westerners call our place of worship as temple, a derivation of Latin word “Templum” which means square or rectangular drawings made by the priest. Temples originally means a holy shrine or building that screened from the eyes of the profane. It is the dwelling place of God. Mamallapuram is situated on the coromandal coast,

58kms to the south of Chennai. It was designated a world Heritage site by

UNESCO in 1984 for its standing rage of monuments, dating from the 6th century to 10th century AD. Mamallapuram Shore temple and Dharmaraja ratha in and around sculptures occupy a prominent place.

The second chapter explains the significances of the temple. The third chapter entitled the contribution of Pallava to Kanchipuram. The fourth chapter Mamallapuram as a center of arts creations. The fifth chapter is the findings of the researcher. The Shore temple is very first introduces as ambulatory passage way. The ambiguous sculptural monument of the Shore temple reveals clearly the religious conditions prevailing in Pallava period. All the Siva temples are facing in eastern direction but the Shore temple is facing western direction. This is unconventional. Durga devi or Mahishasuramardini battle with buffalo headed demon Mahishasura. The animals are closed to each other it reveals the peaceful atmosphere. Arjuna’s penance is carving a unique in the range of India art. The five monolithic soiled rocks to form five free standing rathas are related to Pandavas of the Mahabharata can be seen only at Mamallapuram. Pallavas are the founders of carving rock-cut temples in the history of Indian architecture. Caves excavated in hill scarps and used as temple, this being in some cases called Mandapas or canopies are introduced only by the Pallavas. The credit of introducing stone in temple construction goes to Rajasimha before his period stones were not used to construct the temple. Even before the Pallava rulers dressed stones were not used to construct the temples. They are introduced the dressed stone.

Kanchipuram is sanctified by Divinity, became it is known as Mokshapur,

Prithivishethram and Sakthipetham.

The shore temple stands as a symbol of showing aesthetic aspiration of the Pallavas. In order to prevent further sea erosion of the structure, periodic action has been taken by the Government. The natural atmosphere both sunrise and sunset offer a brilliant spectacle. Generally speaking temples are the product of religious, philosophical, cultural, sociological and aesthetic quest. So that man is able to achieve his spiritual contact with the Gods.