DOCSLIB.ORG

Tamilnadu Which Is in the Southern Part of India Is the End of All States in the Topography of India, Has Many Beautiful Places to See

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Tamilnadu Which Is in the Southern Part of India Is the End of All States in the Topography of India, Has Many Beautiful Places to See 121 Tamilnadu which is in the Southern part of India is the end of all states in the topography of India, has many beautiful places to see. There are many beautiful scenery, ancient monuments and historic temples for their unique sculptures, with the culture and tradition of the natives and so on. There are lots of other things to be spoken as well. One such place to be watched and enjoyed is Mahabalipuram. This is a magnificent tourist place. Mahabalipuram is situated on the coramandel coast, 58km to the South of Chennai. It was designated a world Heritage site by UNESCO in 1984 for it stunning range of monuments, dating from the sixth to the tenth century A.D that include stone rathas (temples in the form of chariots) mandapas (cave junctures) the famous Shore temple and giant sized sculptures carved on granite rocks. The richness in Mahabalipuram was not known to many, as Pallavas did not outlet and expose their quality and innovative creations to the outer world for obvious reasons. The aestheticism was hidden until the late 18th century. What is special about Mahabalipuram of course every one can point out the rock – cut caves, temples made from a single rock, temples and strives of different structures, and bas – relief’s which are so artistic and sheer creativity. Mahabalipuram is referred as an open – air museum. The great Pallava kings Narasimha - I and Rajasimha have well 122 preserved these stylistic qualities that one can enjoy in Mahabalipuram even in the present day. The beauty of the place is not only due to these architecture but the vast casuarinas trees, the silvery sandy beach the classical hand made crafts around have made them all to form what is a collective splendor. Any visitor who visits Mahabalipuram will remain startled and intoxicated with the grandeur. They feel excited and more out from this historical and fascinating tourist spot. Hearing of a temple singing to the rhythm of waves, rocks reading epic poetry spell binding sculpture and rock – cut caves echoing a glorious past. That’s Mahabalipuram for you all in one. Mahabalipuram is one of the 16 World Heritage sites being protected and developed by the Archaeological survey of India and the central tourism department. The visitor to this sought after tourist destination never fails to experience the rare symphony on the rocks created by the Pallavas. The tourists discovery derive pleasure through a series of wonderful monuments, now getting a fresh lease of life, and an enchanting beach. The monuments are broadly in the form of monolithic, most of which are called rathas or chariots rock – cut caves excavated from hillocks, structural temple and Bas – relief carved on hill edges. It’s ideal for visitors to explore the resort beginning with the five rathas on the 123 Southern side, move towards the hillside to see the caves mandapams and thala Sayana Perumal temple, and proceed towards the sea to experience the beauty of the Shore temple. 4-1 Rathas In this chapter I have attempted very briefby about the rathas, mandapas and temples of Mahabalipuram. But I have made sincere attempt and elborate discussion about the Dharmaraja ratha and Shore temple due to the aesthetic beautification. Rathas are free standing temples cut out of solid rock most of which are locally called or styled rathas or chariots. The five rathas is a set of magnificent monolithic rock temples. Panch is a Hindi word which means ‘Five’. These five rock temples are located in a sandy compound. These five rathas are the perfect examples of the evolution of Dravidian style architecture. They resambll are look similar to that of the Buddhist shrines and monasteries. Rathas in English means chariot. There chariots are constructed with towers, the cars of Gods, multipillared halls, and sculptured walls which are chissled out minutely1. The rathas stand not far from one another and by their neat alignment, and the height, length and width of each structure, reveal the consummate skill that has built on rigid geometrical conceptions2. The Mamallapuram pancha rathas or five chariots are elegant rock- cut shrines famed as the structural fore-runners of the temple of South 124 India. They have an individuality of their own amidst the fumble of stone monuments filling the shore area. For style they are unrivalled even in their unfinished state, each one pleasantly different in essential elements from the other3. George Michael explains, that "The series of monolithic temples known as rathas literally chariots, at Mahabalipuram provide a varitable catalogue of the architectonic forms and sacred icons current during, the seventh and eighth centuries in Southern India. Despite the face that this monolithic phase was only transitory, the 'rathas' reveal a true sophistication of craftsmanship and imaginative elaboration of the Southern Indian architectural formula4. The rathas have an association to the great epic Mahabharata which describes the heroes of Mahabharata with their wife Draupadi which is termed as Pancha pandava rathas. The five rathas are Draupadi’s rathas, Arjuna’s rathas, Nakulasahadev’s rathas, Bhima ratha and Dharamaraja5. 4-1-1 Bhima ratha The Bhima ratha with a roof, shaped like the hood of a county wagon, is elongated on a rectangular base and is supported lengthwise by four pillars and two pilasters. The other ornamentations, false (chaitya windows (dudu) and pavilion, are similar to that of the Dharamaraja ratha. The curvilinear roof her and in the Draupadi ratha is at once suggestive of 125 its origin from the thatched hut with covering. The Bhima ratha contains no paddy grass figure carving. This ratha is faced towards west and this is laid third of the rathas. The shrine is gorgeous as it measures 42ft in length, width and 25ft in height. The pillars are lion carved whereas the other parts are plain. This ratha too is an incomplete one. In the epic Mahabharata Bhima the huge guy is bulky and strong he is fond of eating all the time6. 4-1-2 Arjuna ratha The next one, called Arjuna ratha, is almost a replica of the Dharmaraja ratha. There are carved panels between pilasters on the four sides of its main body on the ground floor and first storey. Three sides of the main body of the ratha contain five panels each, the central and corner ones bding narrowe but more prominent. In the corner panels there are standing figures of dvarapalakas. In the central panels are a Siva leaning on Nandi on the south and Indra on Airavata on the east and a Vishnu leaning on Garuda on the north. In the other panel are mithuna figures or royal couples. One of the panels to the east shows a rishi carrying a staff followed by his disciple. The attempt of the sculptor to represent many of them in full and three quarters profile shows a mastery of skill. Similar mithunas are also portrayed in the panels of the upper storey. Alternating Elephants and lions are carved at the base of this monument all around as 126 supports. The scheme of decoration by means of kudus and pavilions is the same as in the Dharmaraja ratha. To the west of the temple projects a portico supported by two pillars and two pilasters of the squatting lion type, of which the pollars are lost. A flight of steps part of the monolithic leads up to the portico. Immediately above the capitals of the pillars and pilasters and below the kudus is a row of dwarfs (Ganeas) artistically portrayed in different funny postures. The corresponding row in the upper storey shows a frieze of geese. In the cell of this ratha guarded by dvarapalakas, there used to be a head crowned by trisula similar to the one at the southern end of the wagon roof of the Ganesa ratha. This was obviously intended to represent Siva. Though the horns are lost, they can be reconstructed after those in the Ganesa ratha. This is no longer shown in the cell. Behind the ratha is a colossal monolithic couchant Nandi which, even in its semi finished state, is a masterpiece7. The Arjuna’s ratha is dedicated to Lord Siva. This has a small portico and carved pillar stones. Inside the shrine there are no inscriptions or figures whereas on the outer walls. There are carvings of Gods and humans. A panel on the Northern wall is carved with two doors – keepers. Beautiful carvings of Lord Vishnu and Garuda on one panel and the other panel with a couple. The Eastern wall is carved with a double dvarapalakas, in the middle wall the portrait of Lord Indra riding an 127 Elephant, a log standing of the left with has disciples and two beautiful women are perfectly chissled out. These beautiful carvings have been praised by many poets. There is also a figure of Nandi bull which is still left unfinished8. 4-1-3 Draupadi ratha The next temple, named Draupadi ratha, is probably the most elegant in this group. It is supported by four corner pilasters and has a niche crowned by makaratorana on three sides, while on the west it has two niches containing figures of dvarapalakas which flank either side of the doorway decorated with makaratorana. The remaining niches each contain a representation of standing Durga, the one on the east resting on the severed head of the buffalo demon. In the cell inside there is another four armed standing Durga, adored by two male worshippers kneeling at her feet, one of them brandishing his sword to cut off his head as an offering to the Goddess, and four dwarf ganas flying overhead.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • La Beach E-Brochure 99Acers
    FIVE RATHAS ROAD, NEXT TO CHARIOT BEACH RESORTS, MAHABALIPURAM, CHENNAI 603 104 La Beach Set on the pristine shores of Mahabalipuram, La Beach is a gated community experience unlike any other. With it’s own private beach and 37 independent Villas (each with their own stunning view of the sea shore, mind you) that dot the way to a one of a kind Clubhouse replete with all kinds of amenities, La Beach offers it’s patrons an unrivalled sense of belonging, privacy and serenity. La Beach also own 3 individual commercial plots ( S1 - 1228 sq.ft, S2 - 1155 sq.ft, S3 - 1163 sq.ft ). “Gaze into the Sea. Take a swim. Unwind on the sand. Everything else can wait.” La Club 7RSXWLWVLPSO\WKHEHVWRIERWKZRUOGV/DFOXEPDWFKHVWKHPDJQL´FHQFHRIWKH Sea and the opulence of the city under one roof. Sea View Infinity Pool That takes you far away into a world unblemished by civilization. Sea View Restaurant That lets you dine with the waves for company. Luxury Pool Villas Every villa resonantes with the spirit of La beach. Inspired by sea life and adapted for a great time. Each villa comes with its own VZLPPLQJSRRODVN\EDWKµRDWLQJEHGURRPVDQGDQRSHQGLQLQJ Replete with all essentail amenities, la beach let’s you stay connected with the world ouside while you choose what you want in the world this side. “Soak your soul with the spirit of the shore and the strength of the sea.” Villa Exterior Villa Isometric Each villa must be 1125 sq.ft of built up area with a 211 sq.ft pool built on a 2840 sq.ft plot with the provided designs.
    [Show full text]
  • The Shore Temple – an Aesthetic Architectural Ecstasy the Twin Temples of Mamallapuram Dr
    INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR RESEARCH IN EMERGING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, VOLUME-1, ISSUE-6, NOVEMBER-2014 E-ISSN: 2349-7610 The Shore Temple – An Aesthetic Architectural Ecstasy The Twin Temples of Mamallapuram Dr. S. A.V. Elanchezian M.F.A., M.Phil., M. A., PhD., Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. [email protected] ABSTRACT Each temple of the Pallava period has had distinctions in some aspects. Even, from the early apsidal structure of Kūram to the smallest temple of Piravathanesvara of Kanchipuram those all having some distinction indeed. In this kind, the structural temples of Pallavas were erected in the various locations as, on Hills; lands and seashore. Thus, besides the usual lands’ temples, hill temples of them are familiarly known as Olakanesvarar temple at Mamallapuram and Talagirisvarar Temple at Panamalai near Senji a fort Town. We don’t know the origination of hill temples in India, but the temple at Badami by Early Chalukyas on hill is according to the source was earlier to the Pallava hill Temples. However the temple erected on the top of hills was became common but the temple at sea shore is obviously a conceptual creative thought of Pallavas which evidenced by through their plan execution and the aesthetic value of the location. Thus the paper interprets of their feature that strangely composed at wet shore purposefully. Keywords - Rajasimha, location, Pañcha Būtas, Naṅthāviḷakku, Sāvā Mūvā Pērāḍu, Moon and the Sun. 1. INTRODUCTION The Nativity of the Pallavas has been still in duel indication as a foreigner or a tribe of own land.
    [Show full text]
  • South-Indian Images of Gods and Goddesses
    ASIA II MB- • ! 00/ CORNELL UNIVERSITY* LIBRARY Date Due >Sf{JviVre > -&h—2 RftPP )9 -Af v^r- tjy J A j£ **'lr *7 i !! in ^_ fc-£r Pg&diJBii'* Cornell University Library NB 1001.K92 South-indian images of gods and goddesse 3 1924 022 943 447 AGENTS FOR THE SALE OF MADRAS GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS. IN INDIA. A. G. Barraud & Co. (Late A. J. Combridge & Co.)> Madras. R. Cambrav & Co., Calcutta. E. M. Gopalakrishna Kone, Pudumantapam, Madura. Higginbothams (Ltd.), Mount Road, Madras. V. Kalyanarama Iyer & Co., Esplanade, Madras. G. C. Loganatham Brothers, Madras. S. Murthv & Co., Madras. G. A. Natesan & Co., Madras. The Superintendent, Nazair Kanun Hind Press, Allahabad. P. R. Rama Iyer & Co., Madras. D. B. Taraporevala Sons & Co., Bombay. Thacker & Co. (Ltd.), Bombay. Thacker, Spink & Co., Calcutta. S. Vas & Co., Madras. S.P.C.K. Press, Madras. IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. B. H. Blackwell, 50 and 51, Broad Street, Oxford. Constable & Co., 10, Orange Street, Leicester Square, London, W.C. Deighton, Bell & Co. (Ltd.), Cambridge. \ T. Fisher Unwin (Ltd.), j, Adelphi Terrace, London, W.C. Grindlay & Co., 54, Parliament Street, London, S.W. Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co. (Ltd.), 68—74, iCarter Lane, London, E.C. and 25, Museum Street, London, W.C. Henry S. King & Co., 65, Cornhill, London, E.C. X P. S. King & Son, 2 and 4, Great Smith Street, Westminster, London, S.W.- Luzac & Co., 46, Great Russell Street, London, W.C. B. Quaritch, 11, Grafton Street, New Bond Street, London, W. W. Thacker & Co.^f*Cre<d Lane, London, E.O? *' Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh.
    [Show full text]
  • Kamasundari Shrine ACSAA Slide
    Ptg India 101 Sc India 111 Ptg India 121 Arc India 142 Chibadaram 17th C Gangaikondacholapuram Hampi-Vijayanagar Sc India 132 Madurai,C.12thC&Later Sri Nataraja Temple Brihadesvara Temple Virupaksha Temple Kumbakonam C.9th C Minakshi-Sundaresvara Nagesvaraswami Temple Ceiling Mandapa Siva- Sarasvati, C.1030 Mandapa Ceiling,15thC Temp--Pudu Mandapam Kamasundari Shrine Wall Lft Nth Entrance Shiva as Tripurantaka South Wall Of Sanctum Monolithic Pillar ACSAA Slide (c) AAAUM ACSAA Slide (c)AAAUM ACSAA Slide (c)AAAUM Female Fig <Apsaras?> 17th C. (c)AAAUM ACSAA Slide (c)AAAUM Ptg India 102 Arc India 112 Arc India 122 Sc India 143 Chibadaram 17th C Hampi-Vijayanagar Hampi-Vijayanagar Ptg India 133 Madurai,C.12thC&Later Sri Nataraja Temple Vitthala Temple 16thC Council Hall, 16thC Lepakshi 16th C Minakshi-Sundaresvara Virabhadraswami Temp. Shiva(Bhikashatana) & View Of Gopuram ACSAA Slide (c)AAAUM Temp--Pudu Mandapam Rishi's Wives ACSAA Slide (c)AAAUM Ceiling Rangamandapa Tirumalai Nayak&Wives Detail 101 (c) AAAUM Arc India 123 Maids Attend Parvati 17th C. (c)AAAUM Arc India 113 Hampi-Vijayanagar ACSAA Slide (c)AAAUM Ptg India 103 Hampi-Vijayanagar Elephant Stables Ptg India 144 Chibadaram 17th C Vitthala Temple 16thC Ptg India 134 Madurai,C.12thC&Later Sri Nataraja Temple 16th C Lepakshi 16th C Minakshi-Sundaresvara Mandapa ACSAA Slide (c)AAAUM Virabhadraswami Temp. Rishi's Wives ACSAA Slide (c)AAAUM Temp, Shiva Lilas Detail Of 101 Arc India 124 Maids Attend Parvati Painting On Wood ACSAA Slide (c) AAAUM Arc India 114 Kanchipuram C.725 Detail Of 133 19th C. (c)AAAUM Hampi-Vijayanagar Kailasanatha Temple ACSAA Slide (c)AAAUM Ptg India 104 Vitthala Temple 16thC Ptg India 145 Chibadaram 17th C View From SE Ptg India 135 Madurai,C.12thC&Later Sri Nataraja Temple Mandapa Pillars ACSAA Slide (c)AAAUM Lepakshi 16th C Minakshi-Sundaresvara ACSAA Slide (c)AAAUM Virabhadraswami Temp.
    [Show full text]
  • 49107-003: Tamil Nadu Urban Flagship Investment Program
    Environmental Assessment and Review Framework Document Stage: Draft for consultation Project Number: 49107-003 May 2018 IND: Tamil Nadu Urban Flagship Investment Program Prepared by Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited of the Government of Tamil Nadu for the Asian Development Bank. CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 11 May 2018) Currency Unit – Indian rupee (₹) ₹1.00 = $0.015 $1.00 = ₹67.09 ABBREVIATIONS ADB – Asian Development Bank ASI – Archaeological Survey of India CMA – Commissioner of Municipal Administration CMSC – construction management and supervision consultant CMWSSB – Chennai Water Supply and Sewerage Board CPCB – Central Pollution Control Board CRZ – Coastal Regulation Zone CTE – consent to establish CTO – consent to operate DPR – detailed project report EAC – expert appraisal committee EAR – environmental assessment report EARF – environmental assessment and review framework ECSMF – environmental, climate change and social management framework EHS – environment, health and safety EIA – environmental impact assessment EMP – environmental management plan ESF – environmental and social framework ESMF – environmental and social management framework ESS – environmental and social safeguard ESZ – eco sensitive zone GOTN – Government of Tamil Nadu IEE – initial environmental examination IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature MAWS – Municipal Administration and Water Supply MFF – multitrance financing facility MOEFCC – Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change NEP – National Environment Policy
    [Show full text]
  • Economic and Cultural History of Tamilnadu from Sangam Age to 1800 C.E
    I - M.A. HISTORY Code No. 18KP1HO3 SOCIO – ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL HISTORY OF TAMILNADU FROM SANGAM AGE TO 1800 C.E. UNIT – I Sources The Literay Sources Sangam Period The consisted, of Tolkappiyam a Tamil grammar work, eight Anthologies (Ettutogai), the ten poems (Padinen kell kanakku ) the twin epics, Silappadikaram and Manimekalai and other poems. The sangam works dealt with the aharm and puram life of the people. To collect various information regarding politics, society, religion and economy of the sangam period, these works are useful. The sangam works were secular in character. Kallabhra period The religious works such as Tamil Navalar Charital,Periyapuranam and Yapperumkalam were religious oriented, they served little purpose. Pallava Period Devaram, written by Apper, simdarar and Sambandar gave references tot eh socio economic and the religious activities of the Pallava age. The religious oriented Nalayira Tivya Prabandam also provided materials to know the relation of the Pallavas with the contemporary rulers of South India. The Nandikkalambakam of Nandivarman III and Bharatavenba of Perumdevanar give a clear account of the political activities of Nandivarman III. The early pandya period Limited Tamil sources are available for the study of the early Pandyas. The Pandikkovai, the Periyapuranam, the Divya Suri Carita and the Guruparamparai throw light on the study of the Pandyas. The Chola Period The chola empire under Vijayalaya and his successors witnessed one of the progressive periods of literary and religious revival in south India The works of South Indian Vishnavism arranged by Nambi Andar Nambi provide amble information about the domination of Hindu religion in south India.
    [Show full text]
  • India Study Tour
    India Study Tour Southern India May 2018 History 2798 – Spring Semester 2018 and tour in May 2018 The Ohio State University at Marion 1 Overview: This study tour has been planned to provide students with opportunities to study and experience Indian culture. This trip will provide a first-hand opportunity to view an emerging Asian nation in a globalizing world. Program: The itinerary includes visits to key places: Chennai, Kanchipuram, Mamallapuram, Pondicherry, Thanjavure, Madurai, Cochin, Mysore, Bangalore. A description of some of the sites: Chennai: - Under the Pallava dynasty the area was a collection of fishing villages and a port. The English East India Company founded Madras, which became a key center of the British Empire. View Fort St. George, visit Parthasarathi and Kapaleshvara Temples and St. Thomas Basilica, and walk along the Marina. Kanchipuram and Mamallapuram: - Kanchipuram was the capital and center of learning for all major religions of the Pallava kingdom from the 4th to the 10th century. Visit the Kailsantha, Ekambareshvara, and Varadaraja temples. In Mamallapuram the Pancha Rathas are some of the oldest examples of Dravidian architecture carved from granite boulders. Pondicherry: - Pondicherry was the largest French colony in India. The cobble stone streets are lined with Mediterranean style houses. Thanjavur: - Thanjavur was the capital of the Chola kingdom. Between the 10th and the 14th century it was center of learning and culture. The Brahadeeswara Temple, established in 1011 CE is an example of South Indian temple architecture. Madurai: - The city is famous for its temples built by Pandyan kings in the Dravidian style of architecture.
    [Show full text]
  • Pancha Rathas, the Five Stone Temples of the Mahabalipuram Site: Opportunity to Revive Its Lost Garden Heritage Through Ecotourism
    Licensed under a Creative Commons Cadernos de Arquitetura e Urbanismo | Paranoá 28 Attribution International License. Pancha rathas, the five stone temples of the Mahabalipuram site: opportunity to revive its lost garden heritage through ecotourism Pancha rathas, os cinco templos de pedra do sítio de Mahabalipuram: oportunidade de reviver sua herança de jardins perdidos por meio do ecoturismo Pancha rathas, los cinco templos de piedra del sitio Mahabalipuram: oportunidad de revivir su herencia de jardines perdidos a través del ecoturismo AHMED, Sayed 1 1 Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Dessau, Germany. [email protected] ORCID ID: 0000-0003-1384-7668 Recebido em 18/04/2020 Aceito em 31/07/2020 2020, © Copyright by Authors. DOI: http://doi.org/10.18830/issn.1679-0944.n28.2020.07 Licensed under a Creative Commons Cadernos de Arquitetura e Urbanismo | Paranoá 28 Attribution International License. Abstract Heritage and landscape development may take place within the heritage assemble procedure. The study presents a case of Stone heritage, characterized by an important intangible Vedic chanting heritage which again linked to the seashore forest and Pallava temple architecture. The purpose is to search diverse physiognomies of what opportunity exists in natural context and its playing role with the built heritage and eco-tourism. The methodology includes an extensive literature review of previous texts and collecting key factors out of those literary and pictorial data for historical evidence proved analysis. The results developed from a scientific approach over such case where ethnology, ancient technology and architectural style might have lost its authenticity and integrity for robust deforestation of associated garden heritage over different courses of time just because of the absence of boundary and buffer zone concept.
    [Show full text]
  • Pallav Architecture
    PALLAV ARCHITECTURE The great Pallavas of Kanchi rose to power in the latter of the sixth century. Their coming marks an important epoch in the history of south Indian architecture. Politically and Geographically they dominated the southern region continuously until the ninth century A.D. Mahendravarman I (C. 580 – 630 A.D) inherited from his father SimhaVisnu a vast empire extending from the river pennaras far as the Kaveri. The First rock-cut architecture of Mahendra Varman I was the Laksitayatana Trimurti cave temple at Mandagapattu, hewn out of granite. The inscription in this cave states: “This brick less, timber less, metal less and mortar less abode of laksita was caused to be made by king Vicitracitta for Brahma, Isvara and Vishnu. King Mahendra caused nine temples, similar to the Laksitayatana cave temple Mandagapattu, to be excavated, they are:- The Pancha Pandava cave at Pallavaram the Rudravalisvaram or cave temple no. 2 at Mamandur. The Kalmandapam at Kuranganilmuttam the vasantesvara or the larger cave temple at vallam. The Mahendra Visnugriha at Mahendravadi the Visnu cave temple at Mamandur the Lalitankura Pallavesuaragriha (upper cave) at Tiruchirapalli. The Satrumalles Varalaya at Dalvanur and the Avinabhajana Pallavesvara Griha at Siyamangalam. These cave temples imitated the interiors of structural buildings made out of more perishable material like wood. The mandapa is divided into the Mukha and ardha mandapa. Under the patronage of the successors of Mahendravraman I, namely Nararsimhavarman II Rajasimha a series of cave temples were excavated. Since they followMahendra’s style rather closely, they are designated as belonging to the post-mahendra style.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Itinerary
    Starting From Rs. 60940 (Per Person twin sharing) PACKAGE NAME : INDIA'S FRENCH COLONY - PONDICHERRY PRICE INCLUDE Flight,Hotel,B/fast & Dinner,Airport Transfers,Activity,Sightseeing Day : 1 Arrival Chennai Assistance on arrival at Chennai Airport you will be received by our representative and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Chennai Hotel. HOTEL Rain Drops KTDC - Near US Consulate Day : 2 CHENNAI– MAHABALIPURAM (70 Kms. 2 Hrs.) Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves, Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram as it is famously known, is a historically important and well-loved tourist location situated on the Coromandel Coast along the Bay of Bengal, in the state of Tamil Nadu.Once the abode of the famous demon king Mahabali, Mahabalipuram was later renamed Mamallapuram. The serenity, the alluring atmosphere and the impressive setting with many beautiful white sandy beaches dotted with casuarina trees are all reasons as to why one would want to visit this wonderful town. The best time to plan a trip to Mahabalipuram is when the winter season sets in, which is between October and March. The climate remains good with warm days and cold nights, ideal for outdoor activities and for exploring the town. The period from November to February is the peak tourism season when the climate is salubrious. Travelling to Mahabalipuram during summers are generally avoided because of the very high temperatures and the exhausting heat, which makes it difficult to travel around the town for sightseeing. After Breakfast transfer to MAHABALIPURAM. Check-in to the hotel. Relax for a while and proceed for the MAHABALIPURAM sight seeing which includes the visit Crocodile Farm and Dakshinachitra (Craft village) Overnight stay in MAHABALIPURAM hotel.
    [Show full text]
  • Kanchipuram Is the Ancient Capital of Pallava Kingdom Is a Renowned Town Dedicated to the Presiding Deity, Sri Kamakshi
    72 Kanchipuram is the ancient capital of Pallava kingdom is a renowned town dedicated to the presiding deity, Sri Kamakshi. It is one of the sacred cities of Hindus. Kanchipuram situated on the Chengelput – Arakkonam junction of the Southern Railway. Kanchi is 77 kms distance from Chennai. Kanchi is one of the seven holy cities of India, the other six being Haridwar, Ujjain, Varanasi, Madhura, Ayodya and Dwaraka and Kanchipuram has been a centre of great activitiy for religious leaders, among them Saint Appar and Siruthondar, are famous saints. The city has had glorious past, successively as the capital of Pallvas, the Cholas and the Vijayanagar, although while under the Pallava, it had been invaded and held for a short time by the Chalukyas of Badami and Rashtrakutas. Kanchi is one such place. It has been a seat of learning from times immemorial a center of spiritual activities and a place hailed as the temple town with more than thousand temples. This is also the place, where Lord Siva is seen in the form of Prithvi out of the five elements. Kanchipuram has been a place enriched by ancient wisdom and further strengthened by the existence of Kamakoti Pitham supposed to have been established by Adi Sankara. Hailed as Nagaresu Kanchi (city of cities) Kanchipuram stands as a monumental testimony to India’s rich culture heritage and ancient wisdom. 73 Kanchipuram is sanctified by Divinity, nourished by Nature and inspired by Spiritualism. The triple divine dispensation as manifest in the forms of Moksapuri, Prthviksetra and Saktipitham, lends sanctity to the place.
    [Show full text]
  • Mahabalipuram's Gods of Stone
    Mahabalipuram's gods of stone The Shore Temple A prominent seaport that finds mention in the works of ancient mariners, historians and travellers, Mahabalipuram (also known as Mammalapuram and Kadalmallai) is one of the oldest sites in India. It has been written about by Ptolemy and Hiuen Tsang and has been marked in a Spanish world map called Carta Catalana in the 14th century, where the site is referred to as Setemelti, probably referring to it as “Sette Templi” or Seven Temples in Spanish. It is said that there was evidence of trade with Rome, China and other Southeast Asian countries and it was a thriving port during the Pallava regime between the 7th and 10th centuries. Another view of the Shore Temple Our history books have taught us that seven pagodas or such temples were initially constructed and the lone survivor is today a UNESCO World heritage Site. Built by the Pallavas, there are three temples here – two dedicated to Shiva and the other to Vishnu. Here the sculpture of Vishnu is found sleeping, hence the deity is known as Sthala Shayana Perumal or Ananthasayana. It is said that Vishnu reclines on the floor listening silently to the sounds of names. It is pretty dark in there and one has to strain to catch the glimpse of the God asleep. An unfinished enclosure, with rows of sculpted Nandis, greets you. Recent excavations have unearthed various sculptures and shrines near the temple. Arjuna’s Penance This is sheer poetry on stone. Carved on a rock face are stories relating to deities and mortals.
    [Show full text]