 This
marvel sculptured in rock is located at Mamallapuram, 58 km from Chennai,
the capital of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. Approximately 96ft long and
43 ft high, carved in mid seventh century on the face of two enormous
adjacent boulders, this is one of the biggest open-air rock sculptures
in the world.
Mamallapuram, once the ancient port of the Pallava dynasty
who traded with countries of the far east, is now world famous for the
splendid 7th and 8th century art and architecture
of the period. Its monolithic rock sculptures, carvings, shore temple
and wonderful beaches make the place a beautiful tourist destination.
The vibrant festival of dance
is held annualy in Mamallapuram from early January for four weeks.
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The skillfully carved
edifice is named after the Epic Mahabharatha hero, Arjuna. The subject
is either an account from the Epic Mahabharata, of how Arjuna, one
of the Pandava brothers, performed severe austerities in order to
obtain Shiva's weapon to destroy his enemies OR an illustration
of King Bhagiratha's penance to bring the River Ganges down to earth
to purify the souls of his ancestors. His prayers are answered and
Lord Shiva sends the Ganges down to earth, but breaks her fall by
allowing the water to trickle through his hair, so that the impact
of its fall would not harm the earth. This strange sight is said
to have aroused the curiosity of the world's animals, which gathered
around the soaking God. The symbolism of the relief supports both
these stories. Some of the popular fables from the Hindu Panchatantra
books are also depicted.
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Monuments 
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