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Mamallapuram |
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Nestled on the shores of Bay of Bengal, the ancient port town of Mamallapuram is the chosen destination of the great Pallava kings to record their incredible skills on rocks. The town celebrates a unique blend of history and natural beauty, which is very much prominent in its intricately designed rock cut temples and sculptures representing the early Dravidian style of art. Listen to the sound of wind embracing the delicately carved stones or watch the waves gushing against the splendid walls of a temple by the shore.
Located at a distance of 55 km from the capital city Madras (now Chennai), in the state of Tamil Nadu, this port town was once ruled by the great Pallava Dynasty during the period between (600-900) AD. The town was well known by the name of Mahabalipuram at that time. Due to its proximity to the lucrative sea route, the town saw a flourishing maritime trade, and it was from here that ships laden with spices and silks sailed across the Bay of Bengal.
The place was also endowed with many great rocks. For years carvers worked on these unyielding granites and turned them into splendid temples, pavilions and shrines. Today these rocks offer endless feast for the eyes and mind of visitors in the form of various gods, goddesses, animals and other celestial beauties.
There are about fourteen cave temples and eight monolithic rathas depicting famous scenes from the Hindu Mythology. Most of the carvings were done during the reign of the greatest Palava king, Narasimha Varman I and his successor Narasimha Varman II. Some of the important attractions of the place worth visiting include the Arjuna's Penance, the Shore Temple, the five Rathas and the impressive pavilions.
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