KANCHIPURAM

AROUND KANCHIPURAM 

MAMALLARURAM : Mention Mamallapuram - a marvellous open-air museum. studded to its bounds with abundant sculptural wealth of Pallavas, manifested in rock-cut temples, monolithic pachyderms, magnificent rathas. giant - sized statues and a thousand year old light-house appears before the mind's eye and beckons you for an instant visit.  It recreates the glories of once flourishing port of Pallavas throbbing with life as the trading ships docked with exotic merchandise from for-off continents.  Sauntering along the shore, you feel elated at the sight of huge boulders with bas relief work on one side and the breath-taking view of the turquoise waters of Bay of Bengal rushing towards the execute Siva and Vishnu temples, adorned with pyramid shaped spires.  

These fine 8th Century temples are the work of Nandivarman II. the illustrious Pallava King.  The panel work of the nine rock cut temples excavated out of huge rocks delight both laymen and art- lovers.  Among them.  Mahishasura Mardini, Durga and Abantasayana detain you long. The five rathis named after Pandava heroes and the excellent bas relief carved on the huge 27 X 9 meter rock offers a grand feast to the eyes.  A visit lifts the soul and fills the heart.  It is about 25 km off Kancheepuram. 

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