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Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
Pancha Rathas, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
Five monolithic temples of Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu
55 km south of Chennai (Madras) lies the ancient port town of Mahabalipuram (now Mamallapuram) known for its gigantic rock-cut caves, massive monolithic structures, intricate bass relief panels and structural temples, including the famous Shore Temple.
The Pancha Rathas also known as Pandava Rathas are a group of five monolithic temples named after the five Pandavas and their common wife Draupadi (Nakula and Sahadeva share a single temple). Although the temples are named after Pandavas but they are not dedicated to them, so it is widely believed that the names probably emerged at a later date.
Brihadeshwara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Brihadeshwara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Great Living Chola Temples of Tamil Nadu
Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu
The Brihadeshwara Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a temple dedicated to Shiva. It is one of the largest Shiva temple of South India and is a classic example of Dravidian Temple Architecture.
It is part of the UNESCO Heritage site of Great Living Chola Temples. Which includes:
- Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur (Tanjore) constructed by Raja Raja I (Raja Taja Chola) in 1010
- Brihadeshwara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram constructed by Rajendra (Rajendra Chola) in 1035
- Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram constructed by Raja Raja II in 1166
The temple at Tanjavur was included in the UNESCO list in 1984. In 2004 the other two were included in the list under the common heading of Great Living Chola Temples.
Dhanuskodi, the abandoned town at the end of India
Dhanuskodi
The abandoned town at the end of India
Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu
A long stretch of desolate sand, with scattered dilapidated structures, flanked on both side with endless expanse of water. On the north is clear blue waters of Bay of Bengal and on the south is the turbulent waters of Gulf of Mannar.
This is Dhanuskodi, once the flourishing port and now an abandoned town complete with roofless church, railway stations with rails and schools with out students.
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
Shore Temple
Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram)
Also see: FAM Trip of Tamil Nadu
55 km south of Chennai lies the ancient port town of Mahabalipuram (now Mamallapuram) known for its towering pagodas, gigantic rock-cut caves, intricate bass relief panels and massive monolithic structures (Also see: Pancha Rathas).
The structures date back to the 600 – 700 CE and were constructed by the Pallava dynasty. Mahabalipuram offers a interesting mix of history along with golden sand beaches washed by the thundering waves of the Bay of Bengal.