MAHABALIPURAM

Image ID: 1653409

Caption : Mahabalipuram also called Mamallapuram or Seven Pagodas, historic town, Chengleput district., Tamil Nadu state, southeastern India on the Bay of Bengal. Its religious centre was founded by a 7th -century -AD Hindu Pallava King, Narasimhavarman, also known as Mamalla, after whom the town was named. Ancient Chinese , Persian and Roman coins found there point to its earlier existence as a seaport.It contains many surviving 7th - and 8th -century Pallava temples and monuments, chief of which are the sculptured rock relief popularly known as "Arjuna's Penance" or "Descent of the Ganges," a series of sculptured cave temples, and a Saiva temple, on the seashore.The five rathas , or monolithic temples, are the remnants of seven temples, after which the town was known as Seven Pagodas.The town is a resort and tourist centre.It contains an art college offering instruction in temple sculpture . Picture shows " Arjuna Penance" at Mahabalipuram near Chennai. Photo: Vino John. September 09, 2003.