DREAM OF STONES
AT
MAHABALIPURAM
Mahabalipuram is a town in Kanchipuram district in the Indian State of Tamilnadu. It is situated sixty kilometer from chennai.
Mahabalipuram
was the earlier name of Mamallapuram because the demon king Mahabali was killed
by Lord Vishnu. The name was changed later by the king of Pallava Narashima
Varman who has got the title of Mamalla; the great wrestler.
It
was during the rule of the pallavas, great poets, dramatists, artists,
artisans, scholars and saints emerged. As one can say that the pallavas are the
pioneers and forerunners of new styles both in art and architecture and
mahabalipuram is the best place to praise off their skill and talent. New
sculptures and unique paintings were innovative and exuberant.
The
beauty of the place is not only due to these architecture but the vast
casuarinas trees, the silvery sandy beach the classical hand male crafts around
have made them all to form what is a collective splendor.
During the early 18th
century Mahabalipuram grew as the pilgrimage center, now a days it has become
the favorite place of tourists where they get relaxation and enjoy sea bathing.
At a nearby place from here it has an atomic plant.
In
addition to the ancient monuments and temples, it has an extensive beachfront
on the ocean, lined with resorts and tourist cabins.
The town is also home to a
college offering instruction in architecture and temple sculpture.
There are total 11 excavated
temples in Mahabalipuram, called Mandapas, two open air bas reliefs, out of
which one is incomplete. But the most famous Mahabalipuram temple, built from a
rock is cut out temple, it is also known as ‘Ratha’.
The
department of Tourism of Tamilnadu conducts world famous dance festivals every
Saturdays and Sundays and also during holidays of the months of December and
January.
The festival is for 4 weeks and dancers all
over the country participate and dance on the backdrop of the Arjuna’s penance.
Classical dances, music, tribal dances and puppet shows also entertain the mass
gathering.
By Air
The Nearest Airport to mahabalipuram is Chennai Airport (58 km).Chennai international airport is
connected all
By Train
Nearest Railway Station is Chengalpattu Railway Station (29 km) and Chennai
Railway station (58 km).
By Road
Mahabalipuram
is well connected through all the major cities and buses are available daily
from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Chennai to Mahabalipuram.
