Globally renowned for its shore temples, Mamallapuram was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. It is situated 58 kilometers apart from Chennai on the Bay of Bengal, this tiny sea - side village of Mahabalipuram, is set in a stone - strewn landscape.Tourists are drawn to this place by its miles of undamaged beach and rock-cut art. The sculpture, here, is mainly interesting because it shows scenes of day-to- day life, in contrast with the rest of the state of Tamil Nadu, where the carvings generally represents gods and goddesses.
Mamallapuram art can be divided into four categories: open air bas - reliefs, structured temples, man-made caves and rathas i.e. 'chariots' carved from single stone, to resemble temples or chariots used in temple processions. The famous Arjuna’s Penance and the Krishna Mandapa, adorn huge rocks near the centre of the village. The beautiful Shore Temple towers over the waves, behind a defensive breakwater. Sixteen man-made caves in different stages of completion are also seen, scattered through the area.
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