Page 585 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

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mount, subduing the buffalo- the Pallavas.The two-storeyed, Environs
headed demon, Mahisha, on rectangular Ganesha Ratha, The Tiger’s Cave, 4 km (2 miles)
the northern wall. This panel further south, is attributed north, is a shallow cave framed
seems to emanate life and to Parameshvara Varman I by a large boulder, with heads
motion, in contrast to the one (r.669–90). The temple, which of yalis (mythical leonine beasts).
on the southern wall, where was originally dedicated to It was probably a stage for
Vishnu reclines in deep meditation Shiva, has beautifully carved outdoor performances.
before creating the earth. inscriptions listing the royal The Vedagirisvara Temple,
The Trimurti Cave Temple, titles of Parameshvara Varman. dedicated to Shiva, at the
northwest of Bhagiratha’s A small Archaeological top of a hill in the village of
Penance, is dedicated to Museum, with sculptures Thirukazhukundram, 17 km (11
three gods – Shiva, Vishnu and and fragments excavated miles) west, is famous for the two
Somaskanda. The shrines are from the site, lies to its east. eagles that swoop down at noon
guarded by statues of graceful to be fed by the temple priests.
doorkeepers. A sculpture of E Archaeological Museum According to legend, these birds
Durga standing on Mahisha’s West Raja St. Open daily. & are saints who fly from Varanasi
head is on an outer wall. To its Shore Temple: & also covers (see pp206–212) to Rameshvaram,
south, the Varaha or Adi Varaha Panch Rathas. stopping here to rest.
Cave Temple has beautifully
moulded lion pillars, while the
relief sculptures of Lakshmi,
Durga and Varaha, the boar
incarnation of Vishnu, are among
the masterpieces of Pallava art.
It also features interesting panels
of Pallava rulers with their
consorts. The Lion Throne, on
top of a hill further west, is a
raised platform with a seated
lion, discovered near the piles
of brick rubble thought to be
the remains of the palace of Fishermen with their boats off the beach at Mamallapuram

Plan of Mamallapuram COVELONG ROAD Tiger's Cave

TIRUKKULA ROAD OTHAVADAI RD
CONERI ROAD
Trimurti •
Cave Temple WEST RAJA STREET EAST RAJA STREET
Krishna's Bay Of Bengal
Butter Ball •
Ganesha
Varaha • Ratha
Vedagirisvara Cave Temple
Temple • • Archaeological Museum
Bhagiratha's Penance •
Panch Pandava
Cave Temple •
• Shore Temple
Olakkanatha • Krishna Mandapa •
Koneri Tank Temple BEACH ROAD
Lighthouse
•
Adivaraha •
Cave Temple •
Mahishasuramardini
Cave Temple
0 metres 300
0 yards 300
Panch Rathas

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