Mahabalipuram - Part 2

Five Rathas

Mahabalipuram has a variety of temple-like sites. It appears to have been an architectural "sketch pad" and practice site, with numerous unfinished small temples and a fascinating collection of sculptures carved into a granite outcrop. The result makes Mt. Rushmore and Stone Mountain look like the work of amateurs.

The "Five Rathas" are five sample temples in five different styles. It's as if the temple architect was preparing a portfolio for his sponsor. Fortunately, by the time we had finished lunch, the rain had tapered off to a negligible drizzle with occasional thunder, so we were able to spend some time at this site.

Five mini-temples all carved from one block of granite in situ.

Perhaps my favorite was the temple in the basic shape of an elephant -- with the elephant beside it to make sure you get the point.

Lon standing next to the elephant. There are two square holes where tusks would have been attached.

The large Nandi Bull is everyone's favorite.
Children especially like to have their picture taken while riding on his back.

Sue's turn to pose.

And now we both get into the act.

Vishnu & Krishna

There are a number of other carvings and structures at Mahabalipurnam.

A depictionof Vishnu defeating a demon..

Krishna saving the local village from a flood by lifing a mountain to act as an umbrella and keep the rains away.

The Main Attraction

Without a doubt, the most stunning piece of art at Mahabalipuram is "Arjuna's Penance".

The carved wall known as "Arjuna's Penance"

This massive work shows figures and stories familiar to Hindus, and I am sure that whole books have been written about this work. Here is are close-ups of three figures on the wall:

An emaciated Arjuna doing penance. This figure is just to the left of the rock cleft near the top.

The rock cleft is filled with cobras -- symbolizing the holy Ganges River.
This morning there was probably a mini-waterfall cascading through this cleft.

A cat is doing penance, and the rats at his feet are apparently convinced that he (the cat) has seen the error of his ways and become a vegetarian. But legend has it that they were surprised when the cat reverted to being a cat.