Krishna Mandapam is the largest of the mandapams at Mamallapuram and is dedicated to the Lord Krishna.
Krishna Mandapam contains relief carvings of Krishna lifting Mount Govardhan. The shallow cave is infused with warm light, bringing to life the villagers of Gokul huddled under the mountain.
According to legend, the Vedic Indra Dev feels offended by villagers for stopping their offerings to him, and lets loose a torrential storm deluging the village and endangering life. To save his kinsmen, Krishna lifts mount Govardhan offering respite to human and animal life, under its canopy.
In the first life-sized panel above , Krishna is depicted as easily supporting Govardhan on his left palm. He is joined by herdsmen and animals, predominantly cows under this mountain. You notice a father casually holding a child on this shoulders (right); gopis (cowmaids) bringing along their children and balancing pots.
Krishna’s raised hand lifting the mountain, touches the top of the cave and gives us the feeling that we too are standing alongside him, one with the herdsmen, under this mountain.
Krishna’s raised hand lifting the mountain, touches the top of the cave and gives us the feeling that we too are standing alongside him, one with the herdsmen, under this mountain.
Krishna Butter Ball Rock
This rock looks like butter ball ?
Krishna's Butterball is a giant natural rock perched on a hillside, seemingly in defiance of all laws of physics—it's a common sight to see visitors placing hands under the stone posing for pics, which looks as though they are holding it! The rock provides welcome shade if you dare to sit underneath it, and local kids have discovered that the slippery nearby hillside also makes a great natural slide.
Source : http://wikitravel.org/en/Mamallapuram#See
 |
Thimurthy Cave
There are three shrines..one each for Brahma,Vishnu and Shiva.
 |
| Trimurthi Cave |
The rocky path leading upto this cave temple is beautiful..!
 |
| Rocky terrain leading to Trimurthy Cave |
Varaha Cave has four impressive carvings of Varaha, Triivikrama,Gakalakshmi and Durga.
 |
| Varaha Cave |
 |
| Varaha |
 |
| Trivikrama |
 |
| Goddess Gajalakshmi |
 |
| Durga |
I have always relished viewing photo slideshows with some soothing music..I did create a Musical slideshow (given below) and it might interest you..! I love this music..!
Very nice place, loved seeing your pictures.
ReplyDeleteI hope to visit the place again.
Glad you liked the pics... Yes..this place is worth visiting many times. I visited it three times to cover all the places in leisure... Awesome monumenrs..
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting.
Nice collection of images once again, I like the butterball :) But what the ancient story of the butterball?
ReplyDeleteVirtual tour continued ............
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic way to begin my day, Sridharan! Your photos are superb as always and what a beautiful, fascinating place. I love the Butter Ball! I would so enjoy visiting there, but as I have said before, your photos are the next best thing! Have a lovely evening and enjoy the remainder of your weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Thanks Siddhartha, I don't think there is any associated story with the butter ball excepting that I read somewhere that even Pallava Kings tried dislocating this precariously placed rock in vain. Even our government made an attempt to move the rock, fearing accident to the tourists, but could not. So it looks to be a naturally formed rock...!
ReplyDeleteThanks TGS, Will be continued for some more time.. I have snaps for many more episodes..
ReplyDeleteThanks for looking Sylvia. You too..!
ReplyDeleteWonderful... I have never heard of the place, but them there are thousands of such places in India which you will never hear of...
ReplyDeleteLoved all the pics and yes the butterball is my favorite too.
Thanks Arti..This place is a favorite of many outsiders but not taken that seriously by locals..!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful place. The carvings here are extraordinary.
ReplyDeleteSridharan, Fantastic photography capturing the details of each sculpture very well. Saw the butter ball too.
ReplyDeleteWow, these images are stunning. Having lived in Chennai for two years, I now regret not visiting Mamallapuram.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog!
Thanks Rajesh
ReplyDeleteThanks Chitra.. Each inch of these great monuments was a photographer's delight..
ReplyDeleteThanks Ash for your nice words.. True-a place not to be missed. Write it down at the top of your wish list..not to be missed on the next opportunity..
ReplyDeletebeautiful shots taken...i've been to dis place bt nt 4 mch tym, datz why i cudnt gather mch knowledge abt d place as well as click more pictures...i've jst started my blog,as usual hvnt got members... so it'll b gr8 if u go thru my blog nd ny comment wl b highly appreciated.. regards shreya sikder. (photoshreya.blogspot.com)
ReplyDelete