STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES OF INDIA
TAMIL NADU
Mahabalipuram - Arjuna's
Penance
This bas relief,
is an extensive panel (27 metres long & 9 metres high of relief sculptures,
with life size images.
Sculptural details in the Bas relief Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram
Sculptural details in the Bas relief Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram
Sculptural details in the Bas relief Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram
Sculptural details in the Bas relief Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram
Sculptural details in the Bas relief Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram
Sculptural details in the Bas relief Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram
Sculptural details in the Bas relief Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram
Sculptural details in the Bas relief Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram
Sculptural details in the Bas relief Arjuna's Penance, Mahabalipuram
There are two beliefs as to the theme of the
sculptures. Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers is said to have done
penance asking for a powerful weapon with which to destroy his enemies.
The huge gathering of celestials and humans witness the great scene.
According to
the second belief, it is Bhagiratha's penance to get river Ganges down
to the earth. His prayers are answered and Lord Shiva sends the Ganges
down to the earth, controlling its rapid flow by allowing it to trickle
from his matted locks. The natural cleft in the rock face depicts
the flow of Ganga, watched over by celestials and humans. There are
several images of animals too.
|
