Monday, August 6, 2012

Descent of the Ganges, Mamallapuram

This is one of the most important sites in Mamallapuram. This amazing relief, carved sometime in the 7th century. This beautiful work symbolizes "Arjuna's Penance". But another version is that it represents another great story "the Descent of the Ganges".



According to this story, the sage Bhagiratha, offers prayers in extreme conditions in order to bring the river Ganges down to earth.

Bhagiratha is said to have performed austerities so that Ganga might descend to earth and wash over the ashes of his relatives, releasing them from their sins. To break the force of Ganga's fall from heaven to earth, she falls onto Shiva's hair, and is divided into many streams by his tresses.

47 comments:

Carol said...

Beautiful carvings!

Cloudia said...

Now we know the deeper story!

Thank you



Wishing You a Sweet Week
with Aloha from Waikiki
Comfort Spiral
<(-'.'-)>

> < } } ( ° >

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Absolutely wonderful. Excellent detail. Very well captured.

Ranjana's craft blog said...

Very nice sculptures.

R Niranjan Das said...

Wonderful sculptures.

http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in

eileeninmd said...

Interesting story and carvings. Thanks for sharing your mosaic.

Anonymous said...

Wow - so amazing and lovely!

Sylvia K said...

Such an amazing relief indeed, Rajesh, and as always your captures are superb! Such wonderful detail! Have a great week!

Carver said...

The relief is fantastic.

Janice / Dancing with Sunflowers said...

Such magnificence and beauty. Truly lovely.

Randi said...

This is a very interesting post with beautiful art pieces!

Unknown said...

What incredible carvings!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Fun60 said...

I always enjoy your posts especially when you explain what the reliefs mean.

Leora said...

These intricate stories are fascinating. Great workmanship in this carvings.

Tito Eric said...

Magnificent stone carvings. They are reminiscent Of Joseph Campbell's writings. Many thanks for sharing.

Cheers ... visiting from Our World Tuesday.

Now, here's something completely different:

http://turningboholano.blogspot.com/2012/08/balut.html

Anonymous said...

beautiful photos...

thanks

My name is Riet said...

You have such a beautiful country, I should love to go there one day.

Joyful said...

It's amazing how well preserved this artifacts are. They still have wonderful detail.

lorik said...

Another wondrous place I remember visiting back in 1977! One of my favourite ever places. Those sculptures are beautiful and the Mallallapuram is beautiful! I remember walking through a temple and coming across an elephant walking by:) Thank you for the reminders. You might like to contribute to Mandarin Orange Monday:)

Magia da Inês said...

Bom diaaaaaaaaaaa!!!
Lindo, muito lindo!!!!

✿⊱╮¸.•♫°`♡彡

Leovi said...

Yes, beautiful reliefs. Greetings.

Lowell said...

The carvings are magnificent, one might even say 'out of this world' but I enjoyed the story of Ganga's fall from heaven to earth most.

Alice said...

Fantastic carvings and am sure each carving have special meanings and stories.

Al said...

That is an astounding relief, and so ancient!

Roger Owen Green said...

That IS amazing!

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

MaR said...

Fantastic carvings and shots.

D is for...

photowannabe said...

I am always amazed by the diligent craftsmanship you show us.
I am glad these carvings have survived for so many centuries.

Indrani said...

Exposed to sun, rain all 365 days... how long will it last?

EG CameraGirl said...

Exquisite!

Gattina said...

Very interesting and the reliefs are very well sculptured, real beautiful !

Anonymous said...

This is so beautiful. I love being able to visit other parts of the world through wonderful photos like this. Thank you.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Once again I marvel at the intricate and beautiful carvings and the stories they tell -- I could look at these for hours. And, as well, once again I marvel at what was being accomplished in your country so very long ago!

George said...

These carvings are absolutely fantastic. The detail is amazing.

Anonymous said...

I have gone to Mamallapuram like a gazillion times and yet every visit excites me...

PhenoMenon, ABCW Team

Jeevan said...

Wonderful capture on the carving! Interesting story

Anonymous said...

a delightful myth and such detailed carvings

Eden said...

Beautiful photos. The carvings are impressive.

Anonymous said...

beautiful :)

Stewart M said...

Hi there - interesting post. An old friend of mine once paddled a canoe down most of the Ganges - and when he completed that he went back to where he started and walked to the source!

I've seen it, but did not see these. More places to visit!

Stewart M - Australia

LindyLouMac said...

I am calling by as another ABC Wednesday participant. What a fascinating post about your decent of the Ganges, this meme is proving to be fun and has such a great variety of entries.

The Poet said...

Wow!! That is simply amazing!! Thanks for sharing this.

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating the carvings.

Anonymous said...

such intricate and delicate carvings

dark night red light

indu chhibber said...

7th century & still so lucid?It is amazing!

Bushra said...

Very interesting captures! :)

Anonymous said...

Amazing Wall Carvings.. :-)
I loved the post very much...

Anonymous said...

very beautiful carvings :) loved the captures :)