Parvati Hill and Temple, Pune

Parvati Hill and Temple in Pune is an important landmark. Located very close to the city center it is a main tourist attraction.

The hill is at a height of 2100 feet above sea level. One can reach top of the hill by climbing approximately 110 steps.

The steps are wide, but they are also smooth. The steps are so smooth that there is a chance for anyone to slip if not careful. There are railings by the side of steps to which one can hold on to.

There are several temples at the top, the most prominent being Parvati Temple, There is also a museum, the Peshwas Museum at the top. As per the popular legend, from this hill the Peshwa ruler Balaji Baji Rao watched the British defeat at the Battle of Kirkee.

This hill is frequented by people who want to get away from the maddening crowds and busy life of the city.

Krishna Mandapam, Mahabalipuram

Krishna Mandapam at Mahabalipuram is one of the interesting place. This is a cave temple.

It has a huge bas-relief carved out of a single rock. This carving is done some time in the middle of 7th century.

In Hindu culture, cows have great importance, and their association with Krishna during his life among the milkmaids. A calf is kept beside the cow to encourage her milk production, a practice which has been followed in most parts of the World.

The carvings on the panel depicts one of the stories of Lord Krishna. It mainly has the story of Krishna Govardhana, in which Krishna lifts up the mountain to shelter his followers from a storm.

There is also a cow at the top in one of the corner, overlooking the entire scene. This can be seen in the first image at the top.