DESCENT OF GANGA
DESCENT OF GANGA
The Pallavas established themselves in South India with their capital at Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram near modern Chennai in Tamilnadu state. Mahabalipuram, also called Mamallapuram has situated about 55 Km. south of Chennai. Pallavas were generous patrons of art. They were great temple builders also. Narsimhavarman-l Mamalla (625-645 A.D.) was one of the greatest rulers of the Pallava dynasty. He built many rock-cut temples and groups of Rathas, known as Panch Pandava Ratha. These are carved out from free-standing monoliths. The Descent of Ganga also known as Kirat Arjuna is a magnificent specimen of architecture, belonging to that period. It is a vast epic in stone; it is a huge, rock-cut open-air presentation of relief sculpture carved out of natural granite of 7th century A.D.
The story of Bhagirath's penance to bring down Ganga from heaven to the earth in order to purify the ashes of his ancestors is the theme of this splendid panel. As a result of his efforts, Lord Shiva granted his wish and let the Ganga flow down His locks.
It is built of two huge boulders on the hillside, separated by two narrow vertical clefts. The celestial stream of Ganga flowing down is depicted through the vertical clefts. To watch this heavenly event, a giant Nagaraja along with his queen comes out. Everyone - gods, demons, men, and animals have gathered from both sides to witness the event and plunge into the stream of fresh water of Ganga. Near the left top of the cleft, the emaciated Bhagiratha is standing on one leg. He has kept both hands interlocked above his head. The four-armed Lord Shiva, along with His Ganas, is standing before His lower left hand in Varadmudra.
On the lower level of the left boulder, a group of Yogis has gathered around a Pallava temple. Three Yogis are sitting in a yoga posture. Similarly, on the right side boulder an elephant family, a giant bull, a cow with her calves in detail has depicted in such a way as if they all are rushing towards the river Ganga to enjoy the sacred scene Remainder of the rock face is covered with all forms of life. They are divine, titanic, human beings, and animals. From their postures, it seems as if everyone were eager to see the divine sight of Descent of Ganga on earth. The whole Rockwall is covered with more than 100 figures of 27X9 square meters. Indeed it is an alive specimen of skill of the Indian sculptors of the Mamalla period.
The story of Bhagirath's penance to bring down Ganga from heaven to the earth in order to purify the ashes of his ancestors is the theme of this splendid panel. As a result of his efforts, Lord Shiva granted his wish and let the Ganga flow down His locks.
It is built of two huge boulders on the hillside, separated by two narrow vertical clefts. The celestial stream of Ganga flowing down is depicted through the vertical clefts. To watch this heavenly event, a giant Nagaraja along with his queen comes out. Everyone - gods, demons, men, and animals have gathered from both sides to witness the event and plunge into the stream of fresh water of Ganga. Near the left top of the cleft, the emaciated Bhagiratha is standing on one leg. He has kept both hands interlocked above his head. The four-armed Lord Shiva, along with His Ganas, is standing before His lower left hand in Varadmudra.
On the lower level of the left boulder, a group of Yogis has gathered around a Pallava temple. Three Yogis are sitting in a yoga posture. Similarly, on the right side boulder an elephant family, a giant bull, a cow with her calves in detail has depicted in such a way as if they all are rushing towards the river Ganga to enjoy the sacred scene Remainder of the rock face is covered with all forms of life. They are divine, titanic, human beings, and animals. From their postures, it seems as if everyone were eager to see the divine sight of Descent of Ganga on earth. The whole Rockwall is covered with more than 100 figures of 27X9 square meters. Indeed it is an alive specimen of skill of the Indian sculptors of the Mamalla period.
Post a Comment