Mahabalipuram

Built in 700 CE, Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) is a unique monument that combines art form with religion and legends, and showcases the best of Tamil art and architecture. Part of the prestigious Monumental Legacy series, this book presents a graphic account of the site and its monuments–mandapas (cave temples), rathas (chariots), open air bas-reliefs, and structural temples. Arjunas penance to obtain Pashupata astra, Goddess Durgas victory over Mahishasura, Vishnus incarnation as varaha, Krishna lifting the Govardhana Hill–all familiar legends come alive in Mahabalipuram. The author also surveys other related sculptures, panels, inscriptions, as well as the shore temple.