Wednesday, 9 May 2012

Around The World In Pictures: The Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, India

Our history books have taught us that seven pagodas or such temples were initially constructed and the lone survivor is today a UNESCO World heritage Site. Built by the Pallavas, there are three temples here – two dedicated to Shiva and the other to Vishnu. Here the sculpture of Vishnu is found sleeping, hence the deity is known as Sthala Shayana Perumal or Ananthasayana. It is said that Vishnu reclines on the floor listening silently to the sounds of names. It is pretty dark in there and one has to strain to catch the glimpse of the God asleep. An unfinished enclosure, with rows of sculpted Nandis, greets you. Recent excavations have unearthed various sculptures and shrines near the temple.


No comments:

Post a Comment