My Travel

**Perfection** · 07-05-2010, 02:52 AM

After visiting the Panch rathas, I retraced my path to the bus station to visit the ancient Shore temple. The sea wave weathered stones will tell the glorious past glory.

Mamallapuram Shore temple

This 7th century shore temple is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is located 65 km from Chennai in Tamil Nadu State.

There are three temples of which two Shiva Temples face east and west respectively. The other one is the Vishnu Temple. The Vishnu temples were built by Narasimha Varman I and the other two were built by Narasimha Varman II. One can find the beautifully carved twin Dwarka Palaks (gate keepers) at the entrance of the east facing Shiva Temples. On both sides of the temple inside are the marvelous sculptures of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu with their better halves. The top part of the Shivalinga figure inside the temple is found damaged. There are sculptures of Somaskanda - lord Shiva with his better half, Parvati, and his sons, Skanda and Ganesha are found on the near wall. Apart from Lord Shiva’s sculpture, one can find the sculptures of Narasimha and Goddess Durgha also.

The central shrine is in the form of a rectangle. It has a magnificent statue of lord Vishnu which is known as Sthala Shayana Perumal or Ananthasayana which means sleeping Vishnu. The peculiarity about this particular temple is - Vishnu reclines on the floor listening silently the sounds of names. The figure of Vishnu is found in segments which are to be looked through various doors. The other sculpture is portrayed in such a way that Lord Vishnu seated in mount Garuda helping Gajendra, the elephant, found in the southern wall and the northern wall is the portrayals from the life of lord Krishna. The grand temple is surrounded by mandapas and compound walls. There is a rock-cut of a lion rode by two young women. The lion has a small cut, a square shaped cut in its belly. A Huge rock near by the temple has been the target of the waves to touch it from the ancient days. There is also a carving of a buffalo demon running with a stick in his hand, located in the northern side. The temple looks beautiful due to the lights during weekend evenings.

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**Perfection** · 07-05-2010, 03:05 AM

After enjoying a limited Veg lunch from ... Bhavan hotel located near the Mamallapuram bus stand, I catched a Chengalpattu bus and get down at Thirukallukundram hill temple, 16 km away. The 180 m hill temple has steps to the top and the entry is from 8 am to 1 pm & 4 to 8 pm. Due to shortage of time, I missed the hill temple, but visited the near by Vedhagireeswarar temple with a high gopuram and a chariot near the bus stand.

Vedhagireeswarar temple video

Then I traveled by bus via Chengalpattu and reached Kanchipuram (50 km) at 4 pm.

**Perfection** · 07-26-2010, 02:37 PM

On 20th June 2010, I visited Mylapore Kaapaleeshwar temple. I enjoyed the vegetarian lunch from Hotel Saravana Bhavan located near the Mylapore Kaapaleeshwartemple pond. The temple gopuram (tower) with colourfully painted statues was the main attraction. The shops selling puja items in front of the gopuram was worth a visit.

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**Perfection** · 07-26-2010, 02:39 PM

From Mylapore Kaapaleeshwar temple, I reached San Thome Basilica by bus. The steep spire, stained glasss windows, Mother Mary & the underground tomb of St Thomas were the main attractions of San Thome Cathedral Basilica. It is located at the extreme end of Marina beach, near the lighthouse.

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**Perfection** · 07-26-2010, 02:40 PM

On the world's second longest beach - Marina beach - crowd was a common sight especially in the evenings/holidays. MGR Samadhi, Anna memorial, Madras University were at the beach.

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**Perfection** · 07-26-2010, 02:43 PM

On the way to Madras High Court at Parrys, there was St George fort having fortification still in good condition. A small chapel was inside the fort. The High court building have beautiful domes. Here also security prevent me to approach the building. Dr. Ambedkar law collge was nearby with twin domed towers. From Parrys, I reached Chennai Central by bus.

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**Perfection** · 07-26-2010, 02:44 PM

The Chennai Central building (Railway station) and the near by Corporation building (Rippon building) were the majestic buildings on the road. Park rail way station was near by from were local trains operates to Tambaram via Egmore, Kodambakkam, guindy, Mambalam stations.

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