Mallai of Pallavas - அமாய சித்ரமாய

 

He is the Truth without Illusion, Yet he Manifests himself as many Beautiful Illusions…

-       This is how the Pallava Inscription at Mallai describes Shiva

 

This beautiful illusion is known as Ganesa Ratha at Mahabaliburam where the above inscription is found. Its original name was Atyantakaama Pallaveswara Gruham. 

The many Cave Temples, Monoliths - where single boulders are chiseled down to make beautiful standalone temples (as the one shown above),  the Pancha Pandava Rathas, the unique Bas – Relief sculpture referred to as The Penance Panel , all  carved out of Granite, and the Structural Shore Temple made of Sand Stone are all indeed the most beautiful illusions one can wish to see in their life.

The World Heritage Site of Mallai, and Saluvankuppam is a great Pallava Contribution.

 

புலங்கொள் நிதிக் குவையொடு

புழைக் கைமாக் களிற்றினமும்

நலங்கொள் நவமணிக் குவையும்           

சுமந்தொரெங்கும் நான்றொசிந்து

கலங்களியங்கும் மல்லைக்

கடல்மல்லைத் தலசயனம்

வலங்கொள் மனத்தாரவரை

வலங்கொள் என் மடநெஞ்சே

-         -   திருமங்கையாழ்வார்

Thirumangai Azhwar had visited Mallai and composed a paasuram on the Thalasayana Perumal in the 8^th century.

From his composition and his description of ships carrying abundant of wealth, it appears Mallai had continued to be a busy port for the ships of those times.  

       This sculpture at the  Mahishasuramardhini mandapam shows how the 8^th century Pallava society treated the Feminine.

The Goddess at war is on the verge to winning, with the demon Mahishasuran beating a hasty retreat. She exudes strength, dignity, and serene grace of an able warrior.

Numerous Researchers have studied and written volumes about Mahabalipuram.

It has so much information that can enrich our knowledge about our heritage and multiply our pride and happiness multifold having such a place in close proximity. 

It warrants a separate blog in itself.

Tamil Heritage Trust conducts seminars on our Heritage. 

To listen to lectures on various aspects of Mahabalipuram at a seminar conducted in 2016 by THT, click on the link below.

2016 THT Pechukacheri: Pallava Mallai - YouTube