Descent of the Ganges (Mahabalipuram)

Descent of the Ganges - Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram *
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Country	India
Type	Cultural
Criteria	(i)(ii)(iii)(vi)
Reference	249
Region **	south asia
Inscription history
Inscription	1984 (8th Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List ** Region as classified by UNESCO

Descent of the Ganges at Mahabalipuram, in the Tamil Nadu state India, is one of a group of monuments that were designated as a World Heritage Site since 1984.^[1] Measuring 96 feet (29 m) long by 43 feet (13 m) high, it is a giant open-air relief carved of the a monolithic rock. The monuments and sanctuaries were built by the Pallava kings in the 7th and 8th centuries. The legend depicted in the relief is the story of the descent of the sacred river Ganges to earth from the heavens led by Bhagiratha. The waters of the Ganges are believed to possess supernatural powers. The descent of the Ganges and Arjuna's Penance are portrayed in stone at the Pallava heritage site.^[2]

Two Interpretations

Relief detail

In one interpretation, a figure in the bas-relief who is standing on one leg is said to be Arjuna performing an austerity Tapas to receive a boon from Shiva as an aid in fighting the Mahabharata war. (The boon which Arjuna is said to have received was called Pasupata, Shiva's most powerful weapon).

The bas relief is situated on a rock with a cleft. Above the cleft was a collecting pool, and at one time, water may have flowed along the cleft. Figures within the cleft are said to represent Ganga or the River Ganges and Shiva. This provides the basis for an alternative interpretation of the mural. Rather than Arjuna, the figure performing austerities is said to be Bhagiratha. Bhagiratha is said to have performed austerities so that Ganga might descend to earth and wash over the ashes of his relatives, releasing them from their sins. To break Ganga's fall from heaven to earth, she falls onto Shiva's hair, and is divided into many streams by his tresses.

Figures

One of the notable, and perhaps ironic figures in the bas-relief is the figure of a cat standing on one leg (apparently as an austerity). This may be related to the Panchatantra as an ascetic in order to lure a hare and a bird to come near. (When near, he devours them.)

Panoramic view of Mahabalipuram

See also

• Varaha Cave Temple
• Shore Temple
• Pancha Rathas
• Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

Notes

1. ^ "Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram". http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/249/. Retrieved 2007-03-03. 
2. ^ "The Descent of the Ganges - Story of Bhagirata". http://www.indiantemples.com/beliefs/gangadesc.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-03. 

External links

• Photos of the site
• Asian Historical Architecture: Arjuna's Penance
• narrative