Arjuna's Penance
27th May
Well things didn't work out with the van on Friday. I think it was the customs being too busy, it's hard to work these things out sometimes. We therefore decided to go down to Mamallapuram for the weekend. Like many Indian cities the name has been changed from Mahabalipuram. We spent a week here 7 years ago when we met up with our English friends, Neil & Jenni. During the Boxing Day tsunami the town was less affected than many nearby towns by the solid buildings built just above the edge of the sand. They acted like a big breakwater
Not a very big town but a popular weekend destination for many Chennai inhabitants. It is famous for its Shore Temple and the massive stone reliefs carved into the granite rock. The stone carving they do here is also some of the best in the country. But this isn't the little Vishnu or Kali you put on the mantlepiece, these often stand over 2 metres tall and weigh several tonnes.
We headed off this morning before the weather became extreme. It's hotter down here than in Chennai, I would say it's in the low 40's. Luckily our hotel is not far from all the historical sites. The last time we were here they had just brought in a different pricing scheme for foreigners to all their monuments with the locals paying 1/25th of the tourists. There was a an outcry at the time and they did modify it after we had left. Now you get access to the two main sites for the price of one.
I have tried to include photos in with the text but haven't the right programme. Will therefore show them below this text.
Arjuna's Penance is a magnificent relief carved into the sold granite stone. Joan's fan club started with the little girl in white to Joan's right. As is often the case she wanted her photo taken and in 2 seconds there was a crowd.
I am having trouble getting the photos on the blog. Will keep on trying other means