Historical Geography of Ancient India c7.344

c7.344

Mahābalipuram.—This place is situated on the sea at a distance of about 35 miles to the south of Madras and 20 miles on the south-east of Chingleput. According to a Vaiṣṇava saint Śiva lived here with Viṣṇu and hence we find shrines of both these deities situated close to each other. It is a place of seven pagodas. Besides there are several caves, natural and artificial. In some of them we find very attractive cultural representations of Pauranic scenes. Mention may be made of the sculptures representing Mahiṣa-mardini destroying the Rākṣasas, Arjuna’s penance, Śrīkṛṣṇa supporting the hill to protect the cattle from the anger of the rain-god, etc. The Varāha or the boar incarnation of Viṣṇu is of great importance. This deity is seen standing with his right foot, resting on the god of snakes, and the goddess of the earth resting on his right thigh (Law, Holy Places of India, p. 39).