Attractions Of Mahabalipuram: Arjuna's Penance

Arjuna's Penance

Short Overview:

Arjuna's Penance is skillfully carved rock is the largest bas - relief sculpture in the world situated in Mahabalipuram.  Arjuna's Penance dates back to the 7th century are another aesthetic work done by the Pallavas. Standing tall at a height of 43 feet, the Mamallapuram monolith was carved on the face of two huge adjoining boulders. It gets its name from the figure of an ascetic who is believed to be Arjuna, the hero of Mahabharata, doing penance to obtain a boon from Lord Siva. However, there are others who think that the figure is actually Bhagiratha who entreated Siva to let the river Ganges flow over the earth.  The length of Arjuna's Penance is around 96 feet and the monolith is also known by the name of 'The Descent of Ganga'.

Long Overview:

Arjuna's Penance is a story from the Mahabharata of how Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers who performed severe austerities in order to obtain a Shiva's weapon. Arjuna's Penance is a massive open-air bas-relief monolith which dates back to the 7th century, located in Mamallapuram  popularly known as Mahabalipuram is famous for its splendid 7th and 8th century art and architecture, especially the stone carvings under the dynasty  of the Pallavas. The Arjuna's penance is an enormous relief made on two massive boulders. One of the biggest open-air rock canvases in the world, the Arjuna's penance is 31m long and 9m high. The surface of the rock has detailed carvings, showing the most endearing and natural renditions of animals especially the elephants and monkeys. The Arjuna's penance, is named after the Mahabharatha hero Arjuna. Further, there is also a myth about how King Bhagiratha brought the River Ganges down to earth so that the souls of his ancestors could rest in peace.

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