Tag Archives: museum

Thanjavur

Thanjavur (Tanjore) is a city in Tamil Nadu state located 400 km South of Chennai, on the South bank of the Cauvery. Thanjavur is famous for the relief style of painting that bears its name. The Thanjavur art works mainly depict the deities of Hindu mythology. Krishna is portrayed having white skin whereas it is traditionally dark blue. The lay out resembles that of Greek icons. The temple of Brihadesvara – a UNESCO World Heritage site – is also known as the temple of Rājarājeshvaram, It is built in the drāvidien style.

 

A large Nandi – Shiva’s famous bull – can be found after the entrance of the interior courtyard. It is 6m in long and 3m high, made entirely of black granite.

The granite and bronze sculptures of its museum are worth a visit. The same goes for the library and the Palace.

The region of Tanjore is rich in history: it is a land of temples of which a large number are rather ancient.

275km South of Mahābalipuram and 171km South of Pondicherry.

There are many interesting temples to visit around Tanjore such as in the towns of Gangaikondacholapuram, Kumbakonam, Darasuram and Swamimalai where one can also see the Bronze Museum and School of Arts as well as the famous bronze foundries in the so called style of “lost wax”.

To see in Mahābalipuram

Mahābalipuram, nowadays Mamallapuram, « the city of Mahā Bali », is a small city in Tamil Nadu situated 60 km south of Chennai (Madras) on the Coromandel coast. This charming little town is worldwide known for its « Shore Temple » by the ocean, near a large sand beach, and for he fascinating remains dating from the period of the Pallavas, between the 5th and 7th centuries.

This is where Jean-Claude has been teaching Ashtanga Yoga for twenty years, twice a year. Mahābalipuram hosts every year, from the end of December till the end of January an important « Indian Classical Dance Festival ». It is an important archaeological site designated by the Unesco as a world Heritage site since 1985. Non-Indian tourists pay only one entrance fee, equivalent to 5 dollars, for visiting all the monuments.

  • The Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna’s Penance, magnificent low relief 27 m long by 9 m high, sculpted on a huge granite rock, illustrating the legend of the Descent of the celestial Ganges on Earth, by the hair of the god Shiva. You will see Arjuna, in a Yoga posture, surrendering himself to a very harsh penance lasting for a thousand years. Are also present: Gods, Goddesses, aquatic animals as nāga and nāginī…

 

The mandapa(s), on top of a hill count, eight small « mandapam » sanctuaries, sheltering beautiful statues, two of which are unfinished.

  • Krishna’s mandapa is one of the most beautiful. You see Lord Krishna lifting with one hand the Mount Govardhana to protect the villagers and the cows from the thunderstorm, triggered by the anger of the God Indra.
  • Le mandapa de Shiva  Īśvara  « le Seigneur suprême »
  • The five Rathas (Pancha Ratha) are large wooden procession chariots. In Mahabalipuram, this name is used to designate monolithic temples carved in the shape of buildings, inside the rock.
  1. Ratha of Draupadi, dedicated to Durgâ
  2. Arjuna’s Ratha
  3. Nakula’s Ratha
  4. Bhima’s Ratha
  5. Yudishtara’s Ratha
  • Krishna’s Butter Ball, a large round shaped granite rock that seems to be in unstable balance. According to a legend Krishnâ, as a child, stole a butterball.
  • The Tiger Cave situated a few kilometres (4km) north of Mahābalipuram, on the road to Madras, beside the sea, carved inside a large rock. The site is called Saluvankuppam. Coconut trees shadow the site; it is preferable to visit at sunrise or at sunset to enjoy a magical light. The cave was originally dedicated to the Goddess Durgâ. It is a monument dating from the period of the Pallavas.
  • The Temple of Īshvara is fully carved in the rock.
  • A small museum, with a friendly staff, shelters statues, paintings and the result of archaeological excavations; open daily.

Traditional Indian dance festival in Mamallapuram

During the sessions of Ashtanga Yoga of late December and January, Mahābalipuram hosts one of the most important classical Indian dancing festivals.

Starting on the 26th of December, it goes on for 4 to 5 weeks, until the end of January.

 

A large variety of dances are presented, such as: Bharat Natyam, Kuchipudi,Kathak, Mohiniattam, Odissi and Kathakali. Colourful folk dances are also performed. Tamil Nadu has developed and perfected this fine art. The most famous type of folk dancing in the villages is the Karagattam.

 

It is a unique occasion to appreciate the best dancers of the country performing in beautiful surroundings with the Shore Temple in the background. It gives a magical atmosphere to this festival.

The National Art Gallery in Chennai is a “must”.

The Government Museum, the National Art Gallery and the Connemara Library :

If there is one place to visit in Chennai, it is the National Art Gallery. It is a treat for amateurs of art, paintings and sculpture.

To day, the same site accommodates the Government Museum, the National Art Gallery and the Connemara Public Library.

The Government Museum was built in 1851. It houses an exceptional collection of bronzes from South India, ancient and modern, among them the superb statues of Shiva Nataraja, Parvathi, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman.

 

There are also sections dedicated to geology and anthropology, not very interesting

In the Amravati gallery, several rare marble sculptures dating back to the second century (CE) are exhibited. They show important events of Gautama Buddha’s his life. The sculptures were discovered during excavations on the site of Buddhist ruins in Amravati. Bronzes from the 10th to the 13th centuries and popular crafts from the 11th and 12th centuries are also to be found there.

In the National Art Gallery some magnificent paintings dating back to the 16th and 17th century from Rajasthan during the Mogul period are exhibited, along with Deccan art of the 18th century.

Entrance fees Opening time Closed on Telephone
Adult 15,00 INR 9h30 till 17h30 Friday 28193238
Child 10,00 INR