The Indian twin of Angkor Wat Cambodia

The Indian twin of Angkor Wat Cambodia, world's largest religious monument

September 14, 2016
We dwell in the realities that we are born to live our dreams and walk through life with it.
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Did you know that Angkor Wat, the intriguing temple complex of Cambodia was inspired by Mahabalipuram sculptures? Some call these places Vaikuntha, an abode of the preserver of the universe. When you look at the sculptures of Angkor Wat and the ancient temples of Mahabalipuram, you’ll find a number of similarities, sounds interesting right?

Mahabalipuram

In olden times, Indian traders sailed to the South-East Asian countries from the seaport of Mahabalipuram. Khmer King Suryavarman II built this huge complex in the 12th century who was a descendant of Cholas, the rulers of Tamil Nadu. You will find Tamil-Brahmi Inscription and sacred prayers in Sanskrit on the walls of these unique temples. Towards the end of the 12th century, it was transformed into a Buddhist temple. Scroll down to embrace our Indian arts on the Group of monuments at Mahabalipuram, the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

1. Sailors named this Shore Temple as Seven Pagodas due to its tall structure

Sailors named this Shore Temple as Seven Pagodas

2. A miniature shrine with the Bhu Varaha (Vishnu) image in a well type enclosure of the Shore Temple

A miniature shrine with the Bhu Varaha

3. Durga on a lion with small carved shrine in the Shore Temple

Durga on a lion

4. Sivalinga with Shiva, Uma and their son Skanda in the Shore Temple complex

Sivalinga with Shiva, Uma and their son Skanda in the Shore Temple complex

5. Pancha Rathas (Pandava Rathas) which is popular for its rock-cut architecture

Pancha Rathas

6. Architectural feature on the Arjuna Ratha in the Pancha Rathas complex

Arjuna Ratha

7. Carvings on the Bhima Ratha, Pancha Rathas

Bhima Ratha

8. Olakkannesvara Temple above the Mahishasuramardhini Cave Temple and view of the lighthouse from there

Olakkannesvara Temple

9. Krishna Cave Temple is a testimony to the ancient art of Vishwakarma Sthapathis (wooden sculpture)

Krishna Cave Temple

10. Pictorial description of the descent of the Ganges and Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Cave Temple

Pictorial description of the descent of the Ganges and Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Cave Temple

11. Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill in the Krishna Cave Temple

Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill

12. Re-incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Varaha (boar) lifting Bhudevi, the mother earth from the sea, Varaha Cave Temple

Re-incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Varaha

You can visit the Crocodile Bank on your way to Mahabalipuram.

Check out the extraordinary Ganesh temple in Pondicherry, a 1.5-hour drive from Mahabalipuram.

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