The live online tour of sculptures of Mahabalipuram is an experience of the sculptures of Mahabalipuram, the world heritage site, from the comfort of your home. Our guide will be at the venue and you will join the live and interactive tour via video call over phone. Over the next 1 hour we will travel back to the 8th century to marvel at the rock cut sculptures at the spell binding Pancha Rathas or Chariots carved in stone, the first version of bas-relief at Arjuna’s Penance and the sculptures done by today’s generation of sculptors.

11 AM- Our guide will reach Pancha Rathas

The live online tour of sculptures of Mahabalipuram begins at Pancha rathas or the 5 chariots.

Mahabalipuram was known to be a trading post during Roman Times. It rose to prominence as a bustling sea port during the rule of the Pallava Dynasty headquartered in Kanchipuram during the 7th century AD. Ships sailing from South India to South East Asia used to depart from the Mahabalipuram port.

Pancharathas are rock cut monolith structures, where of the chariots are dedicated to the lead cast of the Mahabharata epic- Draupadi, Arjuna, Nakul-Sahadeva, Bhima and Yudhister. There is also a sculpture of an elephant next to the ratha of Nakul-Sahadeva.

Mahabalipuram has continued its tradition of encouraging gifted sculptors to create masterpieces even today. These works of art are all inspired by the 8th century world heritage site as well as the Hindu pantheon of gods. They are usually sold to temples and to private collections all over the country and abroad. We will walk past a sculpture bazaar where our guide will explain about a few prominent works of art.

We will visit the original location of the famous Arjuna’s Penance, a bas-relief where  an entire masterpiece from the Mahabharata epic has been carved. The river Ganga is at the centre of the panel,  surrounded by divine beings, hunters, animals, birds and trees belonging to the Himalayan ranges. This site was abandoned before completion due to lack to space. A new location was identified to rebuild this masterpiece over a 100 feet x 45 feet.

 12 PM- We come to the end of the live online tour of sculptures of Mahabalipuram

Tour requirements

• Good internet connection
• Zoom app on your smartphone

Next Steps

Call +919845677446

Email  contact@5sensestours.com

Old Goa can be discovered over a live and online tour at Rediscovering Old Goa.

For a live and online tour of Mumbai & Hyderabad visit Story of Mumbai, and Old City of Hyderabad.

For more information on holiday ideas in India, visit Great Holiday Ideas.