Arjuna’s Penance

Arjuna's Penance also known as Descent of the Ganges is a monument located in Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram. It was situated on the coast of Bay of Bengal in Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu. 

 It is a huge open air rock relief or relief sculpture(a sculptural method in which sculpted pieces remain attached to a solid background of same material). It was carved on two monolithic large rocks. 

History:

The relief sculpture was created to celebrate the victory of Narasimhavarman I over the Chalukya Emperor Pulakesin II. The name Mamallapuram was added in the honor of the Pallava monarch Narasimhavarman I (630-668 CE). He was awarded the title Mamallan, the "great wrestler" or "great warrior". 

It is part of 25 UNESCO World Heritage Cultural sites in India and as a protected monument, the Archaeological Survey of India. This relief in rock is reported as a "sublime" early sculpture of the 7th century. 

In 1984 under the title "Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram" the open air reliefs including Arjuna's Penance are one of the four categories under UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How To Reach:

Mahabalipuram bus stand is just 170 m away from the Arjuna's Penance. You can reach the Penance by walk easily from the bus stand.