Introduction

A little away from the Ganesha Mandapam is a giant wall of open-air bas relief depicting the ‘descent of the Ganges’. In fact, the rock to the right hand side is called Descent of the Ganges and the one to the left, Arjuna’s Penance. It is quite fascinating how all the figures have been carved in a way that they either face the central cleft or appear to be moving towards it, and have their hands up in admiration. Another interesting depiction is that of a cat meditating near the leg of the bigger of the two elephants. There is a separate sculpture of a pair of monkeys tending to each other.

Arjuna’s Penance is carved onto the backside of a whale-shaped rock measuring 27-meter in length and 9-meter in height. Arjuna is a heroic character from the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata, and the sculpture has been named after an episode from this epic. Though people are divided on whether the story portrayed is that of Arjuna or Bhagiratha - a great king and forefather of Lord Rama who prayed for the descent of River Ganga to earth. Look out for the bas relief that depicts the sage standing on a leg in penance to bring the river to earth. According to ancient Hindu mythology, the earth couldn’t take the force of the Ganges, and Lord Shiva was called to calm it down. And so, he made its waters cascade through his hair. Take a closer look at the sculptures, and you will be able to make out the descent of the Ganges, and the many life forms such as deer, monkey, elephant, and lion surrounding it for a dip in its holy waters. While humans are shown rejoicing in the sound of the Ganges as it cascades down. Each figure etched out on the rock, from gods, demigods, to animals are sculpted to the last detail, and are truly a visual treat.

If you are visiting between mid-December and mid-January, you will be in time for one of the most atmospheric classical dance festivals in the country. The Indian Classical Dance Festival goes on for 30 days against the backdrop of ‘Arjuna’s Penance’. During this period dance performances are staged everyday for about two hours. An entrance fee of Rs 100 per day is charged.

To the south of Arjuna’s mandapam is the open Krishna mandapam built by the Vijayanagara kings to preserve the bas relief on the back wall.

Special Attributes

The open-air setting of the reliefs make them look more dramatic.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can walk to the mandapam.

Enjoyed by

History Lovers, Sculpture and Architecture Lovers, and those who are religiously inclined

Exposure

You will be under the open sky. It can get sultry in the afternoon, so carry along your sunshades and sunscreen lotion.

Avoidable Season

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Facilities

Further on, you can proceed to Krishna Mandapam.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

At dusk the sculptures look surreal.

Type of site

Sculptural reliefs