The Archaeological significance of a state is very essential to understand the ancient culture and tradition of the state. The state of Tamil Nadu is not left with the charm of its ancient rich Culture and traditions. There are many sites of archaeology in this state but few of the sites are very popular amongst the archaeologists as well as the tourists:
Guna Caves
- Located: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Known For: Green and luscious ancient caves.
Guna Caves is placed very near to the swampy Pillar Rock, one of the well-liked place of (Kodaikanal). However after Guna movie was issued, tourists began hording the place and in no time Guna Caves became yet more admired than the Pillar Rock. Moreover as soon as the movie Guna came out, this area was earlier known as Devil’s Kitchen but became recognized to be Guna Caves.
The profound narrow valleys of the cavern are now clogged to public because of the disastrous deaths of 12 young people there. These hazardous caverns are extremely secluded now, and visitors can perceive segments of the cavern system from far away.
Arikamedu
Arikamedu, this olden Roman trade center is four kms away to the southern part of (Pondicherry) on the side of the river. This place holds a very special significance in the archaeological segment of Tamil Nadu also famous for the production of stone bead. This has an extended past which dates reverse to the second century. Archaeological sites in the area of Arikamedu have brought light to the remnants of a trade port, that had links with the world of (Greco-Roman) more than 100 years previous to the closing of the (Christian Period).
Mahabalipuram Caves
- Place: From Chennai, 58 kilometers
- Well recognized as: Mamallapuram
- Engraved in: Seventh and eighth Centuries
The Mahabalipuram caves are located at a distance of over fifty-eight kilometer which lies to the southern part of Chennai. This group monument was mainly discovered by Pallava kings, who engraved out of the rock stone in the seventh and eight centuries. The name Mahabalipuram was earlier recognized as ‘Mamallapuram.’ The Pallavas, a regular supporter of the Tamil Culture created it as one of their 2nd capital. In the site of Mahabalipuram, there are no such monuments offered in entire India, which contains everything for generating this site the most memorable; history, western annals, traditional and many more significances of tourism.
The Mahabalipuram art is mainly separated into four types, including structured temples, open air bas relief’s, man-made caves and the Rathas (‘chariots’ which means horse dawn vehicle was carved from one boulder, to be similar to the chariots or Temples generally used for ceremonial events in temple procession). The entire complex comprises of over ten cave temples which are man-made, nine massive chariots that are all named after the names of five Pandavas, four Bas – release sculpture pane on the rough rock walls, and also on the Shore Temple.
Mahishasuramardini Cave
Mahabalipuram is one of the most beautiful places to be visited while exploring in the state of Tamil Nadu. It contains around fourteen cave temples and several other unique structures that signify the works of olden art. The structure carved on the rock wall at this site is mesmerizing to see and is captured in your camera by just a click. Among all the caves, only one of them is the Mahishasura Mardini Cavern, which contains abundant beautiful moderation well exhibited the artistic skill of sculptures in the Pallava times.
This temple is not yet finished, and it does not hold any inscriptions. The Mahabalipuram is situated at the bottom of the diorite small hill, with some other ancient structure known as the Olakneswara Temple, which lies on the apex of this hill.
This cave is a manmade construction made in the mid seventh century. It is one of the enduring beauties you can see in the state of Tamil Nadu. Tourist from all over the world come to witness this site, the visitors mostly from Indian local and international of all religion are welcomed here. In this cave, while exploring visitors can see the structure of Lord Vishnu in sleeping posture on one side. And on the other side it shows the structure of Goddess Durga who is killing an evil demon.
The Somaskand is a carving spread out wisdom power, and peace while the Lord Vishnu is exposed in all knowing relax in a work of art of the ‘Dhwani’ which signifies as ‘the art of suggestion.’ On the other side you will see an enormous theatrical panel viewing Goddess Durga’s fighting with the evil demon named as Mahishasura. This episode was picked from the famous Sanskrit poem that is Devi Mahatmya.
Tiger Cave
The Tiger cave is one of the unique sites to be visited among other caves of Tamil Nadu. It is located at a distance of over five kilometer towards the northern part of the most important monument. At the entrance of this cave you can notice, there are several tiger faces structured in the wall of rough rock. Earlier the Tiger Cave was formerly used as a venue for organizing some of Tamil Nadu’s performances and also cultural shows exclusively just for the majestic family who visited here for entertainment. To visit this cave and explore tourist from all around the world come while touring in the state of Tamil Nadu.
Varaha Cave
The Varaha cave is one of the beautiful and enduring caves as compared to other caves of Tamil Nadu. This cave describes the two major Avatars referred as the embodiment of Lord Vishnu, which is recognized as the ‘Vamana’ and ‘Varaha’. Mainly remarkable, here are the four panes of the renowned Pallava doorkeepers, a humor of thoughtful reverie, an inspired softness and delicate grace entirely at discrepancy with the primeval machismo their character as protector of the gods inflicts on them. The Dharmaraja cave, build in the earlier seventh century, comprises around three unfilled shrines.
Other Attractions
The Shore Temple is the oldest temples which is located in the state of Tamil Nadu at the southern part of India. This temple is placed on the coast with its covered forecourts. Arjuna’s self punishment, which is one of the world’s major bas-reliefs, is some other wonder. This beautiful temple is measured over twenty seven meter long and around eight meter high with a huge rock panel entitled after the name of Arjuna. He was one of the heroes in the Indian epic known as the ‘Mahabharata’.
The monumental sculptures preserved at this site contains six chariots or Rathas for the five Pandava brothers and also for their queen named as Draupadi, the Kodaikanal Mandapam, Ganesh Ratha, and also the Old Lighthouse. For tourists it offers a wonderful experience with the persistent noise of chiseling by the skilled workers and the loud waves which is listened in the background. To see this enduring and enchanting sight Visitors can also come across to a brilliant work of art in stone carving, known as ‘Descent of the Ganga’, which is some other reading of the bas-relief. Innumerable ornamental pattern of outer space beings are demonstrated and embellish for the heavenly spectacle. Among all the other elite paintings are created again for the Panchatantra tales.
The ‘Mandapams’ which is known as porches are covered with grand examples of art. Dig out of hard rock from the hillside, each of the mandapam describes exclusive carvings of rich sculptures in detail. A calm pastoral picture at the Krishna Mandapam illustrates Lord Krishna, lifting up the huge ‘Govardhan’ Mountain, to defend his family from the rage of the God Indra.
Where to Reside
In the state of Tamil Nadu, there are many facilities offered for tourists to stay. Since this cave is one of the oldest caves in this state, many visitors get worried about their accommodation facility. You don’t have to worry because there are numerous hotels, lodges, rest houses, and many more available near this area. This stay contains all sorts of facilities that an individual needs in all affordable price. Among all the accommodation facilities that run in the state of Tamil Nadu is the Beach Resort Complex.
- Must Read: Most Famous Historical Forts in Tamil Nadu
