The stone carvings of Mamallapuram

On Saturday, we head south of Chennai to see the religious carvings of the Pallava dynasty, which ruled this part of India from the 5th to the 9th century.

The monuments have been carved out of rock where it stands...and rough natural boulders stand in line with temples, relief scenes and shrines.


You might want to try this with any large rocks you have lying around the backyard. This shows a scene called "Arjuna's Penance", and that's Arjuna (from the Mahabharata) standing on one leg.

This site is a major tourist attraction for Indians, who pose in groups under the giant "Krishna's Butter Ball" which appears to be teetering on a rock slope. We take our turn.


Tenzin is really getting strong these days.


Karma Not to be outdone, Mark rescues a few small children from the crushing weight of the boulder.


We've taken many photos of the ubiquitous pepsi ads which blanket every spare wall in India, mostly because our friend Jim does their marketing...wow, Jim, your reach is impressive! Here's a shot of a few carts at the stone carvings.


Finally, we get a good shot of a the Pepsi logos.

Later, we visit the "Five Rathas", more carvings from boulders in the landscape.


It's amazing how these move from rough rock to ornate detail...this was created around 650 AD.


Nice Kitty.


Mark carries Kobi when he gets hot from running around.


Back in Chennai, we are excited that it is finally Diwali! We visit the bustling Kapalishvara temple in Mylapore, the historic section of Chennai (the Greeks visited here in the 2nd century). It's jammed with families who have brought armfulls of food and other offerings to be blessed by the priests at various shrines.


Families dressed in their best at the temple for Diwali.


The spectacular gopuram (tower at the gate) of the temple is lit with neon at the top.

Finally, we drive home surrounded by the sounds of fireworks, and stop several times in the street as they fill with people setting off "crackers" and sparklers. The sky is full of color, and the ground is full of smoke. For days, the papers have stories of hospitals and doctors beseiged by people with respiratory problems...but for now, it is very exciting and beautiful.