Rock-cut relief - Descent of the Ganges

A rock relief or rock-cut relief is a relief sculpture carved on a solid or living rock (rock that is not detached but still forms part of the earth) rather than a detached piece of stone. Rock reliefs have been made in many cultures throughout human history. Rock reliefs are generally fairly large, as they need to be in order to have an impact in the open air.

The best example of Rock relief in India is the Descent of the Ganges or Arjuna's Penance at Mahaballipuram, near Chennai, in Tamizh Nadu, India. This was carved in the mid 7th century and is considered the world's largest preserved open air rock relief - 29 meters long and 13 meters high. It is one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.

This is a protected monument at Mahaballipuram. It is a giant open air rock relief carved on two monoliths.  The legend depicted in this relief is the story of the descent of the sacred river Ganges to earth from the heavens led by Bhagiratha.

The Arjuna's relief is in the centre of Mahaballipuram facing the sea or east. So the best time to photograph this would be in the morning as it will get a beautiful natural lighting! It is at a walking distance from the very famous Shore Temple.

Arjuna's Thapas was created to celebrate the victory of Hinduism over Buddhism by Narasimhavarman I. 

The sculptures show deva ganas descending in stages towards the Ganga. Humans are seen worshipping the Ganga, carrying water from it in a big pot or performing rituals on its banks, including Sun worship. There is a tank at the panel’s foot where water from these “rivers” are collected.

Photography is freely allowed here !