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CAVES Among the nine rock-cut cave temples, the Krishna cave is notable for its realistic portrayal. In the Mahishasuramardhini cave, on one side is a magnificent bas-relief of Lord Vishnu in his cosmic sleep (Ananthasayanam) and in contrast on the other side is Goddess Durga (Kali) fighting a buffalo-headed demon.

THE SHORE TEMPLE The oldest temple, surviving the ravages of time, sea, wind, and sun contrains twin structural shrines and is magnificently located on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Mamallapuram is also a well-known beach resorts in India.

ARJUNA'S PENANCE One of the world's largest and finest stone bas-relief, depicting Arjuna's penance, is another pride of Mamallapuram. This huge whale-back -shaped rock faces the sea, and is split with a fissure in the middle. On either side are gods, demi-gods, men, beasts, and birds-earthly and supernatural beings.

FIVE RATHAS To the south of the hillock holding the cave temples, are the five monolithic rathas(chariots), each chiselled out of a single rock, and known as Pancha Pandava Rathas. Each of the rathas is considered to be a prototype in the evolution f Dravidian temple architecture

CROCODILE BANK Not far from mamallapuram, this crocodile breeding and research centre is run by Chennai Crocodile Bank Trust. Here, several species of Indian and Continental crocodiles and alligators are bred in captivity. These reptiles are kept in their natural habitat in open pools and can be viewed from a safe proximity. This farm breeds crocodiles to augment the crocodile population of wildlife sanctuaries.

THIRUKKALUKUNDRAM This tourist spot has a small Shiva temple situated on top of the Vedagiri hill which is 160m high. Just before noon every day, two white kites stop at the temple and are fed by the temple priests. Legend has it that these two birds are actually saints who make a stop to rest at the temple on their flight between Varanasi and Rameswaram. There is also a larger Shiva temple in the town below. At the south-east end of the town is a spacious tank whose waters are said to possess curative powers. Once in every twelve years, a conch 'floats in this tank and thousands of devotees flock to bathe in the tank at this auspicious time. A collection of the conches is displayed in the larger Shiva temple.

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