The Awe-Inspiring Arjuna’s Penance

September 11, 2013 • Spiritual Adventures

Blog Image

arjunas-penance-mamallapuram-india
Mamallapuram is known for its captivating stone carvings, and Arjuna’s Penance is one that is not to be missed. The giant relief carving depicts mythological deities and animals, including a nearly life-size family of traveling elephants . Two of the prominent figures in the 96 ft by 43 ft structure are theorized by myth-lovers to be the brave Arjuna and the revered god Siva. As the tale goes, Siva gifts Arjuna with a great and powerful weapon as a reward for his act of valor. There are other interpretations of the stories behind the carvings and arguments continue as to what the wall is truly suppose to depict — perfectly  fine because making up your own story to go along with the carved images is much more fun anyway. 
One thing is for certain, it is impossible to do justice to this ancient work of art through words or photographs alone. You just have to come and take a look. Come with us on our 2014 South Indian Spiritual Adventure. We promise you’ll be wowed.
And if you’re into art, wait until you read our next post where we explore South India’s version of NYC street graffiti. (Hint: Think edible rugs…)
arjunas-penance-mamallapuram
 
 

 

Blog Image
South India’s Mouth Watering Treasure

Tamil Nadu, the land of the Tamils, was dominated by the Dravidian culture for 2500 years. The cuisine is distinctly different from that of the north, and is based primarily on rice rather than wheat and an abundant use of coconut. With a largely vegetarian population like much of India, Tamil Na...

Read More
Blog Image
Madurai’s Sacred Citadel to the Goddess

Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple in South India, Hinduism’s grandest citadel to the goddess, is a sacred place of pilgrimage for Hindus the world over and one of the most famous temples in India. This temple, centuries old and hand carved out of granite, covers an area of 16.5 acres. In Mad...

Read More
Blog Image
Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat in South India

An invitation to join Jasmine Grace on a Vedic Adventure in South India from Nov 29 to Dec 10, 2017. “On my upcoming fifth trip to India, I feel it is a deep honor to guide beautiful beings through the soul-stirring and beautiful land of India. In true Dandapani style, this is no ordinary yoga&he...

Read More
Blog Image
A life-transforming journey awaits you

Every year I conduct a retreat in Asia which is open to the public. These journeys are opportunities for people to get away from their daily routines, study with me in a deeper way and embark on a journey of self-transformation. In February of 2017 I’ll be guiding a group of individuals on ...

Read More
FREE Weekly Insights
Sign Up for my newsletter and receive insights, teachings and spiritual tools for living a life of purpose and joy.
Subscribe
We promise not to sell your email address to other monks, priests, religious organizations, angels, God or the Devil.
By checking this box you agree to our privacy policy and, terms and conditions.
FREE Weekly Insights
Sign Up for my newsletter and receive insights, teachings and spiritual tools for living a life of purpose and joy.
By checking this box you agree to our privacy policy and, terms and conditions.
Subscribe
We promise not to sell your email address to other monks, priests, religious organizations, angels, God or the Devil.