Arjuna's Penance of Tamil Nadu

It is a not a coincidence that the state of Tamil Nadu is full of everything that delights travellers from across the globe. It is such a paradise that comes up to the expectations of even the history lovers offering the sight of some of the most reputed heritage attractions. Arjuna’s Penance which is one of the top heritage sites in Tamil Nadu is the World’s largest bas relief located in Mahabalipuram. Touching the height of 43 feet, Arjuna Penance along with Descent of Ganges are a group of monuments that were shaped on two large boulder stones joined together and portrays 100 types of figures of birds, animals, gods and goddess on it. If we go by the legend, this is the same place where Arjuna, one of the five Pandavas from Mahabharata did penance to the Supreme being, Lord Shiva in order to attain his powerful weapon, a bow. Pleased by the worship of Arjuna, the Lord blessed him with the weapon which was the helped Arjuna to come out as a winner in the Mahabharata war. Talking about the Descent of Ganges that is etched close to this tourist attraction it is believed that the revered Sage Bhagiratha offered prayers to the divine Lord Shiva by standing on one leg. The Sage by preaching the Lord was to attain change in the route of the holy Ganga River and to make it flow at this place. Content by the Sage’s devotion the Lord changed the route of the holy river.

Best Time to Visit

Pave your way on a heritage tour in the months of September-May as it is considered the best time to visit Arjuna’s Penance as the temperature ranges between 21°c - 25°c.