Mahendravarman I was a Pallava emperor who ruled the Southern portion of present-day Andhra region and Northern regions of what forms present-day Tamil Nadu in India in the early 7th century. He was a scholar, painter, architect, musician. He was the son of Simhavishnu, who defeated the Kalabhras and re-established the Pallava kingdom.
Sculpture of Mahendravarman I with his queens at Adivaraha Cave Temple.
Varaha Cave Temple Built by Mahendravarman I
Image: Pancha Ratha Panorama (1)
The Pallava dynasty existed from 275 CE to 897 CE, ruling a significant portion of the Deccan, also known as Tondaimandalam. The Pallavas played a crucial role in shaping in particular southern Indian history and heritage. The dynasty rose to prominence after the downfall of the Satavahana Empire, whom they had formerly served as feudatories.
Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, considered as the oldest temple, glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 500 to 800 CE. It is one among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Maha Vishnu.
Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchi one of the oldest temples in the city
Sculptures of the legends of pallavas in the Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram
Inner court or the circumambulatory passage with 58 subshrines. Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram