Descent of the Ganges at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. Details of the panel showing rock cut elephants in relief along with flying figures and the cat paying obeisance. The decent of Ganga panel is also known as Arjuna's penance. Measuring 96 feet (29 m) long by 43 feet (13 m) high, it is a giant open-air relief carved of the a monolithic rock. The monuments and sanctuaries were built by the Pallava kings in the 7th and 8th centuries. The legend depicted in the relief is the story of the descent of the sacred river Ganges to earth from the heavens led by Bhagiratha. The waters of the Ganges are believed to possess supernatural powers. The descent of the Ganges and Arjuna's Penance are portrayed in stone at the Pallava heritage site.
