Depiction of the descent of the river Ganga from heaven in the form of relief sculpture on rock is at

The depiction of the descent of the river Ganga from heaven is a world-renowned open-air rock relief located at Mahabalipuram (also known as Mamallapuram) in Tamil Nadu [2]. Carved during the 7th century under the patronage of the Pallava dynasty, this massive monument is sculpted onto two large granite boulders [2]. It is also popularly referred to as 'Arjuna's Penance' due to the dual interpretation of the central ascetic figure as either Arjuna or the sage Bhagiratha [2]. The relief features over 100 figures, including deities, animals, and mythical beings, centered around a natural cleft that represents the river's flow. While Ellora is famous for its diverse religious sculptures and the Kailasanatha temple, the specific 'Descent of the Ganges' relief is the hallmark of Pallava sculptural excellence at Mamallapuram [4].

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > Mamallapuram > p. 133
2. [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Descent_of_the_Ganges_(Mahabalipuram)
3. [3] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Cultural Development in South India > II Ellora, Ajanta and Mamallapuram Ellora > p. 132
4. [4] https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/249/