Shore Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. It is a 7th century temple built during the reign of the Pallava dynasty and is considered one of the oldest structural stone temples of South India.
How to reach The Shore Temple?
Location: Shore Temple, Beach Road, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 6am to 6pm. Open all 365 days of the year.
Enty Fee: INR 10 for Indian citizens. Children below 15 years have free entry. 5$ for foreigners.
Tourists and Travellers can use the following options to reach Mahabalipuram.
By Air: The nearest airport to Mahabalipuram is Chennai International Airport (MAA), which is only 60 kilometres away. Domestic flights from all major cities connect Chennai to the rest of India. You can take a cab from there to Mahabalipuram.
By Train: Chengalpattu Junction is the nearest railway station to Mahabalipuram. It runs express and mail trains between Chennai and various parts of Tamil Nadu. When arriving at the station, take a taxi to Mahabalipuram, which is about 29 km away. Also trains to Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Rameshwaram, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari coming from Chennai can be boarded here.
By Road: Mamallapuram is well connected to the rest of Tamil Nadu by road. State and private buses run frequently from cities such as Chennai, Pondicherry, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram, to name a few. The road is in good condition, and the drive along the coast is quite pleasant.
Accommodation and Enquiries: TTDC Beach Resort Complex (Phone: 044-27442361 to 64) and many more private resorts and hotels. Tourist office (Phone: 044-27442232)
Mahabalipuram the major port city of Pallava Kingdom
Mahabalipuram also known as Mamallapuram, was the major port city of Pallava dynasty. The town was named after Pallava king Narasimha Varman I, who was also known as Maha Malla (greatest wrestler). He was also known as “Maha Bali” which means the greatest warrior in Sanskrit. The ancient name of the place is Thirukadalmallai.
During their reign, the Pallavas constructed numerous temples in this city. These are from the 7th and 8th centuries. Many of the temples are carved from living rock. Rathas (chariot temples), Mandapas (cave temples), open air bas relief sculptures (embossed structures carved out of background stone), and structural temples are among the structures. One such structural temple is the Shore Temple.
Another name given to Mahabalipuram by mariners is “Seven Pagodas,” referring to the Seven Pagodas of Mahabalipuram that stood on the shore, one of which, the Shore Temple, still stands.
Shore temple one of the South India’s oldest temples
The temple is so named because it overlooks the Bay of Bengal, and it is believed that it was used as a landmark for navigation by the sailors of ancient times. The temple is a testament to the architectural and artistic skills of the Pallavas, who blended the Dravidian and Buddhist styles to create a unique masterpiece.
The Shore Temple is a complex of three temples, two dedicated to Lord Shiva and one to Lord Vishnu. The main temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is built on a raised platform and has two Storeys. The lower Storey has ornate carvings and murals depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. The upper Storey is a pyramidal structure with a flat roof, and its inner walls are adorned with carvings of Nandi, the divine bull.
The other two temples are known as the small shore temple and the bigger shore temple. The small temple has only one Storey and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, while the bigger temple has two stories and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. These two temples are located on either side of the main temple and are smaller in size but not in terms of architectural grandeur. However, no Pooja or worship is being carried out in these temples now.
The Shore Temple is a classic example of South Indian temple architecture, and its intricate carvings and exquisite artistry make it a popular tourist destination. The temple is also a place of worship, and devotees come here to offer their prayers and seek blessings of the divine. The Shore Temple is not just a temple, but a cultural and historical landmark that reflects the glory of India’s rich past.
Survived Tsunami with minimal damages in 2004
Mahabalipuram’s most famous Shore temple was the hardest hit by the December 2004 tsunami. However, the strong structure withstood the disaster with minimal damage to its structure and beauty. The massive tsunami waves piled sea sand on the temple and later the sand was eventually removed. The foundation of the Bali Peetam (sacrificial altar) in front of the temple, the steps leading to the boat jetty, and the small shrine with the Varaha (Boar) sculpture in the Shore temple’s basement were all damaged.
The Shore temple, which was built in the seventh century, is over 1200 years old. Legend has it that there were six more temples in the complex. According to researchers, the remaining six were built on sand and were submerged or washed away in the sea over time. The shore temple, on the other hand, is still standing strong because it was built on bedrock.
The tsunami has revealed other sculptures as well. Thousands of tons of sand were moved by the killer waves, revealing granite sculptures that archaeologists believe to be the remains of a civilization from the seventh century. Among the sculptures are an intricately carved lion, an elephant that is only partially finished, and a stallion in flight.
Conclusion
Overall, Mahabalipuram is a beautiful place along the seashore. Along with Shore temple you can also visit Arjuna’s Penance, Five Rathas, Mahishasuramardhini Cave, Varaha Cave, Krishna Mandapam, Krishna’s Butter Ball, Tiger cave and Emerald Park. All these are nearby places. Mahabalipuram stands today as Centre of art and as a testimonial to early Dravidian Style of temple architecture. No wonder that the sunny beach, silvery sand, splendors of sculptures are visited by tourists from all over the world.
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