History, Importance, Architecture, Timings, Interesting Facts, Entry Fees, and Travel Guide of Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
The Shore Temple, one of the oldest temple of South India, dated back to 8th century is located near Mahabalipuram Beach, in Tamil Nadu. The Temple is called as shore Temple because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. This temple was built completely with granite and the speciality of the temple is that the stones are cut it is not made from the carved stones. Shore temple is masterpiece of ancient Dravidian style architecture, best of carving which stood strong over the years. The Mahabalipuram monuments along with the shore temple and complex were collectively designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Shore Temple is popular as 'Seven Pagodas' – Seven towering temple because of its pyramidal structure which looks like Pagoda and also works as the landmark for navigation for sailors.
Shore temple was built by Narasimhavarman II also known as King Rajasimha of the Pallava dynasty during the 700–728 AD. Actually it is the temple complex where three shrine were built, two dedicated to Lord Shiva and one dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is said that the Bali the Grandson of the great devotee Prahlad founded Mahabalipuram in this site. The roofs of the temple have ornamentation similar to Pancha Rathas.
As per the inscriptions found here, the names of the three temples are as Kshatriyasimha Pallavesvara-gruham, Rajasimha Pallavesvara-gruham and Pllikondaruliya-devar and whole temple complex is called as Jalashayana. The five storeyed 60 feet high main temple is formed out of granite, dedicated to Lord Shiva and in Garbha Gruha, Shivlinga is worshipped. The main temple is east side facing such that the first rays of the Sun shine on the Shivlingam. All the shrines in temple campus have intricate carve sculptures and temple wall have large sculptures of Nandi.
As per history, Marco Polo and the European Merchants who came to Asia after him called this site as the seven Pagodas. The temple probably acted as the navigation for the ship. The Tsunami of 2004 exposed some sculptures that were during 7th Century and it destroyed many parts of the temple.
The Mammallapuram Dance Festival is held every year during Dec – Jan in Mammallapuram where shore temple is made the back ground of festival. It is the festival of dance where the audience and artist across India enjoys this month long festival.
The visitors are mesmerized by capturing the work done on the stones. Thus, magnificent shore temple complex is one of the most prominent tourist attractions of India for domestic and international tourist. Currently it is maintained by Archaeological Survey of India.
Entry fee – INR 10 for Indians, INR 340 for foreigners, free for the children below 15 years.
How to reach Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
you can easily reach Mahabalipuram by any mode, by rail, air or road as per your convenience. The roads are very well connected. The nearest Railway Station is Chengalpattu Railway station at a distance of 22kms. The nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport which is at a distance of 45kms.
