Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
Located 60km (37mi) off Chennai, Mahabalipuram (or as commonly called Mamallapuram) is revered as the temple city of South India. It has seen the footfall of thousands of tourists every year and is well connected to the rest of the major cities of the country by road, rail and air.The place has a historical significance making it one of the most enchanting travel sites of India.
Interesting Facts about Mahabalipuram
Shore Temple
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• The place was revered as the melting point of art and literature between 3rd and 7th century CE.
• Mahabalipuram was nicknamed as the “land of the Seven Pagodas” by the ancient mariners.
• After excavation, several coins have been discovered which proves the trading relation with the Romans in ancient times.
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
This temple is one of the most regal examples of Indian heritage and is a loved and revered place in India. Located on the shores of Bay of Bengal, the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram was built in the 7th century and today is recognised as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites of India.The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva and is divided into three shrines. The most significant of the three shrines is the one where Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are worshipped. In the Grabhagriha of the temple, you can find the Shivalingam which seems like embracing the temple. There are two shrines placed at the back of the temple faced opposite to each other. Of the, one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and while the other highlights the grandeur of Ksatriyasimnesvara. The image of Lord Vishnu is shown as Seshanag who is considered as the symbol of realization as per the Hindu religion.
History of Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
In the early days, the seafarers mistook this temple as pagodas owing to its gigantic tall structure. Then sailors named it as seven pagodas and marked this colossal structure as a sight for navigating their ships.Narasimha Varma I created this magnificent temple and this artistic work initiated in the 7th century. Narasimha Varma was also known as Mammalla and the place came to be known as Mamallapuram. King Rajasimha, who ruled the place during 700-28 AD contributed to the styling of the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram which initially was carved as monolithic Rathas and the cave temples. King Rajasimha was also known as Narasimhavarman II.
In the last decade, when the Tsunami of 2004 hit the coastline of Coromandel, archaeologists found an ancient temple granite-built temple which had entirely collapsed earlier. Interestingly, one can find the special mention of Mahabalipuram in European diaries as one of the parts of the seven Pagodas. According to many experts, six of the seven Pagodas have gone under the sea. But, with the Tsunami, a few of the ancient sculptures of peacocks, elephants, and lions have come into light which were sculpted to adorn the walls of the structures built during the Pallava dynasty.
What Makes the Architecture of Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram Special?
The first stone structure that the Pallava dynasty started working on was the Shore Temple. There are many amazing structures in the region, but what makes the Shore Temple special is its rock-cut structure. The five storied temple is still one of the most landmark places of South India and is amongst the earliest temples of the region. Recently, stone walls have been built surrounding the temple to protect the structure from getting eroded.The temple is about 60 feet high in its pyramidal structure and is suspended on a square plinth that measures 50 feet. One simply cannot miss the eclectic mix of history and engineering of this splendid work by the Pallava dynasty.
Did you know that the temple is designed to catch the first rays of Sun and reflect the light on the waters after the sunset?
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Mythical Connect
For those who are interested in the Hindu mythology, they will find the place even more interesting as the temple has a strong connection with King Hiranyakashipu and his son Prahalada. It is believed that after Lord Vishnu killed Hiranyakashipu, Prahalada becomes the king. According to the legend, Prahalada's son, Bali founded Mahabalipuram.Quick Facts
The timing of the temple: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the temple is during the dawn or dusk when the place looks most charming. This is a loved place for the shutterbugs who can capture the emotions of nature with the Shore Temple in focus! The entry ticket counter closes after 5:30 pm.
Visit duration: You need to spend around two hours to have a complete tour in and around the temple complex.
Tour guides: You can find the local tour guides who can help you understand the legends linked with the place.
Entry Fees
• For Indian Citizen: Rs. 10• For Kids: Free Entry (for those below 15 years)
• International visitors: US $5
Things to Do
• The place is one of the finest options for spending a relaxing weekend with your friends and family• Mahabalipuram beach offers interesting activities such as swimming and more
• There are many popular festivals such as the Indian Dance Festival when there is a huge gathering of tourists
How to Reach
• By air - Chennai (Madras) is the closest airport from Mahabalipuram and is approximately 60km (37mi) away. You can find the connecting flights to all major cities in the country.
• By rail - Chengalpattu is the closest railhead to Mahabalipuram and is about 29km (18mi) away from the city. You can find connecting trains to all major South Indian cities.
• By rail - The distance to the main points from the city are - Mamallapuram is 57km (35mi), Kanchipuram 69km (43mi), Tirukkalikundram 15.2km 9.4mi), and Pondicherry 95.6km (60mi).
Other Places of Nearby Attraction
• Tirukkalikundram (about 15.2km)• Nithyakalyanaperumal Temple (about 16.7km)
• Chengalpattu (about 30km)
• Cholamadal Artist’s Village (about 35km)
• Mudaliarkuppam (about 38.2km)
• Sadras (about 52km)