Shore Temple Mahabalipuram Tamil Nadu History, Timings & Architecture
Shore Temple Mahabalipuram is a complex of exquisite temples (c. 700 C.E.). It is among the numerous Hindu sites on the Coromandel Coast in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shore Temple timings: The Shore Temple timings are from 6 am until 6 pm.
It was regarded as one of the most beautiful examples of medieval South Indian temple architecture. Coastal Temple, Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
Shore Temple is said to be the work of king Rajasinha in the year 1798. It is a great instance of the architectural first-phase temples constructed in the Dravidian style.
It was a bustling port during the period of Narasimhavarman II. There are 2 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in addition to Lord Shiva and Shiva, which are facing to the west and east.
The history of the Shore Temple
According to legends, the Shore Temple is one of the seven towers in Mahabalipuram. The seven pagodas are part of an ancient Hindu myth. According to historical records, Prince Hiranyakashipu didn't have faith in Vishnu.
But the son of his father Prahladha had been a staunch follower of Vishnu and this led to the deportation from the kingdom of prince Hiranyakashipu of the royal family.
Prahlad welcomed him shortly afterward his arrival and was crowned the king. He also had a grandson, called Bhali who also established Mahabalipuram.
After seeing the highest building along the coastline The Shore Temple was named 'Seven Pagodas'. The Temple was an important milestone in sailing. Additionally, the structure is akin to the pagoda and therefore is known to all.
The Temple's old, distorted form was discovered when tsunamis struck on the Coromandel Coast in 2004. The Temple is made entirely of granite.
After the incident, news started to circulate that Mahabalipuram was one of the seven towers of the journals of the Europeans.
It was also reported that six temples were submerged in the ocean. In addition, the tsunami brought into light the ancient statues of peacocks and elephants, and lions that were used to decorate temples' walls throughout the Pallava rule of the 7th and 8th centuries.
Mahabalipuram Shore Temple Architecture
Shore Temple Shore Temple was the first stone structure constructed during the time of the Pallavas. Before the creation of this time, it was believed that all old monuments were built using stones. The impressive Temple is built on five floors and the structure is made of stone.
It is among the oldest and most important religious sites in South India. The upper area of the Temple was been decorated with sculptures and carvings. Also, a stone was constructed to better protect the majestic Temple from erosion by the sea.
The structure's pyramid is 60 feet tall and is seated on a 50-foot square platform. It beautifully displays the Dravidian style of architecture and amazing history that is a perfect blend.
It was built to capture the sun's first rays of rising as well as the water after sunset which in the words of Percy Brown, served as an important landmark during the day and also a beacon at the night. The compound walls and pavilions are surrounded by the magnificent Temple.
The lion's rock was cut into a tiny square on its belly with two women who were on their walls in the Temple. In the vicinity of this magnificent Temple is a massive stone that has been in waves for a long time.
Shore Temple Mahabalipuram
On the northern side on the north side, the design of the buffalo ghost can be seen completely holding an object in his hands. The Shore temple appears to be the chariot of a horse when seen from an in-depth distance.
The 3 Shore temples were perched upon the exact same platform. View from the north these temples look like exact copies of the Dharmaraja Chariot.
The principal Shore temple is situated on the east side. Here, the sun's rays hit the primary god of Shivalingam The Shivalingam isn't simply a piece of stone, but rather an old Hindu construction. The Temple was constructed using carved granite stones that were extracted from an adjacent quarry.
In front of it is a tiny temple, with the original porch made of finely cut local granite. It is the Temple is also among the most popular temples.
The recent excavations show numerous structures that have not been discovered in the sand.
The best moment to go
In light of the conditions, the ideal time to go to Shore temple is in October and March. Shore temple is from October to March. The ideal time to view the Temple is typically at night or in the morning.
Additionally, January and February are the ideal months to participate in Mahabalipuram Dance Festival. Mahabalipuram Dance Festival. Sunset and sunrise add to the temple's beauty, therefore the Temple should be visited at dawn and dusk.
Shore Temple Timings
The Shore temple timings are 6 am until 6 pm.
The Shore Temple opens around 6 am. They end at 6 at night. The devotees are welcome to visit the Temple to take Darshan from 8 am until 5 pm.
Tips for Visiting the Shore Temple Mahabalipuram
- Still, Photography had granted at no extra charge. However, for video, you need to be able to pay INR 25.
- Make sure to take a photo to capture the stunning beauty of this stunning Temple.
- The sale of admission tickets closes at 5:55 pm.
- The devotees can visit the surrounding monuments free of charge.
Shore Temple Nearby Restaurants
- Sea Shore garden beach restaurant
- Sunrise Pizzeria & Guest House
- Bambino Beach Restaurant
- The Wharf Restaurant
- Moonrakers
- Le Yogi Restaurant
- Latitude 49
The top 4 places to visit in Mahabalipuram
Arjuna penance
A large open sculpture portrays Arjuna's various activities during his penance. The relief is carved on two huge stones, each measuring 43 feet high. On top of them was a huge collection pool from the time of ancient times.
Thirukadalmallai
One of the 108 Divine Lands or Temples of Lord Vishnu. The Pallavas during the 8th century BC constructed their temple in the 8th Century BC. Thirukadalmalai which is also called the Sthalashana Perumal Temple. The Divya Deshas is a temple of 108 dedicated to Lord Vishnu which was constructed by Tamil Alvars, or saints.
Cave temples
Mahabalipuram has eight caves made of rock temples constructed by the Pallava King during the 7th century. The temples feature a variety of stones that have been cut thinly. Many stone sculptures portrayed the various Hindu gods and were regarded as being among the most beautiful work of Indian art.
Pancha Rathas
An exquisite Pancha Rathas designed in the form of reliefs cut from open air as well as five horse-drawn chariots that were named for their respective Pandavas of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The monoliths were carved using pink granite. The tallest is 40 feet high.
How to Reach
Road:
Its town, Mahabalipuram located in the Kanchipuram district was good connectivity to the rest of the country via roads.
Rail:
The Temple is situated at an approximate distance of 27.2 kilometers from the Otivakkam Railway Station and
Air:
The Temple is 59.2 kilometers from The Chennai International Airport. The distance is covered via cab or bus services.
Address
Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, Tamil Nadu 603104
Toll-free number 1800-425-3111 (Within India only).
