Sea Shore Temple Mahabalipuram is one among the earliest structural temples found in South India and also listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 8th century by Narasimhavarman II, shore temple represents the royal taste of the Pallava dynasty. It is one of the oldest and significant free-standing stone Liturgical Temples. The temple consists of three shrines in which the prominent ones are devoted to Lord Shiva as well as Lord Vishnu. At the rear end, you can find two shrines, which are facing each other. One shrine is devoted to Kastriyasimnesvara and the other is for Lord Vishnu who is referred as Ananthasayana or Sthala Shayana Perumal.
Tourist attractions:
The key attractions of SeaShore Temple include five chariots or Pancha Pandava Rathas. Each of these chariots is huge and different from others, speaking the aesthetic excellence of artisans at those times. There is also a statue of Durga seated on her vehicle, the lion. Rows of Nandi statues frame the courtyard of temple. Sea Shore Temple Mahabalipuram is a monolithic rock-cut structural temple with five storeys. You can see the marvelous sculptures of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma with their better halves on both side of the temple. The walls of the shrine are highly carved and sculptured.
The sculptures are very real and artistic. The images on each sculpted panel portray scenes from our everyday life. The temple has a tall pyramidal tower extending 60 feet high. Recently, a stone wall has been built to keep the shrine from sea-erosion. Being an emblematic specimen of Dravidian style of architecture, Shore Temple Mahabalipuram generates a fashionable combination of natural and historical splendor. Sunrise and sunset add more to the scenic beauty of the temple. Therefore, it is better to visit this architectural wonder at dawn and dusk to explore its mysterious charisma. Don’t forget to take camera and capture each and every bit of shore temple.
Timings: 6.00 am to 6.00 pm
Entry fee:
For Indian citizens: Rs.10
For foreign nationals: US$ 5
For children below 15 years: free
Photography: free
Videography: Rs.25
How to reach: Nearest airport is Chennai, 60 KM from Mamallapuram. You can also take regular buses or simply hire taxis to reach shore temple.
Address:
The shore temple,
Mahabalipuram – 603104,
Tamilnadu.
Liturgical Temples is established with the intention of educating our visitors about the history, location, routes and other crucial details pertaining to the famous temples in the state.
