The temple has 3 sanctuaries and they are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The pyramidal structure is 60 ft high and sits on a 50 ft square platform. The roofs of the temple are capped by finials indicating that the temple was complete and functional. 
Underneath the towers the walls of the temple are mostly plain except for the engaged columns that are carved with lion bases. At the top of the compound walls around the temple there are large sculptures of Nandi. 
There is a huge rock-cut of sculpture of a lion rode by two young women in the temple premises. The lion has a small a square shaped cut in its belly with the carving of Goddess Durga. This temple is listed in UNESCO World Heritage.
nice!
ReplyDeleteAloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
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nice post with photos
ReplyDeleteUNESCO is a brilliant organization that not only saves so many buildings or sites from oblivion but makes sure that they are properly restored and looked after. Beautiful temple!
ReplyDeleteNice Captures!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteWonderful temple
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful temple and impressive sculpture.
ReplyDeleteLovely blue skies and another beautiful temple! Always a delight to visit your blog and read your very interesting posts, Rajesh! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
The buildings are just so amazing and beautiful! I'd love to see that part of the world myself! Thanks for sharing. :D
ReplyDeleteFabulous photos, really enjoy your travel tours with so many interesting sites.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed of all the temples in India. My question Rajesh, are these made of cement or rocks? Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteSWF
very interesting post. i really enjoy your temple/shrine postings,
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Your photos are amazing. Happy sky watching.
ReplyDeleteSkywatch
As always beautiful and intersting.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing, I enjoy viewing the pictures and reading it's history.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful old temple. I cannot imagine all the years it took to great it with all of its ornate carvings. Sometimes I wonder just how many truly historical temples there are in India. I know the number is huge. genie
ReplyDeletevery nice. can never tire of seeing mahabalipuram
ReplyDeleteBeautiful structure.
ReplyDeleteMy Sky Watch Shots, have a great weekend!
Amazing temple and stone lion!
ReplyDeleteU know what..was just going to post Mahabalipuram, but my pics had bright blue skies and it is pouring out there, so I changed my pic :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots!
ReplyDeleteMahabalipuram is one my favorite destinations. The shore temple architecture is typical Pallava. Please see my post on my last visit to Mahabs rock cut quarries.
ReplyDeletehttp://sankriti.blogspot.com/2010/01/historical-sites-near-chennai-mamalla.html
Another beautiful temple--I still am amazed at how old so many of the structure are. Have a great weekend. Mickie :)
ReplyDeleteI like those lions being ridden by the women! Another very interesting post, Rajesh!
ReplyDeleteAnother great tour Rajesh. Boom & Gary fo the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteThis is another fascinating temple. I really like the color in your second photo.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Holland,
Anna :-))
Informative post & Nice shots :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful temple. The carvings are so impressive. Beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteWonderful buildings!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy visiting and learning different things about your country.
ReplyDeleteThe sculpture at the last looks quite like a pair of fu dogs we have in our yard.
ReplyDeleteImpressive photo share.
Off the Pier...shadows is my link, if you'd care to view.
Have a great day.
Thank you all for appreciating the wonderful craftsmanship of this ancient temple carved in stone.
ReplyDeleteThey are just pretty historical buildings. Happy blue Monday....
ReplyDeleteHello Rajesh, it is nice to visit you again. Temples carved out of rock are amazing. Thank you for sharing India with us.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful structure.
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing!
ReplyDeleteExcellent photography on the shore temples esp. the centre one was awesome… I wish to visit this place as soon possible which has been postponing for long time.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for appreciating the wonderful craftsmanship of this ancient temple.
ReplyDeletevery nice..love the way you took it!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully captured Rajesh. We have to just sit back and marvel at these amazing monuments. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely, nostalgic, and evokes great pride. Remember our Tamizh author"Kalki" who penned a beautiful novel with this backdrop.
ReplyDeleteNever tired of watching these pictures.
yay i have been here
ReplyDeleteVery nice pics!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for appreciating this temple.
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