The tour of Mahabalipuram is not complete without a visit to the famous Shore Temple. This imposing temple is located away from other rock cut shrines. As the name suggests it is on the shore of Bay of Bengal. It is built sometime during the period of Pallava King Rajasimha (700 - 728 A.D.). It is one of the earliest structural temple in Southern part of India, very different from other rock-cut monuments in this place.
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.
45 comments:
nice!
Aloha from Honolulu
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nice post with photos
UNESCO 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!
Nice Captures!!!
It's a beautiful place!
Wonderful temple
Very beautiful temple and impressive sculpture.
Lovely 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!
Sylvia
The buildings are just so amazing and beautiful! I'd love to see that part of the world myself! Thanks for sharing. :D
Fabulous photos, really enjoy your travel tours with so many interesting sites.
I am impressed of all the temples in India. My question Rajesh, are these made of cement or rocks? Happy weekend!
SWF
very interesting post. i really enjoy your temple/shrine postings,
http://ewok1993.wordpress.dom
Your photos are amazing. Happy sky watching.
Skywatch
As always beautiful and intersting.
Thank you for sharing, I enjoy viewing the pictures and reading it's history.
This 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
very nice. can never tire of seeing mahabalipuram
Beautiful structure.
My Sky Watch Shots, have a great weekend!
Amazing temple and stone lion!
U 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 :)
Beautiful shots!
Mahabalipuram 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.
http://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 :)
I like those lions being ridden by the women! Another very interesting post, Rajesh!
Another great tour Rajesh. Boom & Gary fo the Vermilon River, Canada.
This is another fascinating temple. I really like the color in your second photo.
So beautiful!
Greetings from Holland,
Anna :-))
Informative post & Nice shots :)
What a beautiful temple. The carvings are so impressive. Beautiful photos.
Wonderful buildings!
Enjoy visiting and learning different things about your country.
The sculpture at the last looks quite like a pair of fu dogs we have in our yard.
Impressive 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.
They are just pretty historical buildings. Happy blue Monday....
Hello Rajesh, it is nice to visit you again. Temples carved out of rock are amazing. Thank you for sharing India with us.
What a beautiful structure.
These are amazing!
Excellent 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.
Thank you all for appreciating the wonderful craftsmanship of this ancient temple.
very nice..love the way you took it!
Beautifully captured Rajesh. We have to just sit back and marvel at these amazing monuments. :)
Lovely, nostalgic, and evokes great pride. Remember our Tamizh author"Kalki" who penned a beautiful novel with this backdrop.
Never tired of watching these pictures.
yay i have been here
Very nice pics!
Thank you all for appreciating this temple.
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