logo logo

Shore Temple

The Shore Temple (constructed between 700 and 728 AD) is named for the fact that it faces the Bay of Bengal's shore. It is located in Tamil Nadu, India, near Chennai. It dates from the 8th century AD and is a structural temple made of granite stones. During the reign of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty, the location was a major harbour at the time of its construction. Since 1984, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments. It is one of South India's earliest structural (as opposed to rock-cut) stone temples.

 Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104


The place was known as Seven Pagodas by Marco Polo and later European traders who arrived to Asia. The Shore Temple is thought to be one of them. The temple was most likely used as a navigational aid for their ships. The name was recognisable to seamen because it resembled a pagoda. This structural temple complex was the pinnacle of King Narasimhavarman II's architectural works, which began with cave temples and monolithic Rathas in the mid-seventh century. Even though sculpturing cut-in and cut-out structures continued to be created during subsequent periods, as seen in the Atiranachanda cave, the Pidari rathas, and the Tiger cave, the architectural elegance of the Shore Temple complex in the category of structural temples is credited to King Rajasimha (700–28 AD), also known as Narasimhavarman II, of the Pallava Dynasty. The apparition of an outline of its sister temples off the coast after the Tsunami of 2004 that slammed this shoreline supports the theory that this temple complex was the last in a succession of temples that looked to exist in the inundated shoreline. After conquering the Pallavas, the Cholas governed Tamil Nadu and perpetuated the architecture of the Shore Temple in the temples they erected. The tsunami that hit the Coromandel coast in December 2004 revealed a historic granite-block temple that had crumbled. This has reignited suspicion that Mahablaipuram was one of the Seven Pagodas mentioned in European chronicles, six of which are now submerged in the sea. During the Pallava period in the 7th and 8th centuries, the tsunami also uncovered some old rock carvings of lions, elephants, and peacocks that were used to decorate buildings and temples. Though the tsunami that rocked the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004, destroyed the temple and the surrounding garden, the Shore Temple was not substantially harmed because the water level quickly returned to normal. The foundation of the bali peetam (sacrificial altar) in front of the temple, the stairs leading to the boat jetty, and the little shrine in the basement of the Shore temple with the Varaha (Boar) sculpture were all damaged. Because the temple was built on firm granite rock, it was able to withstand the tsunami's surges, and the groynes built around the temple area on the shore also helped to protect it. The names of the three temples listed are Kshatriyasimha Pallavesvara-gruham, Rajasimha Pallavesvara-gruham, and Pllikondaruliya-devar, according to two inscriptions found in the slab of a minor Shiva temple. Jalashayana is the name of the entire temple complex (lying in water). This indicates that the Vishnu temple was the first to be discovered. Narapatisimha Pallava Vishnu Griha is also mentioned in the inscription on the lintel of the Vishnu temple, where Narapatisimha is a title of Rajasimha. "In putting the temple on the very edge of the sea, exposing it to preventable perils, the architects, there can be little doubt, desired theatr," one archaeologist said.

  Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104


Architecture

Layout

SeaShore temple, Mahabalipuram,Tamil Nadu, India.

The Shore Temple complex's three temples are all built on the same platform. The temples appear to be a duplicate of the Dharmaraja Ratha when viewed from the northern end. The main Shore Temple, which faces east so that the sun rays reflect on the shrine's primary deity, Shiva Linga, is a five-story structural Hindu temple rather than a rock-cut structure like the other monuments. It is the first notable structural temple in South India, built of carved granite stones transported from a local quarry. It has a 60-foot (18-meter) pyramidal construction that rests on a 50-foot (15-meter) square platform. In front of the house is a little shrine that served as the original porch. It's constructed of locally quarried granite that's been carefully carved. One of the most popular temples is the seaside temple. New constructions have been discovered underneath the sand in recent digs.
Three shrines have been combined to form the temple. The main shrine, as well as the smaller second shrine, are both devoted to Arkadeep. Between the two is a tiny third shrine devoted to a reclining Vishnu, which may have had water channelled into the temple and into the Vishnu shrine. The two Shiva shrines are arranged in an orthogonal pattern. A transverse barrel vault gopuram serves as the entryway. The two shiva shrines feature a pyramidal shape, with overhanging eaves that throw heavy shadows on each individual layer. The shrine of Vishnu's outside wall, as well as the inner side of the boundary wall, are heavily sculpted and topped with massive Nandi statues. The outside walls of the temple are split into bays by pilasters, with the lower half carved into a sequence of rearing lions. Large statues of Nandi adorn the temple walls.

Features

Shiva, Uma, and their son Skanda form the Somaskanda Panel.
The temple features a garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) in which Sivalinga, the deity, is housed, as well as a tiny mandapa enclosed by a thick outside wall with minimal room for circumambulation. Two shrines face in opposing directions at the back. A tunnel leads to the inner temple devoted to Ksatriyasimnesvara, while the outer temple devoted to Vishnu faces outwards. The Durga is sat on her vahana, which is a lion. A tiny shrine might have been hidden in the lion's breast cavity.
The Shore Temples' arrangement of two Shiva temples with a modest Vishnu temple in the middle demonstrates an attempt to harmonise opposing religious needs.
The temples have Pancha Ratha-style decoration on their roofs. As it was a finished temple, the roofs had finials on the tops, indicating its religious functional role. The Dravidian architectural style is evident in the octagonal shape of the shikaras of the two Shiva temples. The sanctuary walls underneath the towers are mainly plain, with no ornamentation, however the columns are carved over lion-mounted bases. The embellishments on the outside faces of these shrines are comparable to those found on the inside faces of the temples.
The Dharalinga and Somaskanda panels, which are ensconced in the inside walls of the sanctuary of the east facing Kshatriyasimhesvara temple, are the temple's most unique feature. The Dharalinga is worshipped in the garbhagriha, which is 12 feet (3.7 m) square and 11 feet tall (3.4 m). The Dharalinga or Shivalinga is fashioned out of black basalt stone in the Rajasimha style. It features sixteen faces, each with a tiny fluting at the top to form a crown. The linga's upper section has been damaged. It stands 6 feet (1.8 metres) tall, with one foot sunk in the foundation for added support. In a little niche in the temple, there is a bas-relief, which is a family figure of Shiva and his bride Parvati with their kid Kartikeya erected on a stone slab. This carved stone panel is also known as the Somaskanada panel. Two other comparable panels may be found on the temple's entry porch. This style of panel may also be seen at the adjacent Paramesvarvarman's period Dharmaraja Ratha. On the south wall of the ardhamantapa, or half chamber, which is the first room before entering the sanctum sanctorum, there are statues of Brahma and Vishnu. On the rear side of the main shrine's north wall are sculptures of Shiva as Tripurantaka and Durga. 
The smaller Shiva temple is a two-story edifice with a stepped pyramidal tower and an octagonal shikhara erected over a circular griva behind the larger temple. Above the shikhara, a kalasa and finial are installed. The cornices on both floors of the building include kudus (horseshoe-arch dormer-like projections) and miniature shrines. The inner shrine's rear wall is adorned with a Somaskanda panel. In front of this temple, there is no mantapa (hall) (probably damaged). Two panels are shown on the exterior walls. Ekapadamurti, an eye-legged Shiva with Brahma and Vishnu sprouting from his sides, is one of them. Nagaraja (King of Serpents) stands underneath a five-hooded seer in the second panel. Between the big Kshatriyasimhesvara temple and the Rajasimha Pallaveshvara temple is a modest rectangular shrine dedicated to Anantashayi Vishnu (reclining position of Vishnu laying on the snake Ananta). Vishnu has four arms, although none of his qualities are visible (damaged). The rectangular tower of the temple construction is gone. The cornice arrangement includes the traditional pattern of kudus and little square shrines. Carvings depicting Krishna destroying the demon Kesi, Krishna dancing over Kaliya (the seven-hooded snake), and Vishnu seated on his vehicle Garuda saving Gajendra (elephant) from a crocodile's jaws can be seen on the outside walls. 
On the lintel is an inscription in Pallava Grantha script suggesting that this is the complex's first shrine.
Large statues of Nandi, Shiva's chariot or horse, as well as Yalis and Varahas, adorn the whole complex wall encircling the temples (boars).

Lion monolith

Within the temple complex's compound wall, a monolith sculpture of a partially carved and partially sculpted lion with a hole in its torso is built. On the reverse of the painting is a small image of Durga as Mahishasurmardini, which is a portrayal of Durga as Mahishasurmardini. The lion's gaping mouth is seen as a reflection of its status as Durga's favourite mount. On the lion's leg is also engraved a female guardian with a bow.

Miniature Shrine

In the Shore Temple compound, there is a little shrine.
In 1990, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) unearthed a tiny shrine in a well type enclosure with the picture of Bhuvaraha. This dates from the era of Pallava King Narasimhavarman Mamalla (AD 638–660). During Rajasimha's (AD 700–728) reign, it was encircled by an oval well. The reclining Vishnu at the Shore Temple complex is likewise carved into the rocks. Shiva is also honoured at the small shrine. It features a sixteen-sided carved-from-bedrock foundation. The structural type of the circular wall and superstructure. The pilasters have lions depicted on them. It is described as a one-of-a-kind single-tiered temple. The shikhara is built on a circular griva with kudus and maha-nasikas on each of its four sides, each with a Ganesha image. Above the shikara, the kalasa is missing. Varaha is depicted as Vishnu's boar incarnation in the carving of the Bhuvaraha. This image differs from other Varaha depictions in other parts of the country in that it lacks both Bhudevi and an ocean. Varaha is seen executing a diving performance into the ocean in order to save Bhudevi, or Mother Earth. Only when the temple is immersed in water, as it is below ground level, can the symbolism of this deed imply the myth. The sculpture appears to be shattered, and the base bears an inscription related to Pallava monarch Rajasimha's titles. The topmost layer of the wall that surrounds the shrine to keep sand from the sea out also has an inscription in Pallava-Grantha script that equates the king with Arjuna.
A Temple Made of Stone Shore Temple is one of the oldest stone temples in South India, constructed of granite stones. It is one of the most well-known structural stone temples that has withstood the test of time. Thurika provided the photo. Seven Pagodas is a storey about seven pagodas. Because of its pyramidal structure, Shore Temple was given the appellation "Seven Pagodas." The term 'Seven Pagodas' refers to the presence of seven temples in the area.
Only the Shore temple now stands to convey the past's stories. Gopinath Sivanesan provided the photo. A Watershed Moment Mahabalipuram was a prominent commercial port under the Pallava kingdom. The Shore Temple is claimed to have served as a navigational aid for sailors. Began and Continued (photo courtesy of SatishKumar) Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman II initiated the construction of Shore Temple. After capturing Mamallapuram from the Pallavas, the Cholas erected the further portions of the temple. Thurika provided the photo. The Dairies of Europe Some European travellers have noted the existence of Mamallapuram and the Seven Pagodas. The popularity of the port and its commercial links outside of India is indicated by the letter t. Pratapy9 There are three temples. Shore temple is a three-temple complex. There are two large temples and one tiny temple. The gopuras in those two temples are pyramid-shaped (temple tower). Thamizhapparithi Vishnu and Maari Shiva Lord Shiva is honoured in two shrines at the Shore Temple. The Vishnu temple is the third and smallest of the three temples. This demonstrates the historical amalgamation of religious beliefs. The Mythical Link The temple is linked to the legends of King Hiranyakashipu and his son Prahalada. Prahalada is said to have been king when Hiranyakashipu was murdered by Lord Vishnu. According to folklore, Mahabalipuram was constructed here by Prahalada's son Bali. The three temples are known as Kshatriyasimha Pallaveshwara - griham, Rajasimha Pallaveshwar - griham, and Pllikondaruliya - devar, according to a stone inscription in the temple. Because it is located at sea level, the temple is also known as Jalashayana (laying on the water). The Floating World More temples have been discovered in the vicinity of the Shore Temple. Other temples in the complex are said to have been drowned by a natural disaster. The Unseen Surprisingly, the December 2004 Tsunami uncovered some of these buried temple portions in the Shore Temple complex. This piqued my interest in learning more about other temples along the shore. Chariot-like From afar, Shore Temple resembles a Ratha (chariot). Shore Temple is said to be represented after Dharmaraja Ratha's structure. Previously, the village was known as Mamallapuram, and it was a prominent centre during the Pallava dynasty's reign of Narasimhavarman II. Shore Temple along with other heritage sites and tourist places is worth your travel to Mahabalipuram.

A Stone Temple 

Shore Temple is one of the oldest stone temples in South India, constructed of granite stones. It is one of the most well-known structural stone temples that has withstood the test of time.
Mahabalipuram was a prominent commercial port under the 
The Tale of Seven Pagodas
Because of its pyramidal structure, Shore Temple was given the appellation "Seven Pagodas." The name 'Seven Pagodas' refers to the previous existence of seven temples. Only the Shore temple now stands to tell the past's stories.

A Landmark 

Pallava kingdom. The Shore Temple is claimed to have served as a navigational aid for sailors. 
Three Temples 
Shore temple is a complex of 3 temples one temple is big and the other two are small  . In that two temples have pyramid shaped gopura (temple tower).

Shiva and Vishnu 

Two shrines in the Shore Temple are dedicated to Lord Shiva. The 3rd and the small temple is the Vishnu temple. This depicts the blend of religious ideologies which existed in the past.

Jalashayana 

The temple was also named as Jalashayana (lying in the water) because it is situated at the sea level.

Deity

Lord Shiva And Vishnu

Religious Activities

Daily Routine

6.00 am to 6.00 pm
Entry Fee : INR 10 for Indian citizens; INR 250 for other, no fee for visitors below age 15.
No fee for still photography, INR 25 for videography

Visitor Guide

Mahabalipuram, in the Kanchipuram district, is well-connected to the rest of the country by highways and other means. The temple is 27.2 kilometres from the Otivakkam railway station and 59.2 kilometres from Chennai International Airport. A bus or cab service can be used to travel this distance

Nearby Temples

Nearby Tourist Places

Arjuna's Penance Mahabalipuram
Arjuna's Penance is one of Mahabalipuram's most beautiful monuments. This magnificent bas air relief dates from the middle of the seventh century. The monolith, which stands 43 feet tall and measures 96 feet in length, was carved on the face of two massive adjoining boulders. The magnificent structure is difficult to capture in photographs, and it deserves to be admired with one's own eyes. Arjuna's Penance or the Descent of the Ganges, or possibly both, is the subject of the massive structure. Because there are insufficient sources and documents, historians and archaeologists have never agreed on a single storey.

PanchRathas, Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram's PanchRathas is a monument complex. The ancient Pallava kingdom's primary seaport was the coastal city along the Bay of Bengal's coasts. It is now one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In the monument complex, there are five rock wonders known as the PanchRathas. It is famous for its 'rathas,' or monolithic rock temples shaped like chariots. The monolithic constructions are made of a variety of materials and feature bas-relief sculptures carved onto them. On the southernmost tip of Mahabalipuram, the five Ratha temples tower magnificently. The magnificent building was created in the 7th and 8th century by Pallava emperor Narsimha Varman 1 (AD 630-68).

India Seashell Museum, Mahabalipuram

Indian Seashell Museum is one of Mahabalipuram's most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors of all ages. The museum is the first and largest of its sort in India. Around 40,000 different types of shells are on exhibit, along with information about them. These shells were gathered by K Raja Mohamed, the museum's founder. Oysters and snails with information about their sizes and origins are also on display in the museum. Shell-made automobiles, ships, trains, planes, and other vehicles have been displayed. There are four galleries to explore.
The museum also contains a shopping centre called Maya bazaar, where visitors may purchase a variety of intriguing sea-related products.Beautiful pearl jewellery is available at this location. Fish World, a tiny aquarium in the complex, is home to a variety of colourful fish. Fresh ‘n Live Sea Food, a seafood restaurant, is also available. The museum complex covers a total of one and a half acres of land.

Mahishamardini Mandapam, Mahabalipuram

Indian Seashell Museum is one of Mahabalipuram's most popular tourist attractions, drawing visitors of all ages. The museum is the first and largest of its sort in India. Around 40,000 different types of shells are on exhibit, along with information about them. These shells were gathered by K Raja Mohamed, the museum's founder. Oysters and snails with information about their sizes and origins are also on display in the museum. Shell-made automobiles, ships, trains, planes, and other vehicles have been displayed. There are four galleries to explore.
The museum also contains a shopping centre called Maya bazaar, where visitors may purchase a variety of intriguing sea-related products.Two of the middle columns have distinctive designs. This modification is thought to have occurred when the Vaishnavites attempted to eliminate the columns. One of them was really taken out and replaced with a low-quality imitation.