Know About Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram

One of the earliest structural temples located in the state of Tamil Nadu is the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram. This temple is so named because it is built on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. It has stood through many centuries and has now been given the accreditation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Shore Temple was built in the seventh century and temple construction was completed during the rule of Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty. This temple follows the Dravidian style of architecture and represents the peak of Pallava skill. This makes it a popular tourist spot.

The Shore temple is a five storied structure made of granite. It consists of a 60 ft high pyramidal structure that rest on a 50 ft square platform. A unique feature of the temple construction lay in the fact that the first rays of the sun would fall on the temple.

The Shore Temple consists of three shrines. Of these, the main one and smaller second one pay homage to Lord Shiva, facing east and west. In between these two shrines there is one that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Here the image of Lord Vishnu is seen reclining on the ‘Seshanag’, the holy snake king representing consciousness. A sculpture of Goddess Durga is also seen seated on her mount, the lion. There is a cavity in the lion’s chest which may have been a shrine.

In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple a Shivalinga was placed that is partly damaged now. From the rear of this area, one can reach the gateway, forecourt and assembly hall of the temple. There are also two inner shrines that are dedicated to Ksatriyasimnesvara and Lord Vishnu. The placing of the deities is an attempt to showcase equilibrium between various religious requirements.

The walls of the temple are intricately carved. The outer walls are split into plastering bays and the lower sections show a series of nurturing lions. The inner and outer walls of the temple also contain images of Nandi (the holy cow of Lord Shiva). The outer and inner walls of the Vishnu shrine depict realistic scenes from everyday life. The two towering spires of the temple contain hanging attics that cast shadows. Water channels may have passed through the temple at a prior time.

In the Shore Temple complex, five Pancha Pandava Ratha temples can also be found. These rock cut temples are unique because they signalled a new trend in building. These Rathas are named after the five Pandavas and there is also a small Ratha dedicated to Draupadi.

Unfortunately, the Shore Temple has not been preserved from the ravages of time and it is no longer a living temple. The temple also faced some damage recently from the 2006 tsunami. A wall has been constructed around it to prevent it from further erosion by sea and sand. At present it provides the breathtaking backdrop against which the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival is held annually.

The Shore Temple can be reached from various parts of Tamil Nadu via taxis or buses that ply on these routes. The nearest airport is at Chennai.