India’s First Green Energy Archaeological site, the splendid Shore Temple is positioned in the Mammalapuram which is renowned as Mahabalipuram which is situated around 58 kilometres south of Chennai and stands along the shores of the Bay of Bengal. This temple is addressed as one of the oldest structural stone temples in the world and it is categorized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. This temple is one of a collection of ancient monuments which have endured the consequences of time and still exist in Mahabalipuram. This temple is one of the seven Pagodas that initially existed, of which six temples are sunken in the sea. Now, the site is under the guidance of the Archaeological Survey of India, which is taking steps to preserve and protect the temple. The locality of the temple has been beautified by the horticultural society. This wonderful temple is one of the most famous tourist attractions of India and enjoys the patronage of thousands of visitors.
History of the Shore Temple:
The History of the Shore Temple dashes back to the 7th century during the supremacy of the Pallava Dynasty, a period marked by important advancements in art, architecture, and culture. The invention of this structural masterwork is credited to King Narasimha Varman II of the Pallava Dynasty who was prevalently called Mamallan. At some point in the mid-7th century, he started construction work on the Cave temples and the imposing monolithic Rathas. Exertion on sculpting the cut-in and cut-out structures continued during succeeding periods during the control of several South Indian Kings. The Chola Kings also continued to work on the temple and their participation in the building of the temple is apparent from the style and design of some structures.
Significance of Shore Temple:
The royal Shore Temple is also referred to as the Seven Pagodas and unluckily most of the structures are submerged. The structure which has endured the blitz of the waters is a complex of three temples, one large and two small temples. This structure once behaved as a landmark for the navigation of ships by the earliest seafarers, who termed it the Seven Pagodas. This temple is a witness to the Pallava dynasty’s contribution to the field of architecture. Devotees believe the Shore Temple is a spiritual residence where they can connect with the divine and pursue blessings for a prosperous life.
Architecture of the Shore Temple:
The Shore Temple stances as a bonfire of architectural excellence, reflecting the unified fusion of Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles. It is a giant five-storied structural shrine and the pyramidal structure is around 60 feet high and reposes on a 50-foot square platform. Crafted mainly from granite, the temple complex projects grandeur and classiness, with its complicatedly carved pillars, towering spires, and opulent sculptures ornamenting every surface. The temple is bordered by 101 Nandis out of which 80 endured the test of time.
Leading a landscape are three primary shrines, each bestowed Hindu divinity. The central shrine, devoted to Lord Shiva, is verged by two smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Shore temple is constructed in the same architectural style, with the main temple in the direction of the east, ensuring the first sun rays of Sunshine on the Shiva lingam in the shrine. The temple’s location along the shores of the Bay of Bengal enhances its charm.
Shore Temple Major Pujas and Festivals:
Shore Temple offers a wide range of puja and festivals for the devotees to convey their devotion and pursue divine blessings. Some of the major pujas and festivals at the Shore Temple are Abhishekam, Archana, SahasranamaArchana, Deepa Archana, and Annadanam. Apart from these, a gala dance festival is held every year in Mahabalipuram from Dec-Jan. This month-long show features exponents of numerous dance forms like Bharathanatyam, MohiniAttam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Kathak, etc. This festival attracts huge crowds from all over the world.
Entry Ticket, Timings and Other Facilities:
The entry fee for every Indian Citizen is ₹40 and for any foreigner is ₹600 ($8). Anybody below the age of 15 can enter free of cost. The ticket counter is situated before the entrance gate, and the ticket is stamped during the entry. The person can enter the temple only once with the ticket. The ticket must be kept carefully throughout the time you visit locations at Mahabalipuram.
Visitors are permitted from 6.00 A.M. to 6.00 P.M. So before you visit plan appropriately to visit the areas with time controls first and then to the beach.
The best time to visit this temple is during the winter months that is from ‘November to February’ when the weather is pleasant and not very hot and humid.
Battery Vehicles are available as transport facilities at the Shore Temple. This service is only available for people with special needs such as pregnant women, senior citizens and physically challenged people. This service is free of cost once you enter the temple premises with the entry ticket.
A cafeteria is situated near the entrance which sells beverages, snacks, fruit juices, pastries etc., but not meals. RO water booth is also available here. Enough amount of sitting area is located behind the café which is well shaded with multiple trees.
Nearby Places to Visit:
Pancha Rathas: It is just 500 meters away from the great Shore Temple, which is another great monument that is a must-visit place near Mahabalipuram. Make a tour around the five Rathas which were engraved out of a single rock. People who love architecture can get a sight of the beautiful Dravidian architecture here.
Arjuna’s Penance: Arjuna’s Penance also renowned as Bhagiratha’s Penance is a huge open-air base-relief monument where Arjuna performed severe tapas. It is supposed that the penance to receive the Pasupata Astra to defeat the Kauravas.
Ganesha Ratha Temple: It is situated at a distance of 1 kilometre from the Five Rathas and it is one of the ancient architectures in the Mahabalipuram. The grandeur and the architecture of the stonework are the high points of this place. This temple was firstly dedicated to Lord Shiva but later the temple was dedicated to his son Ganesh.
Mamallapuram Lighthouse: This is India’s oldest lighthouse which is situated just a few minutes away from the Shore Temple. It was designed and constructed by the Pallavas and from here visitors can have a bird’s eye view of the entire city of Mahabalipuram.
Krishna’s Butterball: This is a huge granite- stone balancing on a short incline that rejects to give in gravity. This stone is called “Vaan Irai Kal” which means “Sky God’s Stone”, According to Hindu mythology the boulder was dropped by God as a blob of butter for Lord Krishna.
Sculpture Museum: If you love authentic arts and want to know about the Shore Temple history this is a place for you which is situated on the way near to the Shore Temple. It is home to 3000 sculptures that tell stories about the ancient days and history.
How to Reach:
By Air: Chennai airport is far away 60 kilometres from Mahabalipuram. One can find flights to all major cities in the country.
By Rail: Changalpattu is the nearest railhead to Mahabalipuram and is far about 29 kilometres from the city. One can find connecting trains to all major South Indian Cities.
By Road: The distance from the Mahabalipuram city to some of the main points are:
58 kilometres to the South of Chennai, 69 kilometres to Kanchipuram, 15.2 kilometres to Tirukkalikundram, and 95.6 kilometres to Pondicherry.
Conclusion:
In the heart of Mahabalipuram, among the enduring rhythms of the sea, the Shore Temple stands as a witness to the stable legacy of India’s architectural heritage. With its beauty, spiritual importance, and historical significance, the temple complex continues to hypnotize the imagination of all visitors.
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