Rich in Dravidian architecture, ancient temples of India standing on the seashore; Built in the 8th century…

• There are many ancient temples in India which have special features that make them different from other temples.
• One of these is Shore Temple in Tamil Nadu.
• Built very close to the sea, this temple is specially known for its Dravidian architecture.

Among the ancient temples of India, Shore Temple has a distinct and revered identity. Tamil NaduLocated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal at Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram) in India, this temple is considered a masterpiece of Indian architecture, history and cultural tradition as well as religious faith. As it is built very close to the sea, an embankment has been built in the area to protect it from waves. Hence, the historical importance of this temple is further highlighted.

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Witness the glory of the Pallava period

The construction of this temple in AD. It took place between 700 and 728 during the reign of King Narasimhavarman II of the Pallava dynasty. During that period the Pallava rulers gave a new dimension to the Dravidian style of architecture. Mahabalipuram was an important maritime trading center at that time. The Shore Temple standing on the shore became a symbol of that prosperity and cultural glory.

Confluence of Shiva-Vishnu tradition

Religiously, this temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are two Shiv Lingams installed in the temple premises, reflecting the Shaivite tradition. Along with this, there is also a relic idol of Lord Vishnu. Hence, a beautiful combination of both Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions can be seen here. Standing in close proximity to the sea, this temple also illustrates the relationship between nature and spirituality.

A wonderful example of Dravidian architecture

Built of granite stones, this temple is built in Dravidian style. The tall shikhara, the carvings on the walls and the Nandi idols lined up in the premises add to the beauty of the temple. The place is a special attraction for scholars who are interested in art, history and architecture.

The Mysterious Story of ‘Seven Pagodas’

There is a famous legend of ‘seven pagodas’ associated with this temple. According to legend, there were seven grand temples in the area earlier. Six of those temples sank into the sea and today only the Shore Temple remains. Some ancient remains found in the sea after the 2004 tsunami gave some support to this story.

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World Heritage status

The group of monuments at Mahabalipuram was given the status of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. Despite centuries of sea winds, waves and natural calamities, this temple is still standing strong. It is a living testimony of the architectural skill of that era. Today the Shore Temple stands proudly as a symbol of India’s cultural and historical glory.