The Legacy of Pallavas, Mahabalipuram-Part III: Shore Temple

The Legacy of Pallavas, Mahabalipuram-Part III: Shore Temple

The third and last complex we visited at Mahabalipuram was the much acclaimed shore temple. The shore temple near the seashore of Mahabalipuram is the most visited amongst the group of monuments in Mahabalipuram.

To tell the tales of the past, Shore temple remains as the last living Pagodas of Pallavas

 It was built in the early 8^th century (700-728 AD) by the Pallava king Rajasimha. It is located on the shores of the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. The temple resembles the Dharmaraja Ratha in design, but unlike the Rathas this is a structural temple and not a rock-cut monolithic structure. The temple is partially eroded due to the salty winds and closeness to the sea.

Shore temple has three shrines, two of which have pyramid shaped gopuras (temple tower)

The main shrine of the Shore Temple is a five-storied pyramidal structure 18 m high and sits on a 15 m square platform which faces east, so that the sun rays shine on the main deity of Shiva Lingam in the shrine. Visitors are allowed only to witness the beauty from outside and are not allowed to enter the temple due to its derelict condition.

The temple complex is surrounded by bull sculptures over its compound wall

This marvel by the Pallavas has withstood the test of times by many tsunamis, floods and enemy invades and has survived for over 1300 years to depict the last surviving pagodas of the Pallava legacy.

This shore temple has stood the test of times

The path next to the entrance of the shore temple, takes you to the Mahabalipuram beach. A very busy beach and the waves are suitable for playing, but watch-out for the sudden depth. It is also one of the top beaches of Tamil Nadu. A perfect place to end our Mahabalipuram journey.

Mahabalipuram beach

Entry ticket and Parking fee: Parking fee at the shore temple is ₹30 which is poorly maintained and unorganized. It took about 30 mins to park and then exit later. Entry ticket for all the monuments together is ₹30 for Indians.
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset, typically 6:00 am to 6:00 pm

More on Mahabalipuram Click below:
The Legacy of Pallavas, Mahabalipuram-Part I: Rathas

The Legacy of Pallavas, Mahabalipuram-Part II: Caves and Sculptures