Browsing Category:UNESCO World heritage site

shore-temple-mahabalipuram

It is not just the temple, not just the architecture; It is the location, it is the background  music of the tide hitting the rocks, it is the breeze which lifts the spirit, it is the  view of  deep blue water merging with sky at some distant point which make you fall in love with the temple. The shore temple, Mahabalipuram is part of monuments which were recognized by UNESCO as world heritage site.

Shore temple
temple Late afternoon
Me at shore temple. This was in the compound garden outside the temple complex.
Me at shore temple. This was in the compound garden outside the temple complex.
He at the temple, Inside the compound. The one behind had Shiva and the one showing has Vishnu
He at the temple, Inside the compound. The one behind had Shiva and the one showing has Vishnu

This temple was probably used as a landmark for navigation for ships.  I do not want to go into too much  details  of history or  architecture as you can simply find them in Wiki. This is a  three temple complex located on the shore of Bay of Benagal  in Mahabalipuram, making it the shore temple. This shore temple  was built by  Pallava dynasty in 8th century AD.  A pair of temples were on the same platform. The one facing east is the temple of Shiva and behind there is temple of Reclining Vishnu. The temples are pyramidal in shape. Other interesting things are the miniature shrine in the complex and the Monolithic lion. There were numerous Nandi statues on the compound wall.  You don’t need much time to visit the temple but you can enjoy sitting on the rocks behind the temple overlooking sea.

Temple of Lord Shiva
Temple of Lord Shiva

Shore temple

Vishnu in reclining pose which is very uncommon to find in temples.
Vishnu in reclining pose which is very uncommon to find in temples.

You can also spend some time in the beach, but you need to walk a long way to reach the beach which is actually lying next to the temple as they blocked the  direct gates from temple to the beach.

Shore templeMonolithic lion

Nandiiii
Nandiiii

Shore templeShore temple

The beach had a small shopping area where you can buy some hand made sea shell things. In beach you can enjoy raw mangoes cut and sprinkled with chilli powder and salt, go on a horse ride or just enjoy a bath.

Mahabalipuram hosts dance festivals every year at this temple . There was one when we went but we had to go back to Pondicherry by evening. This  shore temple along with other monuments makes Mahabalipuram an awesome place to visit.

For more places and monuments from Mahabalipuram and many more posts.. stay tuned. Like my Facebook page, follow me on Insta. Subscribe for regular updates.

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