Shore Temple – About, History Structure and Interesting Facts.
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| Aerial View of Shore Temple - Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu |
About:-
Shore Temple is one of the most popular temples in
Mahabalipuram. This
temple was built by King Nirasimhavarman II, a king of the Pallava dynasty. It
was built between 700AD-728AD. It is located in Mahabalipuram, about 60
kilometers south of Chennai, in Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to
Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu as it was a busy port during the reign of
Narasimhavarman II. It has two temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva, facing
east and west but the main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
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| Shore Temple Side View |
This temple is a fine example of Dravidian
architecture. There are three temples here. There is a temple of Lord Vishnu in
the middle with Shiva temples on either side.
For your information, let us tell you that this temple
has also been included in the UNESCO World Heritage in 1984.
Shore Temple attracts every visitor to Mahabalipuram.
This temple is a symbol of ancient monuments and the sculpture of the temple is
a beautiful example of Pallava architecture. Apart from this, the Dravidian architecture of 7-8th centuries is also
seen.
History:-
The Coast Temple of Mahabalipuram is considered to be
one of the oldest temples in South India, dating back to the 8th century. Shore
Temple got its name because it overlooks the Bay of Bengal. Mahabalipuram (also
known as Mamallapuram) is famous for its coastal temples built in the 7th century,
located in the Kancheepuram district of the state of Tamil Nadu. The city of
Mahabalipuram was founded by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II in the 7th
century AD. Shore temples have chariot-shaped mandapas or mandapas and chariots
or temples carved out of granite rocks.
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| Temple View, Shivlinga and Scriptures of the temple |
The port of Mahabalipuram played a major role in trade
during the reign of the Pallava king Narasimha Varman I (630 – 668 AD). The
Pallava king Narasimha Varman is known as "Mamallan" and the port is
called "Mamallapuram" by his name. In the long run, the word Mamalai
has become "Mamallapuram". What we know today as Mahabalipuram.
Structure:-
Shore Mandir is a beautiful five-story rock-structured
structure consisting of three scenic temples. This temple is dedicated to Lord
Shiva and Sri Hari Vishnu.
You Can Also Read:- The Brihadeeswara Temple of Thanjavur and its - Architecture, Sculptures and Inscriptions.
The height of the Shore Temple is about 60 feet which
is a pyramidal structure. This scenic temple built in 50 feet square area is a
wonderful example of Dravidian architecture and it is one of the most beautiful
stone temples in India.
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| Structure and Design of the Shore Temple |
Shore Temple is both a rock cut and a free-standing
structural temple. The entire temple is still standing on a naturally occurring
granite boulder.
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| Map of Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram |
The Shore Temple is a good example of the first phase of structural temples built in the Dravidian style of architecture by the Pallavas.
More About:- Brihadeeswara Temple - Thanjavur - Historical Background and Geography...!
Interesting
Facts:-
1.
The Shore temple is a combination of three shrines and
there is a small temple in front which was the original porch.
2.
Recent excavations have revealed new structures under
the sand.
3.
The word Mamallapuram is derived from 'Mamallan' which
means 'Great Warrior'. The word Mamallan was used for the Pallava king
Narasimhavarman I.
4.
It was founded by Pallava king Narasimhavarman II
between 630-668AD.
5.
The name of Mamallapuram was also changed to
Mahabalipuram during the British period.
6.
Shore Temple was built by three generations of Pallava
kings and is known for its carvings and bass reliefs.
7.
Five chariots dedicated to the Pandavas and the oldest
stone temple in South India.
