Shore Temple
Location :
The shore temples at Mahabalipuram, a coastal village 50 km south of
Madras,
About Shore Temple :
The Shore temple of Mahabalipuram built by Rajasimha Pallava during the
eighth century A.D. is an architectural marvel of Tamil Nadu. The
contribution of the Pallavas to the field of temple art is noteworthy.
In the initial stages, the Pallavas were inclined to building only
monolithic structures. Later, they started constructing temples which
included the shore temples of Mahabalipuram and Kailasanathar temple of
Kanchipuram.
These temples are refreshingly uncluttered, unlike later grandiose
Dravidian architecture and they tower over the waves, behind a
protective breakwater. The temple with its beautiful polygonal dome
enshrines Lord Vishnu and Shiva. These beautiful temples, ravaged by
wind and sea, were listed among the World Heritage sites, a few years
ago and they are probably the most photographed monuments in India.
Getting There :-
Air : Nearest Airport is at Chennai 76 kms.
Rail : The nearest railway station, Chengalpattu, is
around 29 km away from Mahabalipuram. Trains connect it to and from
Chennai and several other major cities of South India.
Road : Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is well connected
by roads to Chennai, Tirukkalikundram or Pakshithirtham, Kanchipuram,
which is 65 km from here and and Pondicherry.
