Mamallapuram based Shore temple
Posted on: 10/Feb/2018 11:20:36 AM
Constructed in the 700 AD to 728 AD, the Shore temple located in Mamallapuram in the District of Kancheepuram is visited by many people from all over the world is well known. This Mamallapuram is about 55 kms from Chennai. As the temple overlooks the Bay of Bengal it is known as the shore temple. It is superb to note that since the year 1984 this Shore temple is classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is superb to mention here that this shore temple is one of the most photographed temples in India and was constructed using granite stones.
The presence of the pyramidal structures was the reason for this shore temple being named as ‘Seven Pagodas’. Jalashayana is another name given to this temple as it is present at the sea level. This shore temple has got connections to King Hiranyakashipu and his son Prahalad.
Being one of the oldest stone temples located in south India this Shore temple of Mamallapuram has got many temples and shrines and is sensational. People visiting this Shore temple would be surprised by the Dravidian architecture here. This is a five- storied rock cut temple created by the Pallavas and was completed by the Cholas is known.
There are three shrines present in this popular shore temple with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu shrines being more important. Presence of the image of Shivalinga in santum sactorum is simply superb.
It must be noted that there are 2 shrines present facing each other at the rear end and one shrine is dedicated to LORD Vishnu and other one to Ksatriyasimnesvara. Many carvings and sculptures present on the exterior walls of the Lord Vishnu shrine are fantastic. Scenes from our daily lives are present on the sculpted panels is known.
From morning 6am till 6pm in the evening this shore temple is opened for the visitors.
