SHORE TEMPLE

INTRODUCTION Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu Built in: 7th century Build by – Narasimha varma(rajasimha) Dedicated to: Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu Attraction: One of the earliest structural

temples in South India Significance: Listed as World Heritage

Site

Shore Temple is a structural monument on the shores of Bay of Bengal. 

The Pallavas were known to be the great patrons of art and were keen to create their own style of temple architecture.

ARCHITECTURE Shore Temple is also

acknowledged for being the first stone structure made by Pallavas.

Before this, the monuments used to be carved out of the rocks or stones. Unlike other monuments of the region, Shore Temple is a five-storied rock-cut structural temple.

The spire is extensively decorated with carvings and sculptures.

Perched on a 50 feet square plinth, the pyramidal structure raises to the extent of 60 feet.

PLAN

Shore Temple comprises three shrines, where the prominent ones are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

In the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), an image of Shivalinga embraces the site.

At the rear end, one can find two shrines facing each other. Here, one shrine is dedicated to Ksatriyasimnesvara and other to Lord Vishnu. In the shrine, Lord Vishnu is imaged reclining on the 'Seshanag', which is a symbol of consciousness in Hinduism. 

The exterior wall of the shrine to Lord Vishnu and the internal side of the boundary wall are elaborately carved and sculptured.

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SHIV PARVATI DIETIES

VISHNU IN RECLINIG POSE

DURGA ON LION MINIATURE SHRINE

The main Shore Temple, which faces east so that the sun rays shine on the main deity of Shiva Linga in the shrine.

There is a small temple in front which was the original porch. It is made out of finely cut local granite.

The outer wall of the shrine to Vishnu and the inner side of the boundary wall are extensively sculptured and topped by large sculptures of Nandi.The temple's outer walls are divided by pilasters into bays, the lower part being carved into a series of rearing lions.

There is also a circumambulatory passage to go round the main shrine in a clockwise direction.

The entrance is through a transverse barrel vault gopuram.

Built with sculpted granite stones hauled from a nearby quarry.

The external walls have carvings of Krishna slaying the demon Krishna dancing over Kaliya (the seven hooded serpent).

Shore Temple is no more a living temple. The structure of the temple makes one to contemplate and perhaps, it was erected basically as a work of art. In the present day, Shore Temple makes the background of Mahabalipuram Dance Festival that is held in Jan /Feb every year.