The Shore Temple Mahabalipuram timings and complete details of the temple are mentioned in this article. It is a famous Hindu temple located in Mahabalipuram, a historic town in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
It is one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India, dating back to the 8th century AD. It is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations in Mahabalipuram along the Bay of Bengal.
According to the UNESCO classification, this temple is well-known for its distinctive architecture and is one of many “Heritage Sites” worldwide.
You can do many different things here, and you also have the chance to take in the scenic beauty of the beach and the temple.
Location: Mahabalipuram, Chengalpattu District, Tamilnadu
Main deity: Lord Shiva
Creator: Narasimhavarman II, Pallava Dynsaty
During the reign of Narasimhavarman II of the Indian Pallava dynasty, the location was a bustling port at its construction.
It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 as one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram. It is one of the earliest Southern Indian structural (as opposed to rock-cut) stone temples.
The Shore Temples, along with the other monuments in Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), are now protected by the ASI and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing tourists from all over the world.
Shore Temple Mahabalipuram Timings
The timings for visiting the Mahabalipuram monuments and other attractions vary depending on the site. Here are the available timings for some of the popular attractions in Mahabalipuram:
- Shore Temple – 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Pancha Rathas – 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Arjuna’s Penance – 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Mahabalipuram Beach – Open 24 hours
- Tiger Cave – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Dakshinachitra – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Crocodile Bank – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
It is important to note that the timings may change depending on the season and specific events. Confirming the timings before visiting any attraction is always a good idea to avoid inconvenience. Shore Temple Mahabalipuram timings are also convenient.
History of Shore Temple Mahabalipuram
The Shore Temple was built during the reign of the Pallava dynasty, which ruled the region from the 3rd century AD to the 9th century AD.
The Pallavas were known for their patronage of the arts, literature, and architecture and were responsible for many of the magnificent monuments and temples in the region.
The Shore Temple is believed to have been built during the reign of Narasimhavarman II (also known as Rajasimha), who ruled from 700-728 AD.
The temple was created as a tribute to Lord Shiva and was used for worship and pilgrimage by the local people.
The temple complex originally consisted of seven shrines, but only one of them has survived to this day.
The sea washed away the other six shrines over time, leaving only the main temple and a miniature shrine nearby.
The Shore Temple was largely forgotten for centuries and was buried under sand and debris until the British rediscovered it in the 18th century.
The temple was subsequently restored by the Archaeological Survey of India and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.
The temple has undergone several restoration and conservation efforts over the years, including efforts to prevent sea erosion and protect delicate sculptures and carvings from damage.
Today, the Shore Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to marvel at its ancient architecture and exquisite sculptures.
The architecture of Shore Temple Mahabalipuram
On a single platform, three temples make up the complex. The Shore Temple is the main structure, and it faces east.
The granite stones used to construct the shrine are sculpted from a nearby quarry and are used to build a 5-story structure.
Lord Shiva, who takes on the form of a Shivalinga upon which the sun shines directly in the morning, is the primary deity.
The Shore Temple is a 60-foot-tall pyramidal structure that belongs to the earlier discovered structural temple.
On the 15-meter platform, it is situated. Although they were built similarly to the main temple, the other two temples—one dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the other to Lord Shiva—appear smaller.
Shiva shrines can be identified by their orthogonal structures if you look closely. You enter the two shrines through a “transverse tunnel vault gopuram.”
Pyramidal finishes can be seen on the rising towers known as “shikhara.” Eaves that hangover and provide some shade make up the pyramid’s top tier.
On the shrine walls, one can see the mastery of craftsmanship. On the boundary wall are substantial Nandi sculptures.
Numerous pictures of lions being raised can be found on the supporting columns that connect the exterior walls.
The top tier of the vimana is circular and features a small dome-like structure crowned by a finial (called a kalasha). The Kalash is typically made of metal and is considered a symbol of divinity and power.
The smaller shrines in the temple complex are also beautifully decorated with sculptures and carvings, including scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata (two of the most important Hindu epics).
The temple complex is surrounded by a compound wall, which is also made of granite and features elaborate sculptures and carvings.
The compound wall is decorated with niches containing sculptures of gods and goddesses and scenes from everyday life.
The Shore Temple is a masterpiece of Indian temple architecture and is considered one of India’s finest examples of Dravidian architecture.
Its intricate carvings and sculptures, combined with its stunning location on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Indian art and architecture.
The legend behind the Shore temple Mahabalipuram
The beginning of the Shore temple is the subject of a legend. In Hindu mythology, King Hiranyakashipu is said to have detested Lord Vishnu and refused to worship him.
He was constantly urged to have faith in Vishnu by his son Prahalada, a devoted follower of the Lord.
He was exiled and given punishment by the enraged king. Out of rage, he attempted to kill him, but Lord Vishnu intervened to save him.
Hiranyakashipu, unable to bear his son’s devotion to Lord Vishnu, called Prahalada into his presence and requested that he reveal the location of Vishnu. Prahalada replied that he was everywhere in response to this.
When the king saw Lord Vishnu emerging from the nearby pillar in his half-lion, half-human “Narasimha” avatar, he was so furious that he broke the nearby post.
Prahalada was crowned king after the death of Hiranyakashipu. Bali, the grandson of Prahalada, discovered Mahabalipuram, now known as Mamallapuram.
How to reach the shore temple Mahabalipuram
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Mahabalipuram is located in Tamil Nadu, India, and can be easily reached by various means of transportation. Here are some ways to get Mahabalipuram:
By Air: The nearest airport to Mahabalipuram is the Chennai International Airport, about 60 kilometers away. You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to Mahabalipuram.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Mahabalipuram is the Chengalpattu Junction, about 29 kilometers away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the railway station to Mahabalipuram.
By Bus: Mahabalipuram is well-connected by road to Chennai and other major cities in Tamil Nadu. Regular buses operate from Chennai to Mahabalipuram and other cities like Pondicherry and Kanchipuram.
By Car/Taxi: Mahabalipuram is located about 60 kilometers south of Chennai and can be easily reached by car or taxi. You can hire a taxi or rent a car from Chennai to reach Mahabalipuram. Shore Temple Mahabalipuram timings are also convenient
Once you reach Mahabalipuram, you can easily explore the town on foot or by renting a bicycle or a motorcycle. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are also available for local transportation.
Nearby attractions
Mahabalipuram is a beautiful town in Tamil Nadu, India, known for its rich history and stunning monuments. Here are some nearby attractions that you can visit while in Mahabalipuram:
- Pancha Rathas: Pancha Rathas, also known as the Five Rathas, is a group of five monolithic temples in Mahabalipuram. Each temple is carved from a single rock and is dedicated to a different deity.
- Arjuna’s Penance: Arjuna’s Penance is a giant bas-relief that depicts scenes from Hindu mythology, including the story of the descent of the Ganges River. The bas-relief is located in the heart of Mahabalipuram and is considered one of the finest examples of Indian rock-cut architecture.
- Tiger Cave: Tiger Cave is a cave temple located about 4 kilometers from Mahabalipuram. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, including a tiger sculpture that gives it its name.
- Mahabalipuram Beach: Mahabalipuram Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline that offers stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. The beach is famous for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Dakshinachitra: Dakshinachitra is a cultural center located about 25 kilometers from Mahabalipuram. The center showcases the arts, crafts, and culture of South India and is a great place to learn about the region’s rich heritage.
- Crocodile Bank: The Crocodile Bank is a reptile park about 14 kilometers from Mahabalipuram. The park is home to various crocodiles, alligators, and other reptiles and is an excellent place for animal lovers to visit.
These are just a few of the many attractions that you can visit while in Mahabalipuram. The town is rich in history and culture and is a great place to explore and discover the wonders of South India.
Best time to reach
The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is during the winter months, from November to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. The temperature ranges between 19°C and 28°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
During the monsoon season, from June to September, Mahabalipuram receives heavy rainfall, making exploring the town challenging. The humidity levels are also high during this time, making it uncomfortable for visitors.
The summer can be pretty hot and humid from March to May, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. While it is still possible to visit Mahabalipuram during this time, staying hydrated and avoiding spending too much time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day is essential.
Overall, the best time to visit Mahabalipuram is during winter, when the weather is comfortable, and the town is most vibrant. However, if you prefer to avoid crowds, the shoulder seasons of October-November and February-March can also be excellent times to visit. Shore Temple Mahabalipuram timings are also convenient for devotees coming world wide.
Conclusion
The town is home to several ancient temples, including the Shore Temple and Pancha Rathas, as well as beautiful beaches and cultural centers like Dakshinachitra. The best time to visit Mahabalipuram is during the winter months, from November to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. Overall, Mahabalipuram is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Indian culture and history.
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