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Shore Temples of Mamallapuram

TN

Archaeological
Commissioner

Narasimha Varman

Mahendra Varman II

Description Show more

The Shore Temple complex is near the Mamallapuram shore, hence its modern name. It consists of a large temple, two smaller temples and many minor shrines, open halls, gateways, and other elements, much of which is buried by sand. The main temple is within a two-tier, compound wall with statues of Shiva and Nandi, surrounding it. The 60-foot high temple has a 50-square-foot plan. It is a stepped pyramidal tower, arranged in five tiers with Shiva iconography. The temple includes a path around its main sanctum and a large, barrel vaulted roof above its doorway. Pilasters on the outer wall divide it into bays. The temple is steeper and taller than the Arjuna and Dharmaraja rathas, with a similar design in which the superstructure repeats the lower level in a shrinking square form. An octagonal shikhara and kalasa- (pot)-shaped finials cap the tower.

The Shore Temple complex is near the Mamallapuram shore, hence its modern name. It consists of a large temple, two smaller temples and many minor shrines, open halls, gateways, and other elements, much of which is buried by sand. The main temple is within a two-tier, compound wall with statues of Shiva and Nandi, surrounding it. The 60-foot high temple has a 50-square-foot plan. It is a stepped pyramidal tower, arranged in five tiers with Shiva iconography. The temple includes a path around its main sanctum and a large, barrel vaulted roof above its doorway. Pilasters on the outer wall divide it into bays. The temple is steeper and taller than the Arjuna and Dharmaraja rathas, with a similar design in which the superstructure repeats the lower level in a shrinking square form. An octagonal shikhara and kalasa- (pot)-shaped finials cap the tower.

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India, Mahabalipuram, TN, India 603104

Nearby
Mamallapuram Historic District 535 feet
Cave Temple of Mahabalipuram 617 feet
Five Rathas of Mahabalipuram 727 feet
Descent of the Ganges and Arjuna's Penance 0.3 miles
St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica 47.3 miles
Balaji Temple 397.7 miles
The Ledge 484.4 miles
St George Orthodox Church 521.4 miles
Sienna Apartments 567.8 miles
#Archaeological #Architecture #Place of Worship #india #Chennai