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Mamallapuram Temple, also known as the Shore Temple, is a UNESCO-recognised world heritage site. It is one of the seven temples built by the Pallava Dynasty. Six of these are said to be submerged along the coastline, which was found when a tsunami hit in 2004, uncovering the outline of a sister temple. The temple got its name as Shore Temple because it is located near Mamallapuram Beach overlooking the Bay of Bengal. This temple complex has stunning intricate carvings and houses various temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Quick Details About Mamallapuram Temple
Built In: 6th to 8th century CE
Mamallapuram Temple Address: Near Mamallapuram Beach, Mamallapuram, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
Mamallapuram Temple Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: December to January
Time Duration: Almost 2 – 3 hours
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport
Where To Stay: Rajalaxmi Guesthouse, Hotel Daphne Mahabalipuram, Squirrel Nest Guest House, and Thiru Pavilion Retreat
Where To Eat: Hotel Delicia, Airlines Celestial, Rydges Inn, and the Mazali Restaurant
Location
Photo: Roshan Varier / Wikimedia Commons
The Mamallapuram Temple is located near the bustling city of Chennai. It is situated in Mamallapuram, which is also known as Mahabalipuram. The temple lies near the Mamallapuram Beach, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Mamallapuram city is a part of the Chengalpattu district, which lies in the state of Tamil Nadu in India.
How To Reach Mamallapuram Temple
Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
You can reach the Mamallapuram Temple, Tamil Nadu by various means of transportation. Some of these are listed below:
By Road: You can either hire a taxi or drive from Chennai to Mamallapuram. Other than this, you can take a bus from the Mamallapuram Bus Stand.
By Air: The nearest airport to the temple is Chennai International Airport, which is located in Chennai at a distance of 55 kilometres.
By Train: Chengalpattu Railway Station is the closest railway station to the temple. It is situated at a distance of almost 30 kilometres from the temple.
Things To Do At Mamallapuram Temple
There are various things you can do in or around the Mamallapuram temple, such as visiting the nearby beach. Other than that, some of the must-do things at the temple are:
1. Learn About Its History
Photo: Tushark18 / Wikimedia Commons
The temple was built around the 6th to 8th centuries by the Pallava dynasty’s king Narasimhavarman I. It is known to be one of South India’s oldest stone temples. The Bay of Bengal situated the temple and was a landmark for ancient sailors and traders. The shrines in the temple reflect the Pallavas’ artistry and religious inclusiveness. Despite centuries of coastal erosion, the temple stands resilient, earning UNESCO World Heritage status for its historical and architectural significance in Dravidian culture.
2. Admire Its Architecture
Photo: Howard Banwell / Wikipedia / Image For Representation Only
The temple is not a monolith but was constructed using granite blocks. The temple has two main shrines, one dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other to Lord Vishnu, which reflects a blend of religious traditions. Detailed carvings on the walls show various gods, animals, and mythological scenes. The designs showcase the Pallavas’ dedication towards art and precision, as each figure is crafted with great detail. The temple is a lasting example of ancient Indian craftsmanship and the architectural innovation of the Pallava dynasty.
Places To Visit Near Mamallapuram Temple
Explore the popular attractions near the temple for a fulfilling experience.
1. Pancha Rathas Temple
Photo: Lodo / Wikimedia Commons
In Mamallapuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, there are many world heritage sites, including the Pancha Rathas Temple. This ancient temple complex is renowned for having five temples in the shape of chariots. King Narasimhavarman I built it in the 7th century CE. The temples are dedicated to the Pancha Pandavas and their wife, Draupadi, from Hindu mythology, the Mahabharata. It is said that each temple is dedicated to someone from the Pandavas, such as the largest temple, which is dedicated to Bheema. Then, the other temples are dedicated to Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Nakula-Sahadeva, and Draupadi. All of the temples are known to be monolithic (made from a single carved stone).
Location: 58, W Raja Street, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
2. Descent Of The Ganges
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
The Descent of the Ganges is popularly known as Arjuna’s Penance and is near the Panch Rathas Temple. It is a rock relief that is carved from two monolithic rocks. It is said that King Narasimhavarman I built this structure in the 7th or 8th century CE to celebrate the victory over the Chalukya Emperor Pulakesin II. A giant elephant carved in the rock relief is known to be India’s largest anciently carved sculpture. The carving on the rock is believed to depict Arjuna performing austerity to receive a boon from Lord Shiva to defeat the Kauravas. Also, in one interpretation, it is said that the man performing austerity is Bhagiratha, who brought the river Ganges to the earth.
Location: J59V+43J, W Raja Street, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
3. Varaha Cave Temple
The Varaha Cave Temple is famously known as the Adi Varaha Cave Temple, which is a rock-cut cave temple located in Mahabalipuram. It is one of the few UNESCO-recognised world heritage sites in India. The Varaha Cave Temple is located near the Panch Rathas and the Shore Temple. It was recognised as a World Heritage site in 1984 and has many intricate carvings inside and on the outside surface of the cave. There is a prominent sculpture of Lord Vishnu carved inside the cave in the form of a boar. The Varaha (boar) is shown lifting the goddess Earth, known as Bhudevi, alongside other mythical figures.
Location: J59R+6WM, Mada Koil Street, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
4. Ganesh Ratha Temple
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
The Ganesh Ratha Temple is one of the Ten Rathas carved out of pink granite. Several monuments in Mahabalipuram were carved out of a single rock known as a monolith during the Pallava period. The Ganesh Ratha Temple has been a UNESCO-recognised world heritage site since 1984. It was built by King Mahendravarman I and his successor Narasimhavarman I around the late 7th century CE. The temple initially had a Shiva Linga, but after its removal, the Lord Ganesha started being worshipped here. The temple is situated near the Descent of the Ganges, or Arjuna’s Penance, and is west-facing.
Location: J59V+92F, Mada Koil Street, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
5. India Seashell Museum
Photo: Yercaud-elango / Wikimedia Commons
India Seashell Museum is renowned for being the largest seashell museum located in Asia. It has a collection of over 40,000 species of seashells, which includes oysters and snail shells. The museum was started by K Raja Mohamed, who was passionate about collecting seashells from an early age. On the list of the world’s largest seashell museums, the India Seashell Museum ranks second. It is said that K Raja Mohamed sold his ancestral property to build this museum, which is divided into four major sections. Each of the four sections has a gallery that displays various sizes of unique seashells. Along the seashells, the information about them is also displayed.
Location: 191/1A2, opp. Five Rathas Street, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Tirachard Kumtanom / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Some of the factors you might need to take care of while visiting the Mamallapuram Temple are:
- Dress modestly because the temple has a great religious significance.
- Carry some cash with you, as it might be required at the ticket counter.
- Bring an extra pair of clothes in case you choose to visit the nearby beach.
- Wear sunscreen and carry a water bottle, preferably not plastic.
- Using a microphone or a digital camera is not allowed within the temple’s premises.
- Seek permission before clicking Mamallapuram Temple photos and adhere to the guidelines.
Mamallapuram Temple is a remarkable blend of history and spirituality situated along the scenic coast of the Bay of Bengal. With its breathtaking shoreside location and intricate carvings, the temple is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and spiritual seekers. To uncover the Pallava dynasty’s stunning architecture, plan your trip with TripXL and explore the various astonishing monuments and temples in Mamallapuram.
Cover Photo: Vinodh Vijayakumar / Wikimedia Commons
