Tamil Nadu’s Mahabalipuram is home to a one-of-a-kind temple that has risen from underwater. Sounds very interesting, right? The name of the temple is Shore Temple built long back in the 8th century. Curly Tales Editor-In-Chief Kamiya Jani visited this iconic temple recently and it was an absolutely delightful experience. Stories of this ancient temple date back centuries and today we will share the most exciting information about Shore Temple.
Shore Temple In Tamil Nadu Was Once Submerged Under The Sea
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People got to know about the establishment of this temple after the 2004 tsunami hit the place. The temple is truly a miracle of nature in its own way. Do you know that there are no idols inside this temple? Well, you read that right! Devotees from all around come here to witness the magic of nature. In the year 1984, it achieved the prestigious recognition of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Every nook and corner of Tamil Nadu’s oldest structure is a vision to watch. And to protect the glory of Shore temple, the Archeological Survey of India has built a wall circling the temple. The beauty of this place will truly make you question if the temple is truly over 1000 years old. It is believed that Mahabalipuram was a famous trading port during the Pallava Dynasty. In fact, it was very crucial to navigate ships.
The Architecture Is Marvellous!
There has been a lot of reconstruction recently in the temple and it looks stunning with all its grandeur. A huge garden welcomes you at the entrance. As you enter the temple premises, you will notice a prakara. The prakara is decorated with Nandi idols relaxing on the walls. Taking inspiration from the Dravidian architectural style, tons of blocks of granite and stones have been used to construct the Shore temple.
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Thing To Do Nearby:
While travelling here, make sure to visit the nearby beach. It is a perfect spot to spend some quality time walking on the shore or shopping or simply relaxing while sipping fresh coconut water. To collect some souvenirs during your trip to Shore temple, you can shop your heart out from the market along the streets near the ancient temple. You will find beautiful showpieces, jewellery pieces made of seashells, and a lot more.
How To Reach The Shore Temple?
If you are travelling by flight, Chennai is the nearest airport to this ancient temple. From there you need to embark on a road journey of about 2 hours. The road journey is an absolute vision to watch with the Bay of Bengal and the Great Salt Lake on both sides of the road.
Make sure to visit the Shore Temple with your loved ones.
Cover Image Courtesy: Internal