During the reign of the Pallava dynasty, between the 3rd century CE and 7th century CE, it became an important centre of art, architecture and literature. It is said that Prahalad’s son Bali founded this temple. Mahabalipuram, the shore temple, is one of the oldest cities in India. Shopping in Mahabalipuram will be a wonderful experience if you are looking for ancient art and sculpture artifacts. The temple features a stone sculpture of Varaha lifting Bhoodevi (Mother Earth) from the sea. Thus, it has a Vesara temple architecture. True, you mustn’t miss these while in Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram Temple is located near Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The Mahabalipuram Temple has three shrines, devoted to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Tiger cave has spectacular mandap that comprises a shrine, which is completely dedicated to wondrous goddess Durga. Find the perfect temples of mahabalipuram stock photo. Among the temples, the Varaha Mandapam, Krishna Mandapam, the Five Chariots, and the Shore Temple are mainly visible. Later Cholas completed this massive temple. After researching Mahabalipuram, I decided to pick a 3-star hotel in a good location rather than a more luxurious hotel further away. When is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram Temple? She earned this name after the slaying of the demon Mahishasura. It’s illuminated at night. The Mahabalipuram market also has a wide variety of soapstone and graphite sculptures. The grandeur of the actual mandapa (pavilion) is hidden behind a rather ordinary looking latter-day structure. This temple, which dates back to the 8th century, is considered to be the oldest significant standalone stone temple in Tamil Nadu. Despite being the home to scores of sculptures and temples, only a few monuments can be visited by tourists. Your email address will not be published. The Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 16 Oct 2015. Krishna’s Butterball holds quite a fascinating story that would most definitely get your attention. In many ways, the Tiger Cave sums up the evolution of the Pallava’s cave temple structures over a period of time. Written by Dola RC, published on 16 October 2015 under the following license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. ( CC BY SA 3.0 ) Remarkable as the Shore temple may seem, it is the six other submerged temples that have gained the most interest. There is no separate cost of photography while for videography the temple charges Rs 25. This beach lies on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The temple is facing east with a semi circular name board. SRI MANIKANDESWARAR TEMPLE AT PADUR, IN CHENGALPATTU DISTRICT ( ON OLD MAHABALIPURAM ROAD ) TAMIL NADU. Mamallapuram doesn’t have a wide range of hotels but there are options to suit all budgets from inexpensive to luxury. Ancient History Encyclopedia Limited is a non-profit company registered in the United Kingdom. The Pallava kings used to be very powerful, and their thinking was very different. The surrounding of the Mahabalipuram Temple can be visited free of cost. Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indian citizens; INR 250 for others, no fee for visitors below age 15, No fee for still photography, INR 25 for videography. Legend believes that King Narasimhavarman tried to move the massive boulder but was unable to as it was quite heavy. The Ancient History Encyclopedia logo is a registered EU trademark. The Shore Temple – An Aesthetic Architectural Ecstasy, Tsunami Uncovers Ancient Sculptures in Mahabalipuram, Underwater Exploration near Mahabalipuram, Underwater Investigations off Mahabalipuram, Mamallapuram for Beginners: A Travel Guide from Indian Columbus, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. The festival was organized to promote traditional dance as well as tourism in Mahabalipuram Temple. Keeping in mind the climatic conditions of Tamilnadu and Mahabalipuram Temple, the best time to visit this beautiful temple is the month of October to March. Roadway: You can find direct cabs from Chennai to Mahabalipuram. The impressive LightHouse stands on the rocky patches near the Mahabalipuram shore. This group of temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is oldest structural temple (in contrast with rock cut temples) in India. So buy it from Mount Road or the shacks of palm-fringed beaches but do not forget to carry a souvenir from this beautiful place. This is also built atop the Mahishasuramardini Cave, but the two are different structures erected at different times. Decorative items and jewelry made of seashells are also popular in Mahabalipuram markets. Most of the structures are believed to be submerged underwater, either due to repeated floods during or rising sea levels. Most carvings were done in the 7th century during the reign of the Pallava kings. and an infinity pool that merges into the bay are salient features. Cave temples in Mahabalipuram alone attract a large number of visitors. The temple has interior and exterior that are beautifully carved. Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram , Tamil Nadu, India. Mahishasuramardini is another name of the goddess Durga who is an incarnation of Shakti (power). The shikhara (roof) of the actual shrine resembles a pyramidal structure. The images on the sculpted panels illustrate scenes from everyday life in an incredibly real and artistic style. The temples and sculptures have all been hewn from stones and granite and have withstood the ravages of time to date. Although considered a tourist destination, it’s still not that well known so is fairly quiet. Both the outer hall and sanctum sanatorium are adorned with elaborate relief sculptures. In that two temples have pyramid-shaped gopura (temple tower). Alternatively known as Arjuna’s Penance, Descent of the Ganges is a gigantic open air bas-relief sculpted out of pink granite. His exploration also afforded him a fair glimpse of the vast extent of submerged ruins of the city. This was a concept of great Pallava Monarch Rajasimha, which was built during the period 830-1100 AD in the Pallava dynasty. On its display, it has a few working models of the Egyptian papyrus boats, wooden, steel, and diesel ships, maps of ancient sea routes, and detailed information about lights, buoys, and various devices used for communication and navigation purposes. Tiger’s cave is close to the coastal villages of Salurankuppam, which is just five km to the north side of Mahabalipuram. Shore Temple is a granite made temple at Mahabalipuram built during the rein of Narsimhavarman. The temple has a five-storeyed structure out of granite dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some of them are mentioned below: –. The charm of this beautiful place doesn’t end here. The cheapest way to reach Chennai to Mahabalipuram is a cab to Mahabalipuram and takes 51m. Mahabalipuram was one of two major port cities in the Pallava kingdom. It was great to walk to, the … The fastest way to reach Chennai to Mahabalipuram is a cab to Mahabalipuram and takes 51m. He is more inclined to believe the flood theory. The Mahabalipuram Temples consist of several temples of enormous size, which were built by cutting huge boulders into exquisite carves and set against the background of unfathomable sky and vast sea. Mahabalipuram has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1984. Shore Temple is a granite made temple at Mahabalipuram built during the rein of Narsimhavarman. The mandapa or pavilions and the rathas or shrines were shaped as temple chariots are hewn from the granite rock face. Though originally meant to be places of worships, these were never consecrated and used actively for any sacred rites. The Shore temple is most attractive for tourists. The salient features of this temple are.. I visited these heritage sites sites on a recent trip to Mahabalipuram. He himself was a well known poet, playwright and orator. The Adi Varaha Perumal Cave Temple is the earliest of all Pallava structures in Mahabalipuram, yet the least visited one. Places to visit in Mahabalipuram Shore Temple What makes it a must-visit is the location which is perched atop a hill. RC, D. (2015, October 16). It is advisable to wear a hat, loose and comfortable clothes. This charming beach is one of the perfect places in India for sunbath. Also known as the Olakkanatha Temple, the Olakkanneshvara Temple (Temple of Shiva, suggestive of the third eye of Shiva) was built about the same time as the Shore Temple. It has a long mandapa (hall) for music and dance. The beach itself isn’t particularly special, but the town is full of interesting temples such as the windswept Shore Temple right on the water’s edge. Stroll around and explore the beauty of these seashells including the ‘Breath Maria’, which is one of the only four in the world. At a distance of 61 km from the city, this airport is convenient to travel to as it takes about 1 hour to reach this place. famous Shore Temple. The Pallava kings ruled South India after the decline of the Gupta dynasty. Importance of Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram. . One such favorite beach which is recognized for its fancy palm trees and silver sands is Covelong Beach. Most of the temples and sculptures in the town were carved by sculptors during the Pallava era under the reign of Narasimhavarman and his successor, Rajasimhavarman following his death. Mahabalipuram was founded by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman-I in the 7th century AD. We walked up to the Shore Temple to pay the entrance fee when an Indian man came up to us and offered to be our guide for seven different sites. Mahabalipuram. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rock along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries. For only $5 per month you can become a member and support our mission to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. His patronage helped the creation of a number of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Carvings of the walls of the temple depict scenes from Krishna Leela (story of Lord Krishna), including the lifting of the Govardhana hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan from floods. It is recognized as one of the best beaches that can be found in Mahabalipuram and around Chennai! Mahabalipuram is a tourism hotspot for visitors to Tamil Nadu. A beautifully carved monolithic airavata (elephant) and nandi (bull) decorate the premises. The whole structure is constructed using granite. The whole structure is constructed using granite. During the reign of the Pallava dynasty, between the 3rd century CE and 7th century CE, it became an important centre of art, architecture and literature. He is more inclined to believe the flood theory. Ancient History Encyclopedia. Many think that the Shore temple Mahabalipuram suffered from a great flood between 10,000 and 13,000 BCE. Located on the east coast is the biggest and most important Mahabalipuram temple, the Shore Temple, while eleven rock-cut cave temples are scattered around the main hill west of Mahabalipuram town. Despite continuous erosive effects of the moist and salty sea air, the Shore Temple preserves its beauty in many parts. Its beautiful structure is an architectural marvel, which depicts the ancient finesse of art. Nearby mandapas, particularly the Krishna Mandapa, however, showcase scenes of pastoral life amid mythical figures. It connects Chennai and various parts of Tamil Nadu by express and mail trains. These temples date back to the 7th century when they were built by the Pallava kings. The city was the capital of the Pallava kings in the 7th century. Related: Interesting Facts about Brihadeeswara Temple. Recorded to be a structure of the 7th century, the Mahishasura Mardini Cave Temple is a fascinating piece of architecture with its elegant aesthetics. This was built on a 50 feet square platform; it has a pyramidal structure rising to the height of 60 feet. In the Garbha Griha, the Sanctum has a Shivalinga that is being worshipped. A new temple was constructed and kumbhabhishekam was performed in 2015. The town is home to several beaches and stone temples, sculptures, and monoliths, most of which were made UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984. It’s possible to take a local bus, cab, or auto-rickshaw there. • God’s cave. A significant amount of coins and other artefacts excavated from this region also indicate a pre-existing trade relation with the Romans even before it became a part of the Pa… Raja Narasimha Varman was a great warrior and wrestler so, he named Mahabalipuram as Mamallapuram because it means ‘a great wrestler‘. There is a college in Mahabalipuram that teaches architecture and temple architecture. The cave has some lovely carvings of deities from Hindu mythology. Also, it has two shrines. As a coastal city, unsurprisingly, some of the famous tourist attractions to visit in Mahabalipuram are the beaches. Local buses are excellent in Tamil Nadu and highly recommended for budget travel. Visitors enter the premises through a barrel vaulted gopuram (gateway). The city of Mamalla, named after the title of Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman-I, was a sea-port during the time of Periplus and Ptolemy. It is also known as the Shore Temple. It is a monument located at Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel Coast of Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu state. All the beach bums out there can also take a short course on surfing. Please note that there is a charge for high-speed wireless internet and audiovisual equipment and support. Mamallapuram has a hot and humid climate, with summer temperatures in late May and early June often reaching 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. This temple has also been the reason behind the legend of the Seven Pagodas, the name given by the early mariners to the town. The room features three-mode lighting and an 8-by-10-foot projector screen with 4,000-lumen projector. This five story edifice is so situated that the first rays of the rising sun fall on the presiding deity of the temple, Shiva. Mahabalipuram was already a thriving sea port on the Bay of Bengal before this time. The temple is facing east with a semi circular name board. A meandering swimming pool of 27,000 sq. Located very close to the Mamallapuram beach, and aptly named, Shore Temple has been the emblem of the town since ages. This Shore temple town located not very far from Chennai is also home to several fresh water bodies. been associated with mountains. There are others who think that Mahabalipuram suffered from a great flood between 10,000 and 13,000 BCE. The market mainly dominates gods and goddesses that capture scenes from day-to-day life. The fare is about 30 rupees from Chennai. RC, Dola. Seashells are also one of the most sold items of Mahabalipuram. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu. Amazing Famous Facts About Mahabalipuram Temple For Tourists and Kids. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is depicted as Nataraja, the temple has two buildings (Dvikutavimana) which is a plan with two shrines and two superstructures. The Pallava kings ruled South India after the decline of the Gupta dynasty. The temple architecture has a mix of Dravidian and Nagara features. Mamallapuram is the Prakrit version of the original Sanskrit name. The first one is the museum, which is known for housing various rare and unique seashells. On climbing the spiral staircase and reaching the top, a panoramic view of the vast seashore, several rock structures, and the town below can be seen. The Konneri tank in Mahabalipuram situated right behind the Krishna's butter ball complex was take up for… Thematically and structurally, each ratha is significantly different from the other ones, but all of them were carved out of a long stone or monolith. SRI MANIKANDESWARAR TEMPLE AT PADUR, IN CHENGALPATTU DISTRICT ( ON OLD MAHABALIPURAM ROAD ) TAMIL NADU. You can finish touring the whole town in a day. Airway: The closest airport from Mahabalipuram is the Chennai International Airport in Meenambakkam, Chennai. The sculptures are named after the Pandavas – Yudishtra, Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula, and Shadeva and their wife, Draupadi. Today, Mahabalipuram is trying to re-create its image as the country’s premier beach resort but it has not completely lost touch with its past cultural exploits. Descent of the Gangesby Jean-Pierre Dalbéra (CC BY). This Pallava site offers some of the earliest architecture in South India, the Rathas Temples, and one of the most picturesque, the Shore Temple. Discuss the salient features of the temple architecture in the Himalayas. A significant amount of coins and other artefacts excavated from this region also indicate a pre-existing trade relation with the Romans even before it became a part of the Pallava Empire. She uses her skills to create engaging stories related to art, architecture, culture and history for online magazine, Lucky Compiler and its blog which she co-owns. The temple includes a path around its main sanctum and a large, barrel vaulted roof above its doorway. The town receives most of its rainfall during the northeast monsoon season, from mid-September to mid-December, and heavy rains can be a problem. License. Web. The Shore Temple which was built during 700 - 728 AD has stood the test of times. The Shore Temple which is on the banks of the Bay of Bengal is one of the main attractions of Mahabalipuram. "Mahabalipuram." Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO world heritage site, a century's old town know for it Pallava sculptures and architecture. It has diverse attractions including a huge precariously-balanced boulder called Krishna’s Butterball, some exquisitely carved monuments, temples, and a lighthouse. Two shrines in the Mahabalipuram Temple are dedicated to Lord Shiva. of Tamil Nadu. Ancient History Encyclopedia. This also has a relief sculpture dedicated to Narasimhavarman II or Rajasimha (700 CE – 728 CE). The town was named after Pallava king Narasimhavarman I, who was also known as Mahabali. The whole content on this website (excluding the images, as and where relevant) is copyrighted and protected as per the Copy Right Act 1957, India. The Mamallapuram Dance Festival is held every year during Dec-Jan at Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. This small village is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tamil Nadu. No need to register, buy now! This Gangai Amman is also a Village guarding deity. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Ancient History Encyclopedia. It can be visited between 9 AM and 5.30 PM by paying a nominal entry fee. How much time does it take to visit Mahabalipuram? Present-day, it is known for its great monuments, cave sanctuaries, and sculptures. These are dated to the 7th and 8th centuries: rathas, mandapas, the giant open-air rock relief the Descent of the Ganges, … Those interested in marine technology will find a visit to this place informative. Answer: A unique form of temple architecture developed in the Himalayan hills of Kumaon, Garhwal, Himachal and Kashmir. Recently, Indian PM Shri Narendra Modi and Chinese PM Mr.Xi Jinping visited places like Arjuna’s Penance, Pancha Rathas and Shore Temple. Mahabalipuram was already a thriving sea port on the Bay of Bengal before this time. This group of temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is oldest strucutral temple (in contrast with rock cut temples) in India. What are the Best Hill Stations in South India? Secrets Revealed, 13 Most Popular Cities in India for Tourists and Tourism, Mahabalipuram Temple- 15 Incredible Facts You Should Know - AvaniGo, Incredible Places to Visit in Vellore City in India, 12 Best Shopping Malls in Chennai That You Should Visit, What is Brihadeeswara Temple and Brihadeeswara Temple Facts, Why India is called Incredible India : Secrets Revealed - AvaniGo, Which State Culture is Best in India – Best State Culture, Top 12 Places to Visit In Allahabad on Vacation - AvaniGo, What is Taramati Baradari? Pancha Ratha (five chariots) is an architectural ode to Mahabharata’s five Pandava brothers Yudhistir, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva, and their wife Draupadi. Shopping in Mahabalipuram will be quite exciting for the tourists if they are looking for rare showpieces. Further, there is the beautiful idol of Lord Durga seated on her lion as she slays the feared demon Mahishasur. Our latest articles delivered to your inbox, once a week: Numerous educational institutions recommend us, including Oxford University and Michigan State University and University of Missouri. The granite rock-cut carvings are proof of the sheer brilliance of the artisans who have created this magnificent structure. Ideal for school/college excursions from the nearby cities. The temple’s overall form, dominated by its large central tower (vimana), recreates the appearance of god’s mountaintop residence. The biggest chariot is dedicated to Yudhisthira and the smallest to Draupadi. Bauble with over 40,000 species of shells, this must-visit museum in Tamil Nadu is unfurled over an area of more than one acres of land that includes three edifices. An eminent tourist attraction in Mahabalipuram and one of its kind in the country that requires no introduction is the India Seashell Museum. Major UNESCO World Heritage sites like The Shore Temple, Arjuna's Rathas and more are within walking distance of the hotel. History, Ticket, Timings, and Things to Do. One shrine is dedicated to Ksatriyasimnesvara and the other to Lord Vishnu. He surveyed the ocean bed near Mahabalipuram in 2002 A.D. Meanwhile, others consider the boulder to be a butterball that was snatched by Lord Krishna from his mother. Who are the deities inside the Mahabalipuram Temple? It may cost 1,000 rupees one way. Aside from the deity, the carved pillars and sculptures also show devotees in various postures. Along with economic prosperity, it became the site of a group of royal monuments, many carved out of the living rock. Apparently Mahabalipuram is one of the biggest temple complexes in the world, and I have to say, it was all kinds of interesting. This hotel was located 150m from the Arujana’s Penance monuments and 500m from the shore temple. Mahabalipuram Temple. History of the temple As per one legend during the penance of Pandavas, Arjuna was in meditation to get the pashupathstra to defeat the Kauravas. Shore temple is a complex of three temples, one large and two small, located right on the shores of the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal in Mahabalipuram. The stone carving is proof of sheer brilliance by the artesian. Today it is a town studded with rock-cut caves, monolithic shrines, cave sanctuaries and structural temples. App-based Uber operates intercity services. Spread over one to three storeys, their forms vary from square to apsidal. Pilasters on the outer wall divide it into bays. This beautiful structure was built during 700-128 AD. The Trimurti Cave is dedicated to the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara (Shiva) representing the process of creation, sustenance and destruction. Technically speaking, the Yali or Tiger Cave may not be a geographic fissure, but it boasts a set of most elaborately designed pillars and sculptures depicting several mythical creatures, lions and tigers. Dola is a writer, trained artist, art and history aficionado. It is a beautiful 5 storyed temple, which is a combined complex of 3 shrines; 2 dedicated to Shiva and one to Vishnu. "Mahabalipuram." According to a local myth, the beauty of Mahabalipuram aroused the jealousy of Indra, the deva of rain and storms . The Shore Temple is located on the beach and if local lore is to be trusted it is the one surviving structure of the legendary Seven Pagodas. Railway: Nearest train station to Mamallapuram is Chengalpattu Junction. Also, you can visit this temple in January to visit the festival that is being organized in the temple. This beach is located at a distance of 58kms from Chennai city. The temple is steeper and taller than the Arjuna and Dharmaraja rathas, with a similar design in Built between 700 and 728 CE during the reign of Narasimhavarman II, this is indeed a remnant of a larger complex of temples and civil structures much of which lie under the depth of the sea now. Monolithic sculptures are also seen scattered about the temple complex. If you are looking for handicrafts then visit the Mount Road markets in Mahabalipuram or Poompuhar. Exponents of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Odissi, Mohini Attam, and Kathakali perform against this magnificent backdrop of the Pallava rock sculptures. Its a beautiful 5 storyed temple, which is a combined complex of 3 shrines; 2 dedicated to Shiva and one to Vishnu. Mahabalipuram has been, included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1984. The best time to visit is from December until March when it’s dry and cool. A comfort stay at a villa with a private beach access and proximity to Mahabalipuram heritage sites made for a great short getaway from Bangalore. The temple depicts the beauty of Dravidian Temple architecture. The town is easily reached in two hours from Chennai, along the East Coast Road. State-of-the-art technical amenities and modern decor make the Nautica Room an excellent venue for a successful conference. Most of the massive still … But the port city has more to offer to those who love to explore. Beach & Shore Temple. During the rule of Mahendravarman I (600 CE – 630 CE), Mahablipuram started to flourish as a centre of art and culture. The Mahishasuramardini Cave can be found at a hilltop location. Once ruled by the Pallavas, famed for their excellent architecture and sculptures, Mahabalipuram has a beautiful rock-cut monument that draws architects, history enthusiasts, and travelers from around the world. The Mahabalipuram temple complex is vast and covers Mahabalipuram from the east to the west. Some of the Salient features of this temple are… It was told that the Amman is about 300 years old, installed under a Neem Tree. There is another curious structure known as Sri Krishna’s Butter Ball that fascinates everyone in Mahabalipuram. Shore Temple, Mahabalipuramby Arian Zwegers (CC BY). Places to visit near Mahabalipuram Temple, Mahabalipuram Temple- 15 Incredible Facts You Should Know, Top 12 Places to Visit In Allahabad on Vacation, How to Improve Your Eyesight by Yoga Naturally – Yoga For Eyes, Best Places in India for Wildlife Tour with Peers, Inspirational Speech on Women’s Day Celebration. 3 rd March 2019. It is known especially for its rathas (temples in the form of chariots), mandapas (cave sanctuaries), giant open-air reliefs such as the famous 'Descent of the Ganges', and the temple of Rivage, with thousands of … Mahabalipuram is famous for its vast beach, monoliths, stone carvings, and temples. Style of Architecture, Salient Features, Important sculptures/Images. Do not forget to carry a camera to capture this eternal beauty. This depicts the blend of religious ideologies from the past. Ironically, while the tsunami in 2004 CE created substantial damage to the existing structures and left the city water-logged for days, it also unearthed some of the treasures long hidden in the bosom of the sea. It is not a sculpted piece but more of a handiwork of nature. This led the locals to call the ‘boulder’ the Stone of Sky God. The temple’s dark inner sanctuary is designed to represent the cave into which god descends from his mountain home and becomes accessible to human beings. The salient features of the findings are as follows: Underwater investigations were carried out at 5 locations in the 5 – 8 m water depths, 500 to 700 m off Shore temple. Granite sculptures, bronze statues and ruins of what seem to be manmade structures came to the fore. Extremely well-maintained tourist spots, knowledgeable tour guides are easily available. The Shore Temple has got its name as “Seven Pagodas” which indicates the existence of 7 temples from the past. This video is unavailable. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Happy exploring Mahabalipuram, the Shore temple!!! Cite This Work This massive structure is carved from a single stone. Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram is a historic city and UNESCO World Heritage site in Tamil Nadu, India. 18 Jan 2021. Mahabalipuram Temple is a complicated structure consisting of 3 temples – One big temple and two small temples. The famed Shore Temple, erected half a century later, is built from dressed stone. This is located atop a hill some distance away from the beach which gave birth to a belief that it acted as a lighthouse in earlier times. Every year, it hosts classical dance and drama festivals to preserve and promote the heritage of a very ancient culture. Thiruporur is located on Old Mahabalipuram Road and is flanked by Kelambakkam on one side and Alathur Pharmaceutical Industrial Estate on the other side, both of which are also on Old Mahabalipuram Road. Mahabalipuram temple architecture is worth taking a notice if you have an interest in the ancient designs and carvings. Mahabalipuram is famous for its stone and wooden artifacts. Buses and taxis are easily available to reach Mahabalipuram.