Situated in the city of shrines, The Shore Temple is a group of temples in the Mahabalipuram district in the Tamil Nadu state of India. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built in the 8th century AD and was known to be the busiest port in India during that time. The granite-made Shore Temples have been known to be buried under the sand for a long, long time. The temples consist of two worship places, one dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other to Lord Vishnu. The shore temples are an ideal example of how the ancient Dravidian sculptures made art for their kings.
Brief History Of The Shore Temples
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Built across the Bay of Bengal coastline, the Shore Temples are one of the seven pagodas (temples) to be built on the coastline. Marco Polo, while travelling, identified the seven Pagodas built along the coastline. However, during the tsunami in 2004, a new temple arose that was believed to have been submerged for a long time. All these unique temples are worth worshipping. The complex of the Shore Temples consists of two temples: the Kshatriyasimhesvara temple, dedicated to the great Lord Shiva, and the Rajasimhesvara temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The walls of the complex also consist of scriptures, art effects, and the history of our mighty Gods.
In the 8th century, the Shore temples were among the places traders and sailors worshipped the most. Paying homage to the sea Gods in the shore temples ensured a safe and successful journey for all. Today, the shore temples have many visitors, and people from foreign countries especially love visiting such temples. The Shore Temple attracts many devotees during unique festivals like the Maha Shivaratri and Vaikuntha Ekadashi.
Best time to visit: October-March
For Indians: ₹ 40
For foreigners: ₹600
Also Read: Tourist Places In Tamil Nadu
Things To Do At The Shore Temples
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The shore temples mix heritage, culture, and intricate artwork. The site was listed on the UNESCO list in 1984 when the team was astonished by the splendid views and iconic art style. Here is a list of a few things you can do while visiting the shore temples.
Sightseeing the complex: The complex of the Shore Temples is full of intricate designs and the history of lords. It can be a good example of how the world grew along.
Best sunrise and sunset points: Located on the feet of the Bay of Bengal, the shore temples are one of the most iconic sites to enjoy sunrise and sunset. The sky and the ocean together give the most mesmerising sun views.
A hub of cultural events: The Shore temples are usually full of devotees worldwide. But during the Maha Shivarati, there are notable cultural performances to honour the day and seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
Photography and History Adventure: The Shore temples are a hub of everlasting photogenic places. You can get the best photos with eye-dropping views for your social media platforms. You can also hire professional photographers to take the best pictures for you. Also, guides can give you a tour of the shore temples and explain the place’s historical significance.
Visiting the Shore Temple is not just about admiring its architectural splendour but also about immersing yourself in the rich history, cultural vibrancy, and natural beauty that define this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you spend hours exploring its ancient corridors or enjoy the serene ambience, visiting the Shore Temple promises an unforgettable experience steeped in spirituality and heritage.
Places To Visit Near Shore Temples
The Shore temples are built in the Mahabalipuram district of Tamil Nadu, also the hub for various other unique and historical places. While planning a trip to these temples, you can include the following places to visit.
1. Five Raths
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Five Raths is a place where five monolithic rock structures have been dedicated to the five Pandavas brothers of the Mahabharata. The most unique thing about the place is its unique structure, which is made of only a single piece of rock. The site is open for the whole day to enjoy. These temples progressively become more minor from south to north. The five Raths are Draupadi Ratha, Arjuna Ratha, Bhima Ratha, Nakula-Sahadeva Ratha Dharmaraja Ratha.
Address: 58, W Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
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2. Arjuna Penance
The second on your list should be the Arjuna Penance. It is a massive, elaborate rock carving related to Hindu Mythology and is one of the most significant rock pieces in the world. It is one of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Sites and a must-visit destination for history buffs and those looking to immerse in rich culture.
Address: West Raja Street Near Ganesha Ratha, Mahabalipuram 603104 India
Timings: 06:00 AM to 6:00 PM
3. Cave Temples and Krishna Butterball
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The Cave Temples and the Krishna Butterball are two more famous sites to be embraced. These caves are the best places to enjoy fun games and family time. The Krishna’s Butterball is a gigantic balancing rock located in Mamallapuram. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 7th Century. Both places are 1.5 km from each other, making travel convenient.
Address:E Raja St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 6 am–6 pm
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4. Mahabalipuram Beach and the Mahabalipuram lighthouse
Exploring the nest is a must for all beach lovers. The Mahabalipuram Beach and the lighthouse are the best places to relax and enjoy the geography and coastal atmosphere. Again, they are 1.5km from each other, making your travel beautiful and worthwhile.
Address: Mada Koil St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 10 am–12:30 pm, 2–4:30 pm
5. Sri Sthalasayana Perumal Temple and the Maraimalai Adigal Memorial
The Sri Sthalasayana Perumal Temple and the Maraimalai Adigal Memorial are next on your travel list. Both places are around 15-20 minutes from the Shore temples. The temple is a historic Vishnu temple famous for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance—the Memorial honours all the Tamil scholars who have played a significant part in understanding ancient history.
Address: 5, S Mada St, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings: 6:30 am–12 pm, 3–8:30 pm
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How To Reach
The Shore temples are easily accessible through the rail, road, and airways. In air and road transport, you must reach Chennai first; then, you can hire a private or pooling taxi to reach the shore temples.
But if you travel by train, you can reach the nearest Chengalpattu station, around 30 km from Mahabalipuram. Once you have reached the district of temples, you can take an auto or rickshaw to reach the temple complex.
Tips For Visiting The Shore Temples
- While planning a visit to the Shore Temples, try to visit either early morning or late evening. This way, you can avoid the extreme heat and mid-day crowds. The best things to enjoy are the sunrise and sunset. Make sure to take advantage of that.
- To maintain the religious atmosphere of the place, try to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Also, before entering the temple, you must remove your footwear, so make sure to wear comfortable ones.
- Pack some water and mild refreshments to stay hydrated during your visit, especially during the hot months.
- You can get an ASI pass if you plan to visit other regional temples. The ASI pass is the Archaeological Survey of India pass that gives you tickets to multiple temples at a discounted price.
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Ultimately, the Shore Temples are a statement of their virtue, grandeur, and art form. The temples are one of the most significant for a devotee of Lord Shiv and Lord Vishnu. The beautiful temples on the Bay of Bengal shore make the place worth travelling to. You can also enjoy the history of our lord’s evolving from tough times towards a better future. A visit to this UNESCO heritage site is a must. Therefore, save time and plan a trip to Tamil Nadu and visit the Shore Temples.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shore Temples
Near which shore are the Shore temples located?
The Shore temple is located near the Bay of Bengal in Tamil Nadu.
Are there any better months to plan your visit to the Shore Temples?
Yes, the preferred months are from October-March. These are cooler months.
What are the best foods to try during the visit to Shore Temples?
During a visit to Shore Temple, one can try South Indian cuisine, such as vegetarian Bhaji, Dosa, idli, and other vegetarian options.
Is there a dress code for visiting the Shore temples?
While there is no dress code, but it is preferable to wear knee and shoulder-covering clothes.
can I travel with my pet to the Shore Temples?
No you can’t travel with your pets to Shore temple as pets are not allowed.
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