Muhammad Bahrul Ulum

On September 5th, 2015, I traveled to the southern part of India. It was part of my 14 days traveling to the south. During my trip, I visited some landmarks. One of these landmarks was Shore Temple located in Tamil Nadu. I want to refresh my travel experience by posting this article.

Departing From Kerala

Yet, it was a truly challenging adventure. I started the journey from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. After a long journey of more than 17 hours from, finally, I arrived in Chennai. Chennai (formerly Madras) situated in the southern part of India is one of the biggest cities in the country. This city is well-known as a former hub of trade and religious axis, for instance, Mahabalipuram which was built in the period of Pallava kingdom located 60 km away from the city.

And, this is Chennai Central Railway Station. The Station connects transportation to many big cities, such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bangalore, etc.

Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram

It is a monument of Mahabalipuram, a world heritage monument, which has been inscribed on the world heritage list of the convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage inscription on the list confirms the exceptional universal values of a cultural or natural site which deserves protection for the benefit of humanity.

This temple consists of two structural shrines Kshatriyasimhesvara (east) and Rajasimhesvara (west) collectively known as Shore Temple built by Pallava King Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) (AD 700-728), mark the culmination of the architectural efforts which began with the cave temples and monolithic rathas. The east-facing Kshatriyasimhesvara has a sanctum enshrining the Dharalinga and Somaskanda panel.

The Chalustalavimana Kshatritasimhesvara with an incipient gopura at the entrance and Dvitalavimana Rajasimhesvara are proportionate and adds rhythm to the whole temple complex. The reclining Vishnu in between the two shrines is carved out of bedrock and it is earlier the Mandapas in front of the Rajasimhesvara shrine is extant up to the basement.

The entire temple complex is covered by Prakara coped with Nandis. The Shore Temple is being affected by the rough sea and salt ladeed winds. The efforts undertaken by the archaeological survey of India such as the construction of groyne wallpaper pulp treatment and casuarina plantation have checked this effect.

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