Pallava’s Pride – Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram

Built in the seventh century near the Mahabalipuram Beach, this temple stands as a monument of the Pallava dynasty. King Narasimha Varman I and Narasimha Varman II completed the work of the temples here. Legend says that there were originally seven temples built here. Only this one stands now. The collection of sculptures and carvings depict stories from religious texts.

There are three temples here-two Shiva temples and one dedicated to Vishnu. The temples have sculptures of Lord Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu and their consorts and of goddess Durga.

Authorities have built a wall near the temple to protect it from sea erosion. Mahabalipuram is 60km from Chennai. There are buses and taxis that will take you to this town. Pondicherry is about an hour from Mahabalipuram.