What are the features of Mahabalipuram temple?
The site includes several categories of monuments: ratha temples with an architecture of monolith processional chariots built between 630 and 668 CE; the mandapa viharas with halls and stone roofs with narratives from the Mahabharata, Shaktism and Vaishnavism; rock reliefs particularly bas-reliefs of Shaivism, Shaktism …
What is the Speciality of Mahabalipuram?
Mahabalipuram, situated about 60 km south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, is an ancient port town known for its stone carvings and stone temples. Mahabalipuram, situated about 60 km south of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, is an ancient port town known for its stone carvings and stone temples.
How many styles are there in Mahabalipuram?
Mid-20th-century archaeologist A. H. Longhurst described Pallava architecture, including those found at Mahabalipuram, into four chronological styles: Mahendra (610-640), Mamalla (640-670, under Narsimha Varman I), Rajasimha (674-800) and Nandivarman (800-900).
How many rathas are in shore temple of Mahabalipuram?
Five Rathas
The Five Rathas, Shore Temple, Arjuna’s… – Monuments at Mahabalipuram.
What is special about Shore Temple?
The Shore Temple of Mamallapuram was built during the reign of the Pallavan king Rajasimha/Narasimhavarman II, and it is the oldest structural temple of significance in South India. The two temples hold three sanctums, of which two are dedicated to Shiva and one to Vishnu.
What is Shore Temple made of?
It is made out of finely cut local granite. The shore temple is one of the most popular temples in Mahabalipuram. Excavations in early 2000s have revealed new structures here under the sand.
Who built Varaha cave temple?
This cave temple is one of the very best & fine testimonials of the Pallava Dynesty, built in the late 7th century ….. The Varaha Cave Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the finest example of Indian rock – cut cave architectures & great sculptures. Its also a UNESCO World Heritage Site ……
Which God is in Mahabalipuram?
The complex consists of three separate shrines: two dedicated to the god Shiva, and one to Vishnu. The Vishnu shrine is the oldest and smallest of the three shrines, The other elements of the temple, including the gateways, walls, and superstructures were constructed out of quarried stone and mortar.
Who built the rock cut temples of Mahabalipuram?
Narasimhavarman I
Built under the patronage of Narasimhavarman I (630-668 CE), these rathas are a group of five monolithic free-standing temples that were cut out from solid granite and diorite rocks. The five temples are symbolically named after the Pandavas and Draupadi but do not have any connections with the Mahabharata.
Who constructed the rathas of Mahabalipuram?
Who built Mahabalipuram Shore Temple?
Rajasimha
This view shows the Shore Temple, built in the late 7th century by Rajasimha and is orientated east, towards the ocean. The temple consists of two spires; one contains a shrine for Vishnu and one for Shiva.
Why is the Shore Temple named so?
Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram) shore temple. The Shore Temple is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. This monolithic granite rock found in Mahabalipuram India, is over 20 feet in height.
Where is the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram located?
The shore temple is the main attraction of this city. It is located in the ancient port city of Mahabalipuram on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal. Built-in the seventh century this temple draws inspiration from the sea and naturally occurring granite boulders.
Where are the three shore temples in India?
Shore temple, Mahabalipuram, India. All the three Temples of the Shore Temple complex are built on the same platform. Viewed from the northern end, the temples appear to be a replica of the Dharmaraja Ratha.
Which is the first structural temple in South India?
The main Shore Temple, which faces east so that the sun rays shine on the main deity of Shiva Linga in the shrine, is a five-storied structural Hindu temple rather than rock-cut as are the other monuments at the site. Built with sculpted granite stones hauled from a nearby quarry, it is the earliest important structural temple in South India.
What does the Shore Temple look like from the shore?
A rock-cut lion, buffalo demon carving, and many others captivate the visitors. The temple looks like a chariot from the shore. The temple consists of three shrines, all standing erect on the same platform. The main structure of the temple faces east for the sun rays to fall on the principal deity of Shiva Linga.