Complete Guide about Shore Temple
Shore Temple
About Shore Temple
One of the earliest South Indian temples built in the Dravidian architecture, Shore Temple was created in the 7th century and reflects the regal taste of the Pallava dynasty. UNESCO has included the temple’s construction as one of its World Heritage Sites. It is one of the most photographed structures in India and is situated at Mahabalipuram along the Bay of Bengal.
Annapoorneshwari Temple Official website Link www.srikshetrahoranadu.com
The History
According to mythology, Mahabalipuram’s Seven Pagodas included the Shore Temple. An old Hindu folklore is about Seven Pagodas. According to legend, Prince Hiranyakasipu was not a follower of Lord Vishnu. However, Prince Hiranyakasipu was obliged to exile his son Prahlada from the realm because Prahlada had a strong devotion to Lord Vishnu. After some time, Prahlada was accepted, and he later went on to become the king. His grandson Bali also established Mahabalipuram.
When they observed such a large building standing next to the sea, they gave Shore Temple the name “Seven Pagodas.” This temple served as a kind of marker for the ships. The edifice also had a pagoda-like appearance, which contributed to the familiarity.A damaged antique temple was revealed in 2004 when a tsunami struck Coromandel’s shoreline. Only granite was used to construct this temple. Following this, rumours that Mahabalipuram was one of the Seven Pagodas recorded in European explorers’ journals started to circulate. Six of the temples were said to still be submerged in the water. The tsunami also revealed several ancient sculptures of lions, peacocks, and elephants that had been used to adorn temple walls during the Pallavas’ rule in the seventh and eighth centuries.
Goddess Annapoorneshwari
A Hindu myth states that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati once engaged in a dice game. Shiva lost everything and gave Parvati everything he had. Shiva re-played on Lord Vishnu’s recommendation, and this time he prevailed. When Parvati saw anything odd, she questioned Shiva. Over this, they got into a fight, and Lord Vishnu had to step in. He confessed to Parvati that he made deceptions to aid Shiva in winning the game. Shiva also said that all things, including food, are illusions, or Maya.
Shiva’s ideas were rejected by Parvati, who then vanished to show that food isn’t maya. The soil became motionless and there was no natural growth when she vanished. Due to the ensuing drought, everyone—including people, devils, and animals—prayed for food. Shiva changed his mind after witnessing the suffering of the planet’s inhabitants and conceded that all living things have a fundamental need for nourishment, and that this need is real. Following her appearance, Goddess Parvati began giving food across Kashi. It is also believed that Parvati served Lord Shiva with her ladle when he arrived dressed as a beggar. As a result, she is also known as Goddess Annapoorneshwari, the one who provides nourishment.
Architecture :
The Pallavas built their first stone building, the Shore Temple. All of the historic monuments were made of rocks and stones before the construction of this one. The majestic temple is a five-story structure that was carved out of rock. It was one of the first and most significant temples to be erected in all of Southern India. Sculptures and carvings are used to embellish the temple’s upper structure. A stone has also been built to significantly improve the stunning temple’s protection from sea erosion.
This 60-foot-tall pyramidal building is perched above a 50-foot square platform. It elegantly displays the Dravidian architectural style and combines splendour with an illustrious past. According to Percy Brown, it was built to capture the first rays of the morning sun and to grasp the seas after sunset, serving as a landmark by day and a beacon by night. The massive temple is surrounded by mandapas and compound walls. On the walls of the temple, there is also a rock carving of a lion with a little square-shaped incision in its belly that is being ridden by two young girls.
Nearby this magnificent temple is a sizable rock that the waves have been able to reach for many years. A sculpture of the buffalo demon with a stick is also seen on the northern side. The temple seems to be a chariot from a distance.
On the same platform, all three of the Shore Temples have been standing straight. These temples appear to be an exact replica of the Dharmaraja Ratha when seen from the northern end. The main Shore Temple is an old Hindu building rather than merely a rock formation, facing east to allow the sun’s rays to hit the primary deity of Shiva Linga. Sculpted granite stones were transported from a local quarry and used to construct the temple. The old porch is been replaced with a modest temple. It’s constructed from precisely cut local stone. One of the most well-known temples is the seaside temple. Recent excavations have shown that there are still numerous hidden buildings buried deep in the sand.
On the same platform, all three of the Shore Temples have been standing straight. These temples appear to be an exact replica of the Dharmaraja Ratha when seen from the northern end. The main Shore Temple is an old Hindu building rather than merely a rock formation, facing east to allow the sun’s rays to hit the primary deity of Shiva Linga. Sculpted granite stones were transported from a local quarry and used to construct the temple. The old porch is been replaced with a modest temple. It’s constructed from precisely cut local stone. One of the most well-known temples is the seaside temple. Recent excavations have shown that there are still numerous hidden buildings buried deep in the sand.
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