Ancient shore temple

Location:    Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Built in:    7th century

Dedicated to:    Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu

Attraction:    One of the earliest structural temples in South India

Significance:    Listed as World Heritage Site

Built in the 7th century, Shore Temple depicts the royal taste of Pallava dynasty. During the reign of Rajasimha, the temple saw its construction when Pallava art was at its apex. Ravaged by wind and sea, the temple has witnessed the historical events of India. This work of genius was recognized and listed amongst the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO...

Shore Temple is a five-storied rock-cut structural temple more willingly than monolithical. In southern India, this is one amongst the earliest and most important structural temples...

The temple was designed to grasp the first rays of the rising sun and to spotlight the waters after sunset. In the words of Percy Brown, Shore Temple served as "a landmark by day and a beacon by night"...