India: Mahabalipuram – Shore Temple

Mahabalipuram has several UNESCO World Heritage site under one designation and perhaps the most spectacular of them is the Shore Temple. It is one of India’s earliest stone temples, built around 700–725 AD under the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II. Perched on the Bay of Bengal’s shoreline, it is a visual and cultural candy! The temple complex comprises three shrines – two Shiva shrines and a Vishnu shrine: The temples are built in Dravidian style – a stepped pyramid-like vimana (tower) over the main sanctum, that rises to about 18m, with intricate carvings on its granite blocks. The temple is made from locally quarried granite. The temple is adorned with detailed carvings, including depictions of Shiva, Parvati, and other deities, as well as mythical creatures. The setting is very atmospheric and stunning!