Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram- Tamil Nadu
A temple that stands on the shore of Mahabalipuram
A structure that resembles a giant chariot from a
distance
A World Heritage Site from the 700 AD
The Shore temple is a marvel to behold
When the Pallavas ruled, King Narasimhavarma II
Built the temple in the flourishing port city
It was to be a landmark for the ships that
arrived
The Cholas came next, invading the region,
Adding more structures and expanding the Shore
temple
There stood not one, but seven called the Seven
Pagodas
Resembling the pyramids
Years passed, and the tides rose
One by one, the temples vanished into the
waves
Leaving behind just one structure
To share the glory of the dynasties that ruled
And of the story that comes from eons ago
When Bali the son of Prahalada,
The grandson of King Hiranyakashipu
founded Mahabalipuram, the city with ancient history
Shore temple has another name
Jalashayana, lying in waters
Due to its proximity to the sea
That continues to threaten to swallow it whole
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Sahastra Bahu Temple, Udaipur- Rajasthan
Cannot have a harmonious relationship
When a mandir complex house two shrines
One for each to pray to their favorite deities
The story began thus, sometime in the 10th
century
When king Mahipala of the Kachchhwaha dynasty
Build a mandir of Bhagwan Vishnu
For his Queen Mahipala
Who was a great bhakt of the Sahastrabahu*
Inspired by the father, the prince followed his
footsteps
Built another shrine for Prabhu Shiva
So that his queen could pray in peace
With intricate carvings from Ramayana filling the space
What you see now are the ruins
When the invaders and conquers
Destroyed the temple
Leaving bits and pieces for the future to see
Note:
Sahastrabahu- the one with thousand arms
I am enjoying the temple trails. Thank you for doing this. Learning so much about our heritage, and our temples.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Chandra. :) I'm delighted to know this.
DeleteBeautiful pyramid temple, stunning architecture!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes. Absolutely! :D
DeleteWe used to live in Chennai (Madras) and often over a weekend, we'd drive down to Mahabalipuram. The Shore temple is indeed stunning. I remember drinking tender coconut water by the sea shore:) Fond memories--nudged by your post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh, wow. I'm so glad my post brought back those memories. <3
DeleteI love the Arjuna s penance piece in Mahabalipuram too
ReplyDeleteDid not know about the second temple listed here and it pains when I hear of places being destroyed by invaders :(
https://pagesfromjayashree.blogspot.com/2021/04/s-for-snake.html
It is heartbreaking, isn't it? Such marvelous structures being destroyed and denied their respect. :(
DeleteVisited Mahabalipuram quite a few times during my college days in Chennai.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's wonderful! I wish to go some day. :)
DeleteFinally, a temple that I have been to and seen with my own eyes... Mahabalipuram... It's indeed the shore temple true to its name. What a beautiful Mersmerizing temple it is... Can never forget those carvings.
ReplyDeleteGirl, you are my inspiration now. You've visited at least some temples on my list unlike me with almost zero in my tally.
DeleteI can imagine how beautiful the sight would have been if the pictures are so mesmerizing. :D
Maybe the waves are protecting. I am amazed to see the many, across India Lord Shiva temples. :-D
ReplyDeleteThat's certainly one way to think about it. Maybe you're right. :D
DeleteYeah, me too. Either we have more Shiva temples, or I ended up choosing those without knowing.
It was really a nice blog and I was really impressed by reading this. Thanks for sharing us. Rajasthan Budget Tour
ReplyDelete