Kamal Guha: Tamil Nadu Hindu temple template added

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Tamil Nadu Hindu temple template added

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	*[http://asi.nic.in/writereaddata/sublinkimages/10.htm Group of Monuments Mahabalipuram (1984), Tamil Nadu]{{dead link\|date=May 2018 \|bot=InternetArchiveBot \|fix-attempted=yes }}		*[http://asi.nic.in/writereaddata/sublinkimages/10.htm Group of Monuments Mahabalipuram (1984), Tamil Nadu]{{dead link\|date=May 2018 \|bot=InternetArchiveBot \|fix-attempted=yes }}
	* [http://shoretemple.com/ www.shoretemple.com]		* [http://shoretemple.com/ www.shoretemple.com]

			{{Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu}}
	{{Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram}}		{{Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram}}

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{{Short description|8th-century Hindu temple}}
{{About|one of the temples at Mahabalipuram|the UNESCO world heritage site|Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2018}}
{{Infobox religious building
| religious_affiliation = [[Hinduism]]
| name = Shore temple
| image = Shore Temple -Mamallapuram -Tamil Nadu -N-TN-C55.jpg
| caption = Shore Temple Complex
| map_type = India Tamil Nadu#India
| map_relief = yes
| map_caption = Location in Tamil Nadu
| coordinates = {{coord|12|36|59|N|80|11|55|E|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| country = [[India]]
| state = [[Tamil Nadu]]
| district =Chengalpattu
| location = [[Mamallapuram]] or [[Mahabalipuram]], [[Chengalpattu District]]
| architecture = [[Dravidian architecture]]
| year_completed = 630–668
| creator = [[Narasimhavarman II]], [[Pallava dynasty]]
}}

The '''Shore Temple''' (c. 725 AD) is a complex of temples and shrines that overlooks the shore of the [[Bay of Bengal]]. It is located in Mahabalipuram, about {{Convert|60|km|mi|0}} south of [[Chennai]] in [[Tamil Nadu]], India.<ref name=Sites>{{Cite web|url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_mahabalipuram.asp|title=World Heritage Sites – Mahabalipuram: Group of Monuments Mahabalipuram (1984), Tamil Nadu|access-date=30 December 2012|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India by National Informatics Centre}}</ref><ref name=Shore>{{Cite web|url= http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/other/019wdz000000643u00000000.html |title=The Shore Temple, Mamallapuram|access-date=30 December 2012|publisher=Onlinenu Library of Encyclopædia Britannica}}</ref>

It is a structural temple, built with blocks of [[granite]], dating from the 8th century AD. At the time of its creation, the site was a busy [[port]] during the reign of [[Narasimhavarman II]] of the Indian [[Pallava dynasty]].<ref name="ching2" /> As one of the [[Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram]], it has been classified as a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] since 1984.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/249/|title=Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram|publisher=World Heritage|access-date=2007-02-08}}</ref> It is one of the oldest structural (versus [[Indian rock-cut architecture|rock-cut]]) stone temples of Southern India.<ref name="ching2">{{cite book|last1=Ching |first1=Frank |last2=Jarzombek |first2=Mark |last3=Prakash |first3=Vikramaditya | year= 2007| title= A Global History of Architecture|url=https://archive.org/details/globalhistoryofa0000chin |url-access=registration |publisher=John Wiley and Sons| location=New York| pages= [https://archive.org/details/globalhistoryofa0000chin/page/274 274]| isbn= 978-0-471-26892-5}}</ref>

==History==
Marco Polo and the European merchants who came to Asia after him called the site [[Seven Pagodas of Mahabalipuram|Seven Pagodas]]. One of these is believed to be the Shore Temple. The temple probably acted as a landmark for seafarers. As it appears like a [[Pagoda]], the name became familiar to the seafarers.<ref name=Tatva>{{cite web|url=http://puratattva.in/2010/09/14/mahabalipuram-the-workshop-of-pallavas-part-v-41.html|title=Mahabalipuram – The Workshop of Pallavas – Part V|work=Shore Temple|date=14 September 2010|access-date=27 February 2013|publisher=Puratatva.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123031909/http://puratattva.in/2010/09/14/mahabalipuram-the-workshop-of-pallavas-part-v-41.html|archive-date=23 January 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

This structural temple complex was the [[culmination]] of the architectural creations that were initiated by the King [[Narasimhavarman II]] in mid 7th century starting with the Cave temples and the monolithic Rathas.<ref name=Shore/> Even though the architectural creation of sculpturing cut-in and cut-out structures continued during subsequent periods, as seen in the Atiranachanda cave, the Pidari rathas and the Tiger cave, the main credit for the architectural elegance of the Shore Temple complex in the category of structural temples goes to the King Rajasimha (700–28 AD), also known as Narasimhavarman II, of the Pallava Dynasty. It is now inferred that this temple complex was the last in a series of temples that seemed to exist in the submerged coastline; this is supported by the appearance of an outline of its sister temples off the coast during the [[Tsunami of 2004]] which struck this coastline.<ref name=Sites/> The architecture of the Shore Temple was continued by the Cholas (in the temples that they built) who ruled Tamil Nadu after defeating the Pallavas.<ref name=architect>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/Culture/Archit/Mahaba.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991006030700/http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/Culture/Archit/Mahaba.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 October 1999|title= Mahabalipuram|access-date=30 December 2012|publisher=USCLA Education, South Asia}}</ref>

The tsunami of December 2004 that struck the coastline of Coromandel exposed an old collapsed temple built entirely of granite blocks. This has renewed speculation that Mahabalipuram suitshakesiye was a part of the Seven Pagodas described in the diaries of [[Europeans]], of which six temples remain submerged in the sea. The tsunami also exposed some ancient rock sculptures of lions, elephants, and peacocks that used to decorate walls and temples during the Pallava period during the 7th and 8th centuries.<ref name="Geographic2008">{{cite book|author=National Geographic|title=Sacred Places of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jNqDFSxR8-MC&pg=PA154|access-date=7 February 2013|date=21 October 2008|publisher=National Geographic Books|isbn=978-1-4262-0336-7|pages=154–}}</ref>

Though the tsunami of 26 December 2004 that occurred in the Indian Ocean struck the temple and the surrounding garden, the Shore Temple was not badly damaged, as the water level returned to its normal level within a few minutes. The damage was to the foundation of the ''[[Bali Pitha|bali pitham]]'' (sacrificial altar) in front of the temple, the steps leading to the boat [[jetty]], and the small shrine with the [[Varaha]] (Boar) sculpture at the basement of the Shore temple. As the temple foundation is on hard granite rock, it could sustain the waves created by the tsunami; the [[groynes]] erected around the temple area on the coastline also aided its protection.<ref name=Stand>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/30/stories/2004123001602200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041230202537/http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/30/stories/2004123001602200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 December 2004|title=The Shore Temple stands its ground|date= 30 December 2004|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=30 December 2012}}</ref>

According to the two inscriptions found in the slab of smaller Shiva temple, the names of the three temples mentioned are as ''Kshatriyasimha Pallavesvara-gruham'', ''Rajasimha Pallavesvara-gruham'' and ''Pllikondaruliya-devar''. The entire temple complex is called as ''Jalashayana'' (lying in water). This confirms that the Vishnu shrine was the first shrine to be excavated here. The inscription on the lintel of the Vishnu shrine also mentions this as ''Narapatisimha Pallava Vishnu Griha'' where ''Narapatisimha'' is a title of Rajasimha.<ref name=Tatva/>

==Architecture==
{{Main|Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram}}
[[File:Shore temple floor plan, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.jpg|thumb|left|Shore temple floor plan.]]
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]].<ref name=Tatva/> 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 [[Indian rock-cut architecture|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]]. Its pyramidal structure is {{Convert|60|ft}} high and sits on a {{Convert|50|ft}} square platform. There is a small temple in front which was the original [[porch]]. It is made out of finely cut local granite.<ref>{{cite book| last=Thapar| first=Binda| year= 2004| title= Introduction to Indian Architecture| publisher= Periplus Edition | location=Singapore| pages= 51| isbn= 978-0-7946-0011-2}}</ref>

The shore temple is one of the most popular temples in Mahabalipuram. Excavations in early 2000s have revealed new structures here under the sand.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/30/stories/2004123001602200.htm
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041230202537/http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/30/stories/2004123001602200.htm
|url-status=dead|archive-date=2004-12-30| title = The Shore Temple stands its ground|access-date=2007-02-08|location=Chennai, India|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2004-12-30}}</ref>

The temple is a combination of three shrines. The main shrine is dedicated to [[Shiva]], as is the smaller second shrine. A small third shrine, between the two, is dedicated to a reclining [[Vishnu]] and may have had water channelled into the temple, entering the Vishnu shrine. The two Shiva shrines are [[orthogonal]] in configuration. The entrance is through a [[Transverse plane|transverse]] [[barrel vault]] [[gopuram]]. The two [[shikhara]]s have a pyramidal outline, each individual tier is distinct with overhanging [[eave]]s that cast dark shadows.<ref name=ching2/> The outer wall of the shrine to Vishnu and the inner side of the boundary wall are extensively sculptured and topped by large sculptures of [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]]. The temple's outer walls are divided by [[pilasters]] into bays, the lower part being carved into a series of rearing lions. The temple walls are surrounded by sculptures of [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]].<ref>{{cite book| last =Michael| first =George| title =The Hindu Temple | publisher =University of Chicago | year =198 | location =Chicago, Illinois | pages = 134–135 | isbn = 978-0-226-53230-1 }}</ref>

==Artwork and iconography==
[[File:Idol inside miniature shrine, Shore Temple.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|Miniature shrine]]
The temple has a [[garbhagriha]] (sanctum sanctorum) in which the deity, [[Sivalinga]], is enshrined, and a small [[mandapa]] surrounded by a heavy outer wall with little space between for [[Parikrama|circumambulation]]. At the rear are two shrines facing in opposite directions. The inner shrine dedicated to ''Ksatriyasimnesvara'' is reached through a passage while the other, dedicated to [[Vishnu]], is facing outwards. The [[Durga]] is seated on her lion ''[[vahana]]''. A small shrine may have been in the cavity in the lion's chest. The Shore Temples, like many major Hindu temples, include both Shaivism and Vaishnavism temples and iconography.<ref name=ching2/>

The roofs of the temples have ornamentation similar to the Pancha Rathas. The roofs have [[finials]] on the top, indicative of its religious functional nature, as it was a completed temple. The octagonal shape of the [[shikaras]] of the two temples dedicated to Shiva are in the Dravidian architectural style.<ref name=Tatva/> Beneath the towers, the sanctuary walls are mostly blank without any decorations but the columns are carved over lion mounted bases.<ref name= Mamalla>{{Cite web|url=http://www.art-and-archaeology.com/india/mamallapuram/st02.html|title=Mamallapuram| access-date=30 December 2012|publisher=Art and Archaeology.com}}</ref> The decorations on the outer faces of these shrines are similar to those seen on the Pancha Rathas, though due to their closeness to the sea, are partially eroded due to salty winds.

[[File:Shore Temple - Deities.JPG|thumb|left|[[Somaskanda]] Panel with Shiva, Uma and their son Skanda]]
The most distinctive feature of the temple are the [[Dharalinga]] and the [[Somaskanda]] panel, which are enshrined in the interior walls of the sanctum of the east facing Kshatriyasimhesvara temple. The Dharalinga is deified in the ''garbhagriha'', which is in square shape of {{Convert|12|ft}} and the height is {{Convert|11|ft}}. The Dharalinga or Shivalinga is in Rajasimha style, carved out of black [[basalt]] stone. It has sixteen faces with slight fluting to create a crown at the top. The top portion of the linga is damaged. Its total height is {{Convert|6|ft}} with one foot embedded in the foundation to provide stability.<ref name=Tatva/> A [[bas-relief]], which is a family image of Shiva and his consort [[Parvati]] with their child [[Kartikeya]] built over a stone slab is located in a small shrine in the temple. This is also called the Somaskanada panel, a carved stone panel. Two more similar panels are seen at the entrance porch of the temple. This type of panel is also depicted in the nearby Dharmaraja Ratha of the Paramesvarvarman's era.<ref name=Tatva/><ref name=Soma>{{Cite web|url=http://www.art-and-archaeology.com/india/mamallapuram/st04.html|title= Somaskanda| access-date=27 February 2013|publisher=Art and Archaeology.com}}</ref><ref name="Ghose1996">{{cite book|last=Ghose|first=Rajeshwari|title=The Lord of Ārūr: The Tyāgarāja Cult in Tamilnāḍu : a Study in Conflict and Accommodation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ORwNmkDswqwC&pg=PA36|access-date=27 February 2013|date=1 January 1996|publisher=Motilal Banarsidass|isbn=978-81-208-1391-5|pages=12, 36–}}</ref> The ''ardhamantapa'' or half chamber which is the first chamber before entering the sanctum sanctorum, also has sculptures of Brahma on the south wall and Vishnu on its north wall. Sculptures of Shiva as [[Tripurantaka]] and Durga are seen on the back side of the north wall of the main shrine. There is also a circumambulatory passage to go round the main shrine in a clockwise direction.<ref name=Tatva/>

[[File:Shore Temple 8-3.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|A relief.]]
The smaller Shiva temple behind the main temple is a double storied structure with a stepped pyramidal tower with an octagonal ''shikhara'' built over a circular ''griva.'' A ''[[kalasa]]'' and [[finial]] are fitted above the ''shikhara.'' ''[[gavaksha|kudus]]'' (horseshoe-arch dormer like projections) and small shrines are part of the cornices at both levels of the structure. A Somaskanda panel decorates the back wall of the inner shrine. There is no ''mantapa'' (hall) in front of this shrine (probably damaged). The external walls display two panels. One is called ''[[Ekapada]]murti'', an eye-legged form of Shiva with Brahma and Vishnu emanating from his sides. The second panel is of Nagaraja (king of serpents) standing below a five-hooded serpent.<ref name=Tatva/>

[[Anantashayi Vishnu]] (reclining posture of Vishnu lying on the serpent [[Shesha|Ananta]]) is enshrined in a small rectangular shrine between the large Kshatriyasimhesvara temple and the Rajasimha Pallaveshvara temple. Vishnu is depicted with four arms but his attributes are missing (damaged). The temple structure's rectangular tower is missing. The typical design of ''kudus'' and small square shrines are part of the cornice arrangement. The external walls have carvings of Krishna slaying the demon [[Keshi (demon)|Kesi]], Krishna dancing over [[Kaliya]] (the seven hooded serpent), and Vishnu seated on his vehicle [[Garuda]] in the act of saving [[Ganjendra moksha|Gajendra]] (elephant) from the mouth of a crocodile. Inscription noted in Pallava [[Grantha script]] is on the lintel indicating it as the earliest shrine of the complex.<ref name=Tatva/>

The entire compound wall surrounding the temples is sculpted with large sculptures of Nandi, the vehicle or mount of Shiva, and also with Yalis and Varahas (boars).<ref name=Stand/>

===Lion monolith===
[[File:Shore temple lion.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.7|Mahishasuramardini [[Durga]] lion shrine]]
A monolith sculpture of a partly carved and partly sculpted lion with a hole in its torso is erected within the compound wall of the temple complex. A miniature image of [[Durga]] is sculpted on the back of the image, which is a depiction of Durga as [[Mahishasuramardini]]. The open mouth of the lion is inferred as representation of its role as the favourite lion.<ref name=Tatva/>

===Miniature Shrine===
In 1990, the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) discovered a miniature shrine with the [[Bhuvaraha]] image in a well type enclosure. This is dated to the Pallava King Narasimhavarman Mamalla's (AD 638–660) reign. It was enclosed with an elliptical well built during Rajasimha's (AD 700–728) period. These are carved on the bedrock that also has the reclining Vishnu in the Shore Temple complex.<ref name=Excavate>{{Cite web|url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_mahabalipuram_remains.asp|title=World Heritage Sites – Mahabalipuram – Excavated Remains|access-date=27 February 2013|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India through National Informatics Centre}}</ref> The miniature shrine is also dedicated to Shiva.<ref>{{Cite journal|first=R.K.K.|date=1996|title=Vṛṣabhavāhanamūrti in Literature and Art|url=https://www.academia.edu/12964639|journal=Annali del Istituto Orientale, Naples|volume=56|issue=3|pages=305–10|via=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://www.academia.edu/3183663|title=Rock-cut Model Shrines in Early Medieval Indian Art|language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Miniature Shrine Shore Temple.jpg|upright=0.7|thumb|The water tank in Shore Temple complex]]
It has sixteen-sided base which is carved from bedrock. The circular wall and superstructure are of structural type. There are lions depicted on the pilasters. It is reported as a unique single tiered temple and not seen in other temples of the Pallava period. Its circular shikara, is in [[Vesara|vesara style architecture]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Rajarajan|first=R. K. K.|title=Vṛṣabhavāhanamūrti in Literature and Art|url=https://www.academia.edu/12964639|journal=Annali del Istituto Orientale, Naples|language=en}}</ref> The shikhara is erected on a circular ''griva'', which has ''kudus'' and ''maha-nasikas'' on its four sides and each ''nasika'' has an image of [[Ganesha]]. The [[kalasa]] above the shikara is missing.<ref name="Tatva" /> The carving of the Bhuvaraha depicts [[Varaha]] as the [[boar]] incarnation of Vishnu. This image is in unusual form, unlike another Varaha depictions in other regions of the country, as there is no [[Bhudevi]] shown nor an ocean. The depiction is in the form of Varaha performing a diving act into the ocean to rescue Bhudevi or mother earth. The symbolism of this act denotes the myth, only when the temple is submerged in water, as it is below the ground level.<ref name="Tatva" /> The sculpture is seen broken and the base has an inscription referring to titles of the Pallava king Rajasimha. The wall that surrounds the shrine to prevent intrusion of sand from the sea also has an inscription on the topmost layer, in Pallava-Grantha script, which equates the king with [[Arjuna]].<ref name=Tatva/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_mahabalipuram_remains.asp|title=World Heritage Sites – Mahabalipuram – Excavated Remains|access-date=30 December 2012|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India through National Informatics Centre}}</ref>

==Conservation==
ASI has constructed break-water wall all around the sea shore to save the temple from further damage.<ref name=Tatva/> The temple structures, affected by rough Sea and winds with salt content are being conserved by the Archaeological Survey of India by building protective [[groyne]]s, treatment with wall paper pulp, and by planting [[casuarina]] trees along the affected coast line. The pulp treatment absorbs the saline water. In addition, chemical treatment is also given the monument to prevent water seepage into the rock. This kind of treatment is also reported to take out water stored inside the rock thus allowing the stone to breathe and preserve its strength. The area around the Shore Temple, has been beautified. The horticulture wing of the ASI has created a green lawn of 11 acres (4.4 hectares) around the Shore Temple. Fixing of signages with information on the monuments and creating fountains was also part of the beautification programme planned by ASI.<ref name=Front>{{Cite web|url=http://www.flonnet.com/fl2023/stories/20031121000107100.htm|title=A monumental effort|access-date=27 February 2013|date=8 November 2003|publisher=Front Line India's National Magazine from the publishers of [[The Hindu]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410195340/http://www.flonnet.com/fl2023/stories/20031121000107100.htm|archive-date=10 April 2013}}</ref>

==Indian Dance Festival-Mamallapuram==
The Mamallapuram Dance Festival is held every year during Dec-Jan in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu. This dance festival is organised by Department of Tourism, Govt. of Tamil Nadu. Exponents of Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Odissi, Mohini Attam and Kathakali perform against this magnificent backdrop of the Pallava rock sculptures. It is vibrant festival of dance where enormous audience enjoys this one month long festival.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.webindia123.com/festival/dance/mamalla.htm|title=Mamallapuram Dance Festival - Dance Festivals - Webindia123.com|website=www.webindia123.com}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Seven Pagodas of Mahabalipuram]]
*[http://undividedtravel.com/a-visit-to-the-grandeurs-of-pallavas-shore-temple/ A visit to the grandeurs of pallavas- Shore temple, Mahabalipuram]

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Shore temple ariel.jpg|Aerial view of the Shore Temple
File:Shore_temple_2.JPG|Shore Temple, left side
File:Shore_temple_3.JPG|Shore Temple, right side
File:Mamallapuram, The Shore Temple 2, India.jpg|Shore Temple, View of Shore Temple
File:Mamallapuram, Shore Temple, India.jpg|Shore Temple, Temple Vimanam
File:Mahabali006.jpg|Shore Temple, {{circa|1914}}. Courtesy J.W. Coombes
File:Shore Temple night.jpg|Shore Temple night
File:Shore temple, mahabalipuram.jpg|Shore temple, Mahabalipuram, India.
File:Kathak Danseuse Namrata Rai at Sea Shore Temple.jpg|Kathak Danseuse Namrata Rai at Sea Shore Temple
File:Mamallapuram, Shore Temple, Pallava dynasty, India.jpg
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20041230202537/http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/30/stories/2004123001602200.htm The Shore Temple stands its ground]
*[https://templeknowledge.com/about-shore-temple-mahabalipuram/ Shore Temple complete info]
*[http://asi.nic.in/writereaddata/sublinkimages/10.htm Group of Monuments Mahabalipuram (1984), Tamil Nadu]{{dead link|date=May 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [http://shoretemple.com/ www.shoretemple.com]
{{Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram}}

[[Category:7th-century Hindu temples]]
[[Category:7th-century establishments in India]]
[[Category:Mahabalipuram]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Mahabalipuram]]
[[Category:Archaeological monuments in Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Dravidian architecture]]
[[Category:Pallava architecture]]

Shore Temple - Revision history

Kamal Guha: Tamil Nadu Hindu temple template added

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