October 2017, New Delhi

SECOND TEMPLE TOWN STOP

INTRODUCING MAHABALIPURAM
INTRODUCING MAHABALIPURAM

INTRODUCING MAHABALIPURAM

The second stop in our journey of temple towns is the ancient port city of Mahabalipuram, overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

Once bustling with traders sailing to Southeast Asia, it was here the ruling dynasty of the Pallavas built the magnificent Shore Temple in the eighth century, with seven original structures.

According to ancient myths, the Gods were jealous of the architectural elegance of the monuments and caused floods to submerge most parts of the city, with only three temple structures remaining and several forever lost.

As moonlight hits the sea, Mahabalipuram holds steadfast to the Coromandel coastline, leaving behind a legacy of sculpture and architecture that defines South India