Shore Temple

Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram is one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India, built by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) around 700-728 CE. Dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, the temple complex consists of three shrines, with the two main towers rising above the Bay of Bengal. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has survived centuries of sea spray, erosion, and the 2004 tsunami. The sight of the temple against the backdrop of the ocean during sunrise and sunset is one of the most iconic in Tamil Nadu. Archaeological excavations in the area have revealed submerged structures, lending credibility to legends of a larger ancient city beneath the waves.