கரைக்கோயில் மகாபலிபுரம் அல்லது மாமல்லபுரம்
Located right on the seashore at Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram, this small inactive temple is a much visited tourist site very close to Chennai. It is located along the coast about 60 km or 1-2 hours south of Chennai depending on traffic. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site at Mahabalipuram. It is looked after by the Archeological Survey of India , the ASI.
Built by the Pallava king Rajasimhan or Narasimhavarman II, it was constructed between 700 and 728 CE. There are some elements that may date back to the time of Mamallan or Narasimhavarman I who ruled from 638 to 660 CE. However the main credit for this structure goes to Rajasimhan. This is one of the earliest structural temples that have survived. Mamallapuram was the seaport of the Pallavas. It was a bustling city by the sea and an important metropolis.
The temple is a complex of three structures, one large and two smaller. The larger is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the smaller two are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. All the usual trademark Pallava sculptures are found here, including lion motifs, yalis, Somaskanda panel and a Mahishasuramardini panel.
The entire structure is built of granite and has withstood the test of time and the elements for 1300 years. It has seen many Tsunamis including the one in December 2004. It is believed that there were seven such structures along the coast here and were known as the Seven Pagodas to ancient mariners. They were visible far out to sea, Only one seems to have survived. The 2004 Tsunami has unearthed some structures which could be the ruins of some of the other temples that were lost to the sea.
We visited in July 2010. We were based in Chennai.
Credits: Google Maps
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