10 Things to know about the Shore Temples of Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is a beautiful reminder that India’s history is rich with innovation, creativity and a little mystery. It was only after traveling to Mahabalipuram that I was able to feel a true sense of pride in my heritage and started to feel a longing to be associated as an Indian. Here are the things that blew me away in Mahabalipuram and some of the reason's why you should go see it yourself!
1. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Might as well divulge a little about myself and mention that my dream job would be working at the UN and preferably with UNESCO in some capacity. I think in an age where culture is losing to devastation, war and loss of culture, UNESCO is saving some of the greatest achievements of mankind. Several of my travel wishlist items stem from UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. World Heritage sites are places that are important to and belong to everyone, irrespective of where they are located. They have universal value that transcends the value they hold for a particular nation. It is truly significant when a site has been given this designation. Knowing this, you can imagine my shock at learning that Mahabalipuram was on the list. I never knew! And it was just a measly two hours from my mother’s hometown! I went to a farm in the middle of nowhere to play with chickens for a field trip and my mom got to come and climb on ancient ruins?! How is that fair?
2. It is a significant piece of history!
Mahabalipuram around the time the Shore Temples were built was an important centre of art, architecture and literature. Built under Narasimhavarman II in the 8th century, it’s the earliest significant free-standing stone temple in Tamil Nadu. Unlike most of its neighbours at the site, it is built of cut stones rather than carved out of caves.
3. It was once submerged under water and a popular subject of folklore
The Shore temples are rumored to be one of a group of seven temples called the Seven Pagodas. According to local folklore, Indra, the god of the heavens, storms and rain, was jealous of the beauty of Mahabalipuram. It is rumored that Indra submerged the entire city and the Shore Temples were the only evidence pointing to the existence of the Seven Pagodas. Many believe that the other six temples are under water somewhere along the coast of Mahabalipuram.
4. Uncovered by natural disaster
Many may not remember, but India was the victim of the 2004 tsunami. In the midst of destruction and rising death tolls, fishermen stationed at Mahabalipuram were quick to notice the top of the temples and bring attention to it. While archeologists were investigating the region prior to the tsunami, they do admit that the tsunami uncovered more than they were expecting.
5. It’s relatively affordable to visit
I’d be lying if I didn’t speak a bit about the cost of heading to landmarks. In the US the cost can be quite the deterrent, but this is an affordable spot! If you are an Indian citizen the visit will be about 30 rupees (a little under 50 cents in US currency) or 500 rupees for foreigners (under $10 USD) as of Summer 2018.
6. Perfect for photo-ops
There are so many interesting spots around the Shore Temples. Since the temples are carved out of stones, they are stable enough if you want to climb around. Climbing up and down the structures definitely beats walking the path around the temple. However, if you are planning on running around, it is best to wear the appropriate footwear. Climbing in sandals are possible but do it at your own risk. While you are climbing around, make sure to take a minute and take some snapshots too. I promise each part of the Shore Temples will provide an incredible backdrop.
7. A good place for thoughtful souvenirs
After taking your fill of Mahabalipuram, make your way to the street market. You will see plenty of stalls with leather shoes, snacks, the coveted water bottles, bags, toys and carved souvenirs. I particularly like heading to the stone stalls. They often have small and durable trinkets like candle holders, deity figurines, marble elephants and more. Again, they are relatively cheap and a great gift for people.
8. Enjoy great fish fry
There is one stall on the way towards the beach with some of the best fish fry I've had in India. I'm not particularly sure about the type of fish, but the flesh was so juicy and the skin so crispy. It is a great snack after spending so much energy at the Shore temples.
9. Enjoy some fresh coconuts
As you walk closer to the beach, you will notice the coconut stall. The water is a little tart in comparison to the coconuts in Kerala, but the flesh is so tender. It is the perfect refreshing drink/snack for the beach.
10. You can enjoy the beach a short walk away
Once you head to the beach you will see games, ride and horses scattered along the shore line. It is nice to walk around and play in the water. Just know it is a bit of a walk from the entrance of the beach to the water and depending on how tired you are, you may not make it all the way there.
Overall, I think this stop in my family’s 2.5 week trip to India was the most the impactful. It even changed the way I view my hyphenated identity as an Indian -American. I think the biggest issue I face in regards to my identity is how to feel attachment to the birth nation of my parents. Both grew up in south India (one in Kerala and the other in Tamil Nadu) but I virtually knew nothing about it (spare that one global history lesson about the Deccan empire). I could probably list more historical information about the northern states of India than the place my parents spent their youth. I knew so little and the bits I’ve heard never sparked the desire to travel there except to see my grandparents. For a country that is celebrated for its incredible early advancements in science, math, architecture, you would think I would be a bit more aware. However... this could be due to the fact that I tune out any sentence containing the words math and science.
The reason I mention all this is because of how in awe I was when we reach the Shore temples. When my mother said the word Mahabalipuram I had no idea what to expect. I wish I was able to look it up, but again my brain was not comprehending the word Mahabalipuram. And I made her repeat the name a dozen times and still couldn’t form the syllables in the correct order in my head. Now I can't stop talking about it!