Sail from Shore Temple to Sashtra Bahu Temple

Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram- Tamil Nadu

 

Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram- Tamil Nadu

A temple that stands on the shore of Mahabalipuram

A structure that resembles a giant chariot from a distance

A World Heritage Site from the 700 AD 

The Shore temple is a marvel to behold  

Source: Outlook India

When the Pallavas ruled, King Narasimhavarma II

Built the temple in the flourishing port city 

It was to be a landmark for the ships that arrived 

Source: Optima Travels

The Cholas came next, invading the region, 

Adding more structures and expanding the Shore temple

There stood not one, but seven called the Seven Pagodas

Resembling the pyramids 

Source: Trip Savvy 

Years passed, and the tides rose 

One by one, the temples vanished into the waves 

Leaving behind just one structure 

To share the glory of the dynasties that ruled 

And of the story that comes from eons ago 

When Bali the son of Prahalada, 

The grandson of King Hiranyakashipu 

founded Mahabalipuram, the city with ancient history 

Source: Tripoto

Shore temple has another name

Jalashayana, lying in waters 

Due to its proximity to the sea

That continues to threaten to swallow it whole 

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Sahastra Bahu Temple, Udaipur- Rajasthan

 

Whoever said a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law 

Cannot have a harmonious relationship 

When a mandir complex house two shrines 

One for each to pray to their favorite deities 

Source: Swan Tours

The story began thus, sometime in the 10th century 

When king Mahipala of the Kachchhwaha dynasty 

Build a mandir of Bhagwan Vishnu 

For his Queen Mahipala

Who was a great bhakt of the Sahastrabahu*

Source: Udaipur Tourism

Inspired by the father, the prince followed his footsteps 

Built another shrine for Prabhu Shiva 

So that his queen could pray in peace 

With intricate carvings from Ramayana filling the space 

Source: Trip Advisor

What you see now are the ruins 

When the invaders and conquers 

Destroyed the temple 

Leaving bits and pieces for the future to see

Source: Patrika

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Note:

Sahastrabahu- the one with thousand arms 

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Source:

https://www.nativeplanet.com/travel-guide/shore-temple-in-mahabalipuram-001941.html 

https://udaipurtourism.co.in/sas-bahu-temple-sahastra-bahu-temple-udaipur 

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