Mahabalipuram Shore Temple South Shrine
Mahabalipuram Shore Temple South Shrine North Annex · Mahabalipuram Site
Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional·Classical·🇮🇳 Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram, India
D. kavinaya · CC BY-SA 4.0
About
About Mahabalipuram Shore Temple South Shrine
Mahabalipuram Shore Temple South Shrine in Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram, India is a Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional temple complex attributed to Classical. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal sanctuary 80 × 55 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 12.6150N 80.1980E controls access to Tamil Nadu resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey temple complex for Tamil Nadu, Mahabalipuram, illustrating Classical construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 450 BCE–100 CE
- Period
- Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional
- Culture
- Classical
- Purpose
- Sanctuary and ceremonial centre for state cult
- Rediscovered
- 1970 survey
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 450 BCE–100 CE
Initial construction of Mahabalipuram Shore Temple South Shrine main structure
c. 1910
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1970–2015
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Mahabalipuram Shore Temple South Shrine) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
12.6150° N · 80.1980° E · 150 m · 4 mapped features
- Mahabalipuram Shore Temple South Shrine — Main StructurestructurePrincipal temple complex — Sanctuary 80 × 55 m with diagnostic masonry/panel12.6158° N · 80.1989° E
- Mahabalipuram Shore Temple South Shrine — Ancillary ComplexcomplexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature12.6140° N · 80.1973° E
- Mahabalipuram Shore Temple South Shrine — Peripheral FeatureoutlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial12.6165° N · 80.1992° E
- Mahabalipuram Shore Temple South Shrine — Hydraulic/CisternhydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site12.6134° N · 80.1969° E
Gallery