Shore temple

The Shore temple of Mahabalipuram stands erect like a fist of rock-cut elegance. It is surrounded by garden and ruined courts which adds to its existing beauty. One must visit this two towered temple which symbolizes the heights of Pallava architecture and the maritime ambitions of the Pallava kings. 

The temple is small in size, but is characterized with excellent carvings most of which have got eroded into vaguely impressionist embellishments. It was built in the 8th century under Narsimhavarman II. It is the earliest free standing stone temple in the state.