The Olakkannesvara Temple, perched majestically atop a granite hillock in Mahabalipuram, is a quintessential example of 8th-century Pallava structural architecture. Often referred to as "the Old Lighthouse," this temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram." Dedicated to a form of Lord Shiva, its name is a corruption of Ulaikkannisvaram, signifying the deity with the eye of wisdom or the crescent moon on his forehead.
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| The Olakkannesvara Temple,Mahabalipuram, en.wikipedia.org |
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| The Olakkannesvara Temple,Mahabalipuram, en.wikipedia.org |
History and Significance
The temple was commissioned during the reign of the Pallava King Rajasimha (Narasimhavarman II) in the early 8th century, the same era that produced the iconic Shore Temple. Historically, its location served a dual purpose: spiritual and maritime. Before the modern lighthouse was constructed in 1900, the roof of the Olakkannesvara Temple functioned as the town's lighthouse. It is believed that a massive oil lamp or a wooden fire shed was maintained on its roof to guide sailors navigating the Coromandel Coast. Active worship continued at the shrine until the 19th century, making it a focal point of both religious and civic life for over a millennium.
Architectural Features
Constructed from grey-white granite, the temple showcases the transition in Pallava artistry. While its shikhara (tower) is now lost, it is believed to have mirrored the tiered Dravidian style of the Shore Temple.
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| Olakkannesvara (Durga)Temple,Mahabalipuram, en.wikipedia.org |
A defining architectural trait is the depiction of its dvarpalas (gatekeepers). Unlike earlier styles where guards faced fully forward, these figures are carved in half-profile, signaling an evolutionary shift from the Mahendra style to the more fluid Rajasimha style. The exterior walls feature devakoshtas (niches) containing weathered sculptures of Shiva in various forms:
Dakshinamurti: Shiva as the supreme teacher seated under a tree.
Ravananugraha: Shiva and Parvati on Mount Kailash with Ravana attempting to shake it.
Nataraja: The cosmic dancer.
Kalantaka: A later addition depicting Shiva defeating Yama (Death).
Modern Context and Security
Today, the temple remains an "empty" shrine with no presiding deity inside, though the intricate lion pilasters on its exterior continue to draw historians. A notable recent fact regarding the site is its proximity to a nuclear power station (Kalpakkam) located just a few kilometers south. Consequently, the temple sits within a high-security zone; while visitors can explore the hillock and the Mahishasuramardini Mandapa below it, photography is strictly prohibited in certain directions to protect sensitive infrastructure.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olakkannesvara_Temple
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