Built in the early 8th century under the Pallava king Rajasimha, the Olakkannesvara Temple is a small structural granite shrine to Shiva that crowns the hill above the Mahishasuramardini cave. Though now weather-worn and no longer in worship, it was an active temple until the 19th century.
Built in the early 8th century under the Pallava king Rajasimha, the Olakkannesvara Temple is a small structural granite shrine to Shiva that crowns the hill above the Mahishasuramardini cave. Though now weather-worn and no longer in worship, it was an active temple until the 19th century.
Its second life gave it the nickname the 'Old Lighthouse': before the present lighthouse was built beside it in 1900, the temple roof itself served as a beacon for ships, reportedly with a wooden shelter on top to hold the fire. Today the draw is the elevated setting, with panoramic views across Mamallapuram's monuments to the sea.
Entry: The hilltop temple itself is an open-access ASI monument, though reaching it is via the adjoining modern lighthouse compound, where a small entry charge may apply (indicative)
Getting there: Mamallapuram is roughly 55-60 km south of Chennai on the East Coast Road (ECR), about 1.5-2 hours by taxi, app cab, or bus; the temple stands atop the rocky hill beside the new lighthouse, reached by a flight of cut-rock steps (indicative)
The temple sits directly above the Mahishasuramardini Mandapa; climb up to the ruined shrine for the finest panorama in Mamallapuram.
Road km to Chengalpattu; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Cooler months from November to February, in the early morning or late afternoon for clear, comfortable views.
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Cooler months from November to February, in the early morning or late afternoon for clear, comfortable views.
Entry: The hilltop temple itself is an open-access ASI monument, though reaching it is via the adjoining modern lighthouse compound, where a small entry charge may apply (indicative). Timings: Open daily during daylight hours, roughly sunrise to sunset (indicative). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
Climb up from the Mahishasuramardini Mandapa, over which the temple directly stands Access is via a series of steps cut into the exposed rock beside the modern lighthouse Time your visit for early morning or late afternoon and combine it with the cave temple below
Around 30-45 minutes including the climb and time to enjoy the outlook.
Nearby you can pair Arjuna's Penance (20 m), Mahishasuramardini Cave (20 m), Mahabalipuram Lighthouse (130 m), Krishna Mandapa (150 m).
The rock-cut steps are steep and can be slippery, so climb carefully in sturdy footwear. There is little shade at the top, so carry water and sun protection.
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