India’s oldest lighthouse may actually be a 7th-century temple in Mahabalipuram

Although Mahabalipuram is famous for its rock-cut structures dating back to the Pallava period, there is one temple that has a fascinating association with the sea. Located 58 kilometres away from Chennai, the Olakkaneswar Temple was built around 640 AD. It is believed that the temple helped the followers of Lord Shiva during the day and the sailors at night to orient themselves. It is also believed to be India's oldest lighthouse.

India’s oldest lighthouse began as a temple for Shiva worshippers

India's oldest lighthouse, aka the Olakkaneswar Temple, is located above a cave on a hillock at Mahabalipuram. As per scholarly research, there used to be a hollow area on the top of this temple where a container, 1.5 feet high, containing oil was kept and lit every evening.

The flame had a practical use. It allowed the lost sailors to get their bearings and showed them where the safe harbour was. The temple was situated on one of the highest places around the coast. So, the flame could be visible to the sailors even from afar. In this manner, the temple became India's oldest lighthouse.

The name of the temple also signifies its association with light. Olakkaneswar means 'flame eye,' and it is an epithet for the third eye of Lord Shiva. The original fire was eventually substituted by a light on the temple roof.

While there is another lighthouse in Mahabalipuram, this ancient structure does not stand alone. Next to it stands the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse, which is a relatively new construction, dating back to 1904. The British had erected the lighthouse, and in 2011, it became open to the public.

Both towers together give a view of the Bay of Bengal and Mahabalipuram, along with its monuments. There are many monuments at Mahabalipuram that consist of sculptures, temples, cave shrines, and relief sculptures created under the patronage of the Pallava rulers. This monument site has now become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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