page_title: Olakkannesvara Temple
section_title: Etymology
hierarchical_section_title: Olakkannesvara Temple / Etymology
caption_attribution_description: English: Durga temple or Olakkanneshvara Temple above the Mahshasuramardhhini Cave temple, Mahabalipuram
context_page_description: The Olakkannesvara Temple is in Mahabalipuram town, overlooking the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal in Kancheepuram District in Tamil Nadu, India. Like the Shore Temple, the Olakkannesvara Temple is a structural temple. Built in the 8th century, it is situated directly above the Mahishasuramardini mandapa on a hillock which provides scenic views of the town. As the area is within a high security zone because of a nuclear power station a few kilometres to its south, photography is prohibited. The Olakkannesvara Temple is sometimes mistakenly referred to as a Mahishasura temple. It is dedicated to an incarnation of Shiva. It is one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram that were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
context_section_description: Commonly, the building has been known as the "Olakkanatha Temple". Its original name, however, was Olakkannesvara, a corruption of "Ulaikkannisvaram" (meaning: the temple of Siva whose forehead contains the crescent moon or eye of wisdom). Olakkannesvara is mistakenly called a Mahishasura temple as it is situated above the Mahishasuramardini mandapa (cave temple).
caption: Durga temple or Olakkanneshvara Temple above the Mahishasuramardhhini Cave temple, Mahabalipuram.
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