Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram Lighthouse Is Not The Oldest Lighthouse of India.

Abir_BD · February 5, 2021, 12:12am

According to some websites and some article, Mahabalipuram Light House is the oldest light house of India.But, there is a twist.

Basically there are two lighthouses. One is the olakaneeswara temple and the other one is the new stone build 42 meter high tower which is known as Mahabalipuram light house actually.
According to some website, the light house on olakaneeswara temple was built back in 640AD by Pallava dynasty.

After learning about this.I tried to go deep inside the matter.Because if the olakaneeswara temple is the oldest temple of India.Then why govt. doesn’t promote this properly!? During my visit I didn’t noticed anything special about it.
Then I searched on google and something interesting showed up from the Directorate General Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL).

According to DGLL, the oldest Lighthouse of India is “False Point Lighthouse”, established during 1838. It is in Island named “False Point” along the eastern coast of India, near Paradeep, Orissa/Odisa.

Later, I found a magazine on “Mahabalipuram Lighthouse” published on 2011 by DGLL.(I will add the link below)
They mentioned the Mahabalipuram Lighthouse as a historical lighthouse. But the fact is DGLL discussed a very little “Olakaneeswara temple is the oldest lighthouse of India” on this matter. They mentioned it just as a Folklore.

I am mentioning an event for making it more clear in short.

According to DGLL’s magazine, Madras harbour was devastated by a cyclonic storm in May 1811. Then the authority decided to revive the port. In December 1985 the authority completed the new port. Then they set a goal to improve the goodwill of the port. Then they started to search the safest path to Madras port. Everything was fine except the Tripasore riff 40miles south of Madras, near seven pagodas.
Then a port officer of Madras port named J.H. Taylor decided to write a letter to the Chief Secretary Of Madras state with the urge of a lighthouse on Seven Pagoda.After several surveys and events authority decided to put a Fixed light on seven pagoda area. Later DGLL put a photo of year 1900’s olalkaneesvara temple with an oil lamp lighthouse upon it. Then they mentioned that the authority decided to put the old oil lamp lit lighthouse form seven pagoda was placed on the roof top of olakaneeswara temple during the period of 1887 to 1900.

So, according to the dgll’s publications its clear that the “Walakaneeswara temple” is not India’s oldest lighthouse.It’s nothing but a folklore. Just a misbelief.

Still if one searches on google that “Oldest lighthouse of India” it shows Mahabalipuram Lighthouse. Which is a very wrong information. I hope that the search engine authority will look upon it soon.

Olakaneeswara Temple.

Mahabalipuram Lighthouse.

TsekoV · February 5, 2021, 4:27am

Hello @Abir_BD ,

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You can visit this article to learn more - Why was my Connect post marked as spam?.

BidurC · February 5, 2021, 1:07pm

Hi @Abir_BD

Thank you for sharing with us.

Your photos are awesome.

Happy Guiding

Abir_BD · February 5, 2021, 1:12pm

@BidurC

Thanks a lot mate for inspiring me.If you want to see more beautiful photos from mahabalipuram and other places.You can visit my google map profile.

And if you are interested in history or want to learn more about this topic.Then you can search it on DGLL’s website that I mentioned.

Ewaade_3A · February 5, 2021, 4:14pm

@TravellerG also made many posts about this place and even created a series, have you seen them @Abir_BD

With posts such as yours, you will not only find Connect interesting, many people will find your content interesting as you contribute.

Abir_BD · February 5, 2021, 4:28pm

@Ewaade_3A

thanks a lot for your inspiration. I checked @TravellerG 's mega series about mahabalipuram. But, found nothing about the lighthouse.Or may be I missed. @TravellerG whats your opinion about it? I am very interested to know. As its my favourite place.I will go there again and will try to know the whole history from micro level. Visiting this place with my mom back in 2019 was the best part of that trip.

Ewaade_3A · February 5, 2021, 10:09pm

You are very right, I have not seen the Lighthouse in TravellerG’s post

@Abir_BD

TravellerG · February 7, 2021, 3:00am

Thanks a lot, dear @Ewaade_3A for mentioning me in this historic post & introducing this talented LG to me.

I have straight away sent him a Private Connect Message. Ewaade, his about The Loha Prasat (Here) is really good.

Since I had to take a break (medically), both the Mega series (on Hampi & Mahabalipuram) was paused - God willingly I hope to restart it soon.

However, almost 50 POIs will be discussed in the Mega Series of Mahabalipuram & most of them are mentioned in this post Here.

Hello @Abir_BD - very happy to see your great work - appreciate your style & hard work.

I also saw your post about “The Loha Prasat” - well done! Very interesting style too…

Hope you will find time to read my private message.

“…whats your opinion about it?..”

See, dear LG - I don’t touch the topics of disputes, as this may cause discomfort for some; I am more an enjoyer of Nature & every being on our planet - Connect is not a good forum for that.

Here is a ‘Rejuvenated’ frame of your shot - hope you will like it - if you feel fine, you may replace this in your original post - no need to mention my name.

If you need assistance to read private messages, it here - OK?

How to RECEIVE Private Messages in this forum “Receive”

How to SEND Private Messages in this forum “Send”

All the very best

Ewaade_3A · February 7, 2021, 4:34am

You are welcome.

I am glad you figured out Abir @Abir_BD is a guy, I don’t know and I have not bothered to ask if Abir is Male or female because I have enjoyed our conversation.

Have you seen the lighthouses too @TravellerG ?

TravellerG · February 7, 2021, 6:46am

In Mahabalipuram, I have covered more than 50 monuments, in which, Lighthouse is important.

I usually go for a photoshoot after preparation… Usually, prepare the list of all the POIs and collect necessary information - then only I used to visit.

Mahabalipuram I visited first to evaluate… And then only I went for the shoot:

Just one sample shot, for you ( @Ewaade_3A ) & our friend @Abir_BD

Loving regards

Ewaade_3A · February 7, 2021, 10:49am

Wow! @TravellerG

Now, I see clearly what you are talking about! Your picture is so bold, it almost feels like I am standing at the base waiting to climb up to see the Lighthouse or just to pose.

Most of the lighthouses I have seen are White or red.

Isha @Globe_trotter_Ish shared one in the keepsakes album and another Lighthouse post I really enjoyed is this one

Abir_BD · February 7, 2021, 1:48pm

@TravellerG

Thanks a lot sir for your inspiring comment. It means a lot to me. Btw i was a little busy with my study things.

I love the place Mahablipuram a lot. I still a have several topics to share on this. I read your mega series. Its just awesome and inspiring. Also thanks for the rejuvenated photo i like this and will add to my post soon.

@Ewaade_3A thanks a lot dear. You are helping me a lot adopt the connect things.I appreciate your help.

Ewaade_3A · February 7, 2021, 2:04pm

You are welcome, Abir @Abir_BD

Globe_trotter_Ish · February 8, 2021, 4:45am

Amazing picture @TravellerG sir ! I would love to visit this place . Thanks for sharing with us ! Thanks for tagging me @Ewaade_3A !

Ewaade_3A · February 8, 2021, 7:14am

You are welcome. I thought you would like it @Globe_trotter_Ish

TravellerG · February 8, 2021, 1:12pm

Happy that you enjoyed the shot, @Ewaade_3A

Yes, I do remember my promise of Keepsakes -

Shall do it in a day or two.

Happy to hear that our @Globe_trotter_Ish shared one Liight house in your album - good Isha…