The grey-white granite structure is said to be similar to the well known Shore Temple, primarily because of the ‘shikara’ that it originally had,
but now only a rectangular structure remains. The temple tower is also influenced by the Dravidian Architectural style. What stands out in this temple
is the ‘half profile’ dwarapalas in the main shrine. Shift in architectural style from half-profile to full- face profile dwarapalas is reflection of maturing craftsmanship from Mahendra style to the Rajasimha style. It happened gradually from full front facing - to three-fourth - and then to half profile facing each other. While the dwarapalas are at the entrance, the interior walls have sculptures of mythological figures from the time. On the walls outside, one can see sculpted images of ‘devokashtas’ & ‘Shiva’ in multiple forms. There is Shiva as ‘Dakshinamurti’ under a tree - Shiva along with the beloved Parvati, on the Kailash mountain. In this depiction, Ravana is also seen trying to shake the mountain. In another image, one can see Shiva as ‘Natraja’, although, over the years these are less visible. Then there are panels with images of Shiva killing ‘Kaal’ (Yama), which are said to have been added on much later and are not from the Pallavas time. Along with these, there are also Lion pilasters on the walls outside to add to the beauty of it all. Although, it is said that in the past, it was a ‘live’ temple where the locals sometimes offered prayers but, in the current time, the Olakkannesvara Temple holds no idol in the sanctum and is not a place of worship anymore. The great city of monuments can be visited all round the year but winter is a good time to be here and enjoy its many stories and tales and have a blast from the past.