Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore
The Jalakandeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an important Vijayanagara-period temple located within the historic Vellore Fort in Tamil Nadu, India. Originally built in 1550 CE, it is renowned for its impressive Vijayanagara architecture, including a tall gopuram, intricately carved pillars, and the unique setting amidst a water tank.
Key Facts
- ›The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Jalakandeswarar, meaning 'Lord Shiva residing in the water'.
- ›It was constructed in 1550 CE during the reign of Vijayanagaran Emperor Sadasivadeva Maharaya.
- ›The temple exemplifies Vijayanagara architecture with its nine-tiered gopuram, carved pillars, and monolithic sculptures.
- ›It is uniquely situated in the middle of a water tank (Agazhi), with water surrounding it.
- ›Worship was halted for nearly 400 years due to desecration and the temple being used as an arsenal, with the deity being re-installed in 1981.
- ›The temple structure is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, while its administration is managed by the Department of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Shiva, Jalakandeswarar, Akhilandeshwari
- Architectural Example of Vijayanagara Period
- Historical Importance Within Vellore Fort
- Site of Religious Significance and Pilgrimage After Re-Consecration
Vijayanagara Empire
Kumbabishekam
Stone, Granite
Chinna Bommi Reddi, Sadasivadeva Maharaya
- Sculptures of Dragons, Horses, and Yalis
- Two-Faced Sculpture of A Bull and An Elephant In the Kalyana Mantapam
- Golden and Silver Lizard Sculptures
- Snake Sculptures
Agazhi, Ganga Gouri Thertam
About Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore
The Jalakandeswarar Temple is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located within the historic Vellore Fort in Tamil Nadu, India. The temple dates back to the Vijayanagara period and is celebrated for its distinctive architecture and religious history.
History and Legend
The origins of the Jalakandeswarar Temple are rooted in local legend. It is said that a swayambhu Shiva Lingam was discovered beneath a large ant-hill surrounded by stagnant rainwater. Chinna Bommi Reddi, a Vijayanagaran chieftain in charge of the fort, was guided by a divine dream to construct a temple at this location. Upon demolishing the ant-hill, he found the Lingam and proceeded to build the temple in 1550 CE. Due to the Lingam being situated in water ('Jalam' in Tamil), the deity was named Jalakandeswarar. The temple was erected during the reign of Vijayanagaran Emperor Sadasivadeva Maharaya.
Architectural Significance
The Jalakandeswarar Temple is a prime example of Vijayanagara architecture. Its striking features include a gopuram (tower) that stands over 100 feet tall, adorned with exquisite carvings. The temple complex boasts richly carved stone pillars, imposing wooden gates, and impressive monoliths and sculptures, comparable to those found in other prominent Vijayanagara temples. A unique architectural element is the temple's placement in the center of a water tank, known as the 'Agazhi', which encircles the structure. The Kalyana Mantapam within the temple features a notable two-faced sculpture depicting a bull and an elephant.
Period of Disruption and Re-consecration
The temple experienced a significant period of disruption following the Muslim invasion and capture of Vellore Fort. Worship was halted for approximately 400 years, during which the temple was desecrated, an Islamic structure was built on the site of a destroyed Amman temple, and the main sanctum was utilized as an arsenal. The main deity was temporarily moved to the Jalakanda Vinayakar Temple for safekeeping. In 1981, after the Vellore Fort was handed over to the Archaeological Survey of India, devotees, with the assistance of Mailai Sundaram Guruji, managed to secretly reinstall the deity within the Jalakandeswarar Temple, leading to the resumption of religious practices from 1982.
Administration and Current Status
While the temple structure is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the administration of the Jalakandeswarar Temple was taken over by the Department of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Government of Tamil Nadu, in 2013. This followed a legal process where the government's right to manage the temple was upheld. The temple continues to be an active place of worship and a site of religious importance, with kumbabishekam ceremonies held periodically to mark its consecration.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Jalakandeswarar Temple built?
The Jalakandeswarar Temple was built in 1550 CE during the reign of the Vijayanagaran Emperor Sadasivadeva Maharaya. The construction followed a legend where a local chieftain had a dream to build a temple at the site of a Shiva Lingam found within an ant-hill surrounded by water.
What is the architectural style of the Jalakandeswarar Temple?
The Jalakandeswarar Temple is a fine example of Vijayanagara architecture. It features a tall gopuram exceeding 100 feet, intricately carved stone pillars, large wooden gates, and stunning monoliths and sculptures characteristic of the Vijayanagara style.
Why is the temple called Jalakandeswarar?
The temple is named Jalakandeswarar because the original Shiva Lingam was found covered by an ant-hill surrounded by stagnant water. 'Jalam' means water in Tamil, hence the deity was named Jalakandeswarar, signifying 'Lord Shiva residing in the water'.
What is unique about the location of the Jalakandeswarar Temple?
The Jalakandeswarar Temple is uniquely built in the middle of a water tank, known as the Agazhi, which surrounds the temple like a garland. This distinctive setting is a prominent feature of its architectural design.
What happened to the temple during historical invasions?
The temple suffered mutilation during Muslim invasions and the subsequent capture of Vellore Fort. Worship was stopped for nearly 400 years, during which the temple was used as an arsenal, and an Islamic structure was built on the site of a destroyed Amman Temple.
When was worship reinstated at the Jalakandeswarar Temple?
Worship was reinstated at the Jalakandeswarar Temple in 1981 after the main deity was secretly brought back and re-installed. The temple was officially opened for religious practices from 1982, following several attempts to re-establish worship after its long period of closure.
Related Temples (Hindu)
Dodda Basavana Gudi
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Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi
The Veerabhadra Temple, located in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, India, is a 16th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Virabhadra, a fierce form of Shiva. Renowned for its Vijayanagara architectural style, it features extensive carvings and vibrant fresco paintings depicting epic narratives and courtly life.
Lakshmi Narasimha swamy temple, Penna Ahobilam
The Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Penna Ahobilam is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha, situated in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Built on a hill in the Vijayanagara architectural style, it is considered a self-manifested (Swayambhu) shrine with legends tracing its origins to sage Uddālaka's penance and the divine appearance of Lord Narasimha. The temple is notable for its unique subterranean tunnel system and a sacred footprint believed to belong to the deity.