A Visit To Jalakandeshwarar Temple In Vellore

Isnt it interesting to know how some legends are related to the creation of the temples? Here is one such legend which resulted in the construction of Jalakandeshwarar Temple in Vellore. Jalam in Tamil language means water and eshwarar means Lord Shiva and the name Jalakandeshwarar translates to Lord Shiva, who resides in water.Jalakandeshwarar TemplePC: HaneeshkmLegend Of Jalakandeshwarar TempleIt is said the chieftain Chinna Bomma Nayaka had a dream about Lord Shiva asking him to build a temple at the anthill located in the Vellore Fort. The chieftain goes in search of the anthill and finds a Shiva Linga inside the anthill, immersed in water. As per the Lords command, the chieftain demolishes the hill and builds a temple for Shiva. The deity came to be known as Jalakandeshwarar.Golden Temple In VelloreEntering the templePC: BhaskaranaiduHistory Of Jalakandeshwarar TempleThe construction of Jalakandeshwarar Temple was commissioned during the time of Vijayanagara Empire. At that time, Chinna Bomma Nayaka was a chieftain who worked under the Vijayanagara rulers. Jalakandeshwarar Temple was built in the year 1550 AD.Architecture Of Jalakandeshwarar TempleThe beautiful Jalakandeshwarar Temple exhibits Vijayanagara style of architecture. The huge gopura, kalyana mandapam and exquisite sculptures adorning the walls of the shrine gives a luxurious look to the temple.Doors of the templePC: R.K.LakshmiThe main sanctum has the Shiva Lingam (Jalakandeshwarar) and outside there is another statue of his consort Sri Akhilandeshwari. Like all the Shiva shrines, Nandi statue can be seen facing the Shiva Lingam.The devotees believe that the earthen lamp kept behind Nandi statue is said to revolve when some people keep their hands on it. This is indicative of the fact that their wishes are fulfilled by the Lord.The Fortified City Of VelloreMandapamPC: BhaskaranaiduDestruction And RevampUnfortunately some parts and statues at Jalakandeshwarar temple was ruined by a Muslim invasion. Hence, they had to stop all the rituals and worship. In fact, the main deity was also shifted to Jalakhanda Vinayakar Temple in Sathuvachari.However, the temple was revamped after it came under the Archaeological Survey of India. Later, the original image of Lord Shiva was brought back and re-installed in the temple and it became a live temple again.CarvingsPC: HaneeshkmHow To Reach VelloreVellore is around 138 km from Chennai. Jalakandeshwarar Temple is located inside the Vellore Fort.Click - How To Reach Vellore nbsp;