Friday, July 14, 2017

Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore

Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore
Jalakandeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the Vellore Fort in Vellore District of Tamilnadu. The temple stands inside the Vellore Fort, which is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India, along with the St. John's Church, Tippu Mahal, Hyder Mahal, Candy Mahal, Badhusha Mahal and the Begum Mahal. The Jalakandeswarar Temple is a fine example of Vijayanagara Architecture.





The temple has exquisite carvings on its gopuram (tower), richly carved stone pillars, large wooden gates and stunning monoliths and sculptures. Main Deity in the temple is Siva Lingam known as Jalakandeswarar (Jalakandeswarar means ‘Siva resides in water’) and his consort known as Akilandeswari Amman. This temple was once closed for a very long time, when its main deity was taken away to a distant location.





According to the locals, the deity was brought back in 1980 when the region suffered from a severe water scarcity. The temple comprised of the main shrine, closed ambulatory passage around and the integral Mahamandapam. Inside the temple, there is a Kalyana Mandapam which is the gem of architecture in embellishments and the art motifs of its pillars, ceilings and plinth moldings. It stands as testimony for the architectural workmanship of that period.





Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
For brief details, please refer below link;
The Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 6.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Festivals
10 day Chitra Poornima (April-May), Surasamharam in Aipasi (October-November), 10 day Aadi Pooram (July-August), Vinayaka Chaturthi in Avani (August-September) Navarathri during September-October and all Saturdays during this period, are the festivals devotionally celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Those seeking longevity, freedom from fear of accidents, for concluding marriages that are delayed and for the relief from jealous sight evils called Drishti. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother offering Vastras.
Contact
Jalakandeswarar Temple,
Vellore Fort, Vellore – 632 001
Vellore District
Phone: +91 416 222 3412 / 222 1229
Mobile: +91 98947 45768 / 98946 82111
Connectivity
The temple is situated in the heart of Vellore town. The temple is located inside Vellore Fort. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Vellore Bus Stand, 8 Kms from Katpadi and 138 Kms from Chennai. Nearest Railway Station is located at Katpadi and Nearest Airport is located at Chennai.

References