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
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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
