Thakkolam Sri Jalanadeshwara Temple, Vellore

Address

Thakkolam Sri Jalanadeshwara Temple, Thikkulam Mail Arakkonam Circle Vellore District Pin – 631151

Diety

Jalanatheeswarar Amman: Giriraja Kannikambal

Introduction

Jalantheeswarar Temple (also called Thiruvooral) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thakkolam, a village in Vellore district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Jalantheeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Giriraja Kannikambal. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple complex covers around one acre and entered through a three tiered gopuram, the main gateway. The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Jalantheeswarar and his consort Giriraja Kannikambal, being the most prominent. All the shrines of the temple are enclosed in large concentric rectangular granite walls. Thala Virutcham : Thakkolam Theertham : Parvathi Satya Ganga Theertham Kuchasthalai River

Puranic Significance

The temple was originally believed to have been built by Pallavas. Most of the Chola temples built during the period of 866 and 1004 CE is associated with certain military events or political campaign. During 940 Parantaka I had frequent trouble from invading Rashtrakutas. Takkolam War, dubbed as the greatest war held in the Tamil region, was fought between Cholas and Rashtrakutas. Parantaka’s son Rajaditya was killed in the campaign and Krishna III assumed the name “conqueror of Tanjai and Kanchi”The temple has four inscriptions dating back to 10th and 11th centuries identifying temple women engaged in the temple. As per Hindu legend, Kamdhenu, the divine cow, worshipped Shiva at this place. As per another legend, once the region was inundated with flood waters. It reached Shiva’s half and Parvathi is believed to have embraced Shiva in fear. It is believed that Shiva is still seen embracing Shiva at this place. During the first six month of the year, Shiva’s image of Linga appears red when crops are fertile during rain, while it turns white during drought. It is also believed to be the place where Yama, the god of death, Saptamartrikas, the seven divine mothers, sages Uthadi and Theerkatha worshipped Shiva at this place.

Special Features

The central shrine houses the image of Jalantheeswarar in the form of Lingam. The image of Lingam is made of sand and sacred ablution is performed only on the Aavudayar. The shrine of Kiriraca Kannikar, the consort of Shiva facing West is located in the Mahamandapam leading to the sanctum. The central shrine is approached through the flagstaff and Mahamandapam, both which are located axial to the gateway. The central shrine has entrance towards South and can be approached circumbulating the shrine. The temple tank has natural spring, which fills through Nandi’s shrine. Since water comes out of Nandi’s mouth, it called Pokkeswarar temple.[4] As in other Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu, the shrines of Vinayaka, Murugan, Navagraha, Chandikesa and Durga are located around the precinct of the main shrine

Festivals

Some of the major festivals celebrated in this temple are – 10-day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May), Skanda Sashti in the Tamil month of Ippasi (October-November), Vaikasi Visakam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), Aani Tirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July), Aadi Pooram in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August), Navarathri in the Tamil month of Puratasi (September-October), Thirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (November-December), Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January) and Masi Makam (February-March), Thai Poosam (January-February). Guru peyarchi and Pradosham are also observed regularly