Explore the Sacred Jalakandeswarar Temple in Vellore

Join me on a virtual journey through time as I unveil the rich history, popular legend and intricate architecture of the Jalakandeswarar Temple in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. The temple has a tumultuous history, including incidents of the idol being hidden and disputes over ownership of the temple. Sometime back I had the luck of exploring the temple complex, so here I have elaborated on what to see in the temple, major structural highlights, the various rituals and festivals celebrated in the temple.

Jalakandeswarar Temple History

Legend of Jalakandeswarar Temple- According to local folklore, the Jalakandeswarar Temple in Vellore, Tamil Nadu has an interesting legend about its origin. The temple was initially an ant-hill that was surrounded by rainwater. Devotees then placed a Shiva Lingam, a Hindu deity symbol, at this spot and began worshipping it.

In the 16th century, the chieftain of the region, Chinna Bommi Nayaka, who was in charge of the fort, had a dream in which God Shiva instructed him to build a temple at this location. Following divine guidance, Chinna Bommi Nayaka constructed the temple at the site.

The lingam in this temple was consecrated by Athiri, one of the Saptarishis. It is said that there is water below this Shiva Lingam. Hence the deity was named Jalakandeswarar, which translates to “God Shiva residing in the water.” An inscription found in the nearby village mentions the name of the deity as Jvarahareshwara. Today, the temple is an important pilgrimage site in South India, attracting devotees from all over the country.

Odyssey through centuries – Jalakandeswarar Temple Vellore

The Jalakandeswarar Temple, the walls, towers, and wedding halls of this temple were constructed during the reign of the Vijayanagara king, Sadasiva Deva Maharaya.

Sadly, during the Muslim invasion of the region, the temple was severely vandalised and fell into a state of disrepair. However, devotees managed to salvage the idol of the presiding deity and temporarily relocated it to the Jalakanda Vinayagar Temple in Sathuvachari.

The idol remained there for several centuries, until the latter part of the 20th century, when the temple was renovated and the deity was eventually returned to its original location at the Jalakandeswarar Temple in Vellore, its original location within the fort in 1981. Following its return, the temple was officially reinstated as a Hindu temple and opened for public access.

Despite the damage caused by the invasion, the temple remains an important cultural and religious landmark in the region.

Explore the Sacred Jalakandeswarar Temple in Vellore

I returned awestruck from my visit to Jalakandeswarar Temple in Vellore such is its aura and architectural grandeur! The temple is a remarkable example of Vijayanagara architecture, and showcases the incredible skills of Indian architects to create masterpieces that have withstood the test of time.

On entering the main shrine of Jalakandeswarar Temple, I noticed a closed path around it and several sub-shrines. The sub shrines are dedicated to Gods Nataraja, Ganesha, Srinivasa, Subramanya, and Amman. Apart from these shrines, the temple has Madapalli, Yagasala, and a small stepped tank.

Trek across the ages with devotion

I walked into maha mandapa, and there it was, the divine idol of the main deity Jalakandeswarar in the form of Shivalinga inside Garbha Griha. I was in awe of the beautiful craftsmanship and intricate details on the lingam. Sadly, photography wasn’t permitted inside the temple, but I couldn’t resist taking mental pictures of this spectacular sight.

As I moved around the temple, I came across a separate sanctum inside the inner enclosure dedicated to Goddess Akilandeswari Amman, consort of God Shiva. The walls of the sanctum were adorned with several other statues of the goddess. I walked around and had the darshan of Vinayaka, Madeswari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Lakshmi and Saraswati.

Architectural Highlights of Jalakandeswarar Temple

There are some interesting highlights to look out for if you are planning to make a quick visit to the temple.

Tall gopuram – One of the most striking features of the temple is its tall gopuram (entrance tower) which stands at over a hundred feet in height. The gopuram is adorned with exquisite carvings that depict various religious figures from the Hindu tradition. Before you step into the inner sanctum do pause to see the large wooden gates.

Kalyana Mandapam – As I walked in, to the left I saw an elaborately decorated mandapam with carved stone pillars depicting many religious figures. These pillars are a testament to the incredible craftsmanship of Indian artisans, who were able to create such intricate designs from solid stone.

Kalyana mandapam of Jalakandeswarar Temple in Vellore

Ganga Gouri Teertham – The water used for abhishekam of deity (bathing the deity) is drawn from an ancient well called the Ganga Gouri Teertham, within the temple complex. I missed seeing this. If you come very early in the morning you can see this.

Nandi – Like other Hindu temples dedicated to God Shiva, Jalakandeswarar temple also features a Nandi statue, a sacred bull that serves as the mount of God Shiva.

Lizard sculptures – golden and silver lizard sculptures are worshipped by devotees who believe to bring good luck and prosperity, and are prayed to by devotees.

Nag Dev – Snake sculptures are also revered by devotees who seek relief from ‘sarpa dosham’, a condition caused by the negative influence of a snake in one’s horoscope.

Nag dev – Sarpa dev – Serpent sculptures

Each of the statues had its own unique charm and beauty, and I was left feeling blessed to have witnessed such divine artistry.

Ownership of the Temple

Till some years back the Jalakandeswarar Temple in Vellore, Tamil Nadu was managed by a private trust known as Sri Jalakandeswarar Dharma Sthapanam. The private trust managing the temple opposed attempts by the government to take over its administration. Despite their objections and multiple appeals to the Madras High Court, after nearly a decade of legal proceedings, the court ultimately ruled in favor of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Today, the Jalakandeswarar Temple is well-maintained and looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India, under the guidance of the Government of India, the administration of the temple has been taken over by the state government. This means that the temple is no longer under the control of the private trust and is now managed by the government. The temple is an important cultural and religious site, and continues to draw visitors and devotees from far and wide.

idols in Jalakandeswarar temple

Festivals celebrated in Jalakandeswara Temple

If you wish to see the full grandeur of the temple, the best time to visit the temple would be during the festivals celebrated there. Some of the yearly festivals celebrated with full religious fervour at the temple are: Chitra Poornima, Aadi Pooram, Mahashivaratri, Vinayaka Chaturthi, and Navratri.

Nearby sights

The temple is located inside the Vellore Fort which is worth exploring. Read more: Vellore Fort: the stage of Sepoy Mutiny in 1806.

Other significant buildings around are: St. John’s Church, Tippu Mahal, Hyder Mahal, Candy Mahal, Badshah Mahal and the Begum Mahal.

Open Timings: Jalakandeswarar temple opens from 6:30 am to 1:00 pm and then reopens from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm.

How to reach Jalakandeswarar Temple in Vellore

Jalakandeswarar Temple is located inside Vellore Fort, in Vellore a town in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is situated in the heart of the town, near the Vellore Fort and the Vellore District Collectorate Office.
By air: Nearest International airport in Chennai at a distance of 135 km. You can hire private taxis or take public transport to Vellore which will drop you off at Vellore Fort.
By Train: Vellore Town train station is the nearest train station. Take auto rickshaws or you can even walk the distance of 1.2 km to Vellore Fort gate.
By Road: Vellore is well connected by good roads from different cities. I drove down from Bangalore, a distance of 210 km. We could go with car right up till the temple. Road trip distances to Vellore from nearby towns: 125 km from Tirupati, 156 km from Pondicherry, 75 km from Kanchipuram, 84 km from Tiruvannamalai.

FAQ Section for Jalakandeshwarar Temple in Vellore

Here are some more frequently asked questions about the grand temple inside Vellore Fort. If you wish to know more, please leave the questions in the comment box.

What is the best time to visit Jalakandeswarar Temple?

The best time to visit Jalakandeswarar Temple is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for exploring the temple complex.

Is there an entry fee to visit Jalakandeswarar Temple?

No, there is no entry fee to visit Jalakandeswarar Temple. It is open to all visitors free of charge.

Can non-Hindus visit the temple?

Yes, non-Hindus are allowed to visit the temple. However, visitors are expected to follow the temple’s customs and practices and maintain the sanctity of the temple.

Is there any dress code for visitors to Jalakandeswarar Temple?

There are specific dress code restrictions for visitors to Jalakandeswarar Temple. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothes. Men are expected to wear dhoti or pants and shirt, and women are expected to wear sarees or traditional Indian attire.

Are there any specific rituals or practices followed at the temple?

Yes, there are specific rituals and practices followed at the temple, such as offering prayers, performing abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity), and participating in the aarati (lighting of lamps).

Is there a particular day or festival when the temple is especially crowded or celebrated?

The temple is especially crowded and celebrated during the Mahashivratri festival, which is celebrated in February or March every year. The festival attracts a large number of devotees who come to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of God Shiva.

ceiling of kalyana mandapam in Jalakandeswarar temple in Vellore

Parting Thoughts

As I left the Jalakandeswarar Temple, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the centuries of history and spirituality that I witnessed and experienced. The intricate carvings and the beautiful surroundings all left an indelible impression on me. Visiting this temple was not just a tourist experience, but a truly spiritual journey through time. I encourage anyone with an interest in history, culture, or spirituality to make the journey to Vellore and experience the Temple aura for themselves. I hope time will give me one more opportunity to revisit Jalakandeswarar Temple.

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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.