Vellore Fort is a large 16th-century fort situated in heart of the Vellore city, in the state of Tamil Nadu, India built by Vijayanagara kings.
The fort was at one time the headquarters of the Aravidu Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The fort is known for its grand ramparts, wide moat and robust masonry.
Vellore Fort was built by Channa Bommi Nayaka and Thimma Reddy Nayaka, the Chieftains under the Vijayanagara ruler Sadashiva Raya. This granite fort happens to be one of the best examples of military architecture in South India and among the unique forts in India.
Its history has been affected by two decisive political battles- the Battle of Talikota (1565) and the Battle of Toppur (1616-1617 CE).
The fort of Vellore is at once an architectural marvel, a historical legacy, a military stronghold and an important site for the articulation of the Indian freedom struggle. It represents the skills of our artisans as well as our composite culture. There is indeed no exaggeration in stating that it is one of the most important and fascinating forts in the Indian subcontinent.
Tamil Nadu is a state deeply held in religion, which can be seen through its culture, architecture, temples and rituals. The Jalakandeswarar Temple in the state is a living example of how faith in God ceases every hindrance that halts its union with the divine. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located inside the Vellore Fort, in heart of the Vellore city, and has an interesting story of restoration. The temple is known for its marvellous architecture of the Vijayanagara period, and today is maintained and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The temple also hosts the idol of Sri Akhilandeshwari Amma, the consort of Jalakandeswarar. The Temple is a highly regarded landmark that not only highlights the architectural skill of ancient times but also showcase the significance of special traditions upheld by the worshippers to invoke the feelings of peace and a connection to the divine.
According to folktales that circulate among the natives, the Jalakandeswarar Temple has initially been a prominent ant-hill. The ant-hill was was circumscribed by rainfall water. A Shiva Lingam (a symbol of Lord Shiva, a Hindu deity), was placed at this position and consequently worshipped by devotees. Soon a chieftain of the region, Chinna Bommi Nayaka, who was in charge of the fort, saw a dream where he claimed that Lord Shiva had asked him to construct a temple. As a result, Chinna Bommi Nayaka went ahead to follow the divine instructions he received and built a temple at the place in the sixteenth century. Since the Lingam was surrounded by water (Jalam), the deity was called as Jalakandeswarar (translated as "Lord Siva residing in the water").
The temple was fabricated during the reign of the Vijayanagaram king Sadasivadeva Maharaya. Unfortunately, during the Muslim invasion of the region, the temple was vandalised to a very poor state. The idol of the presiding deity was salvaged by devotees and shifted to the Jalakanda Vinayakar Temple in the meantime in Sathuvacheri, where it remained till the last quarters of the twentieth century.
The idol was then secretly returned to the fort in 1981, and the site was officially reinstated as a Hindu temple, open for public access. The temple is currently maintained and well-looked-after by the Archaeological Survey of India under the guidance of the Government of India.
The Jalakanteshwara Temple is a fine example of Vijayanagara Architecture. With exquisite carvings on its gopuram (tower) and richly carved stone pillars, large wooden gates and stunning monoliths and sculptures, the temple exhibits the capabilities of Indian architects to make the greatest of all temples.The Main Gopuram is tall enough over a hundred feet in height. The temple also consists of a Mandapam, with a hall elaborated by carved stone pillars of religious figures in the Hindu tradition.
The temple itself is built in middle of a water tank, which surrounds the temple like a garland. The water used for bathing the deity (abishekam) is drawn from an ancient well called the Ganga Gouri Thertam, within the temple complex.
Behind the Nandi statue, a feature seen in most of the South Indian temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, there houses an earthen lamp. The lamp is said to revolve when people place their hands over it. The revolving is a symbol to indicate that their wishes have been granted. The golden and silver lizard sculptures of the temple are also worshipped by devotees, while the snake sculptures are also prayed reverence in order to get relief from 'sarpa dosham'.
Previously the temple was managed by a private trust called Sri Jalakanteswarar Dharma Sthabanam. The takeover was opposed by the private trust every time by approaching the Madras High Court. However, after nearly ten years of legal proceedings, the court ruling favoured the Government of Tamil Nadu. Although the temple complex is owned and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, the administration is taken over by the government.
Chitra Poornima, Aadi Pooram, Vinayaka Chaturthi, and Navratri are all celebrated with full religious fervour at the temple. Other festivals of Mahashivratri and Diwali are also celebrated as major events of the temple, with decorations and cultural performances making them the ebst time to visit the temple.
Jalakandeswarar Temple Timings
The temple opens from 6:30 am to 1:00 pm and then reopens from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Contact information –
Phone: +91-9894682111, +91-416-2223412
How to reach Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
Vellore is one of major town and district place of Tamil Nadu along with pilgrimage centre of South India and home to Golden Temple Temple and other sacred place. It is very well connected with all major cities of Tamil Nadu and India via Road, Air and Rail network. Vellore has airport and major railway terminal which are corrected with all major cities of India. Vellore is located at just 135 km from Chennai, 210 km from Bangalore, 125 km from Tirupati, 156 km from Pondicherry, 75 km from Kanchipuram, 84 km from Tiruvannamlai, 145 km from Srikalahasti, 120 km from Krishnagiri.
Additional Details of Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore
Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore Contact Number: 9894682111,
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year and during festivals
Address: Jalakandeswarar Temple, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
Activity: Daily Darshan, Rituals, Festival Celebration
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