The Jalakandeswarar Temple is a prime example of Vijayanagara architecture, renowned for its intricate stone sculptures and ornate pillars. Located within the Vellore Fort, the temple's history dates back to 1550 CE when it was built by Chinna Bommi Nayak, a chieftain of the Vijayanagar dynasty. He discovered a Lingam below a giant ant-hill surrounded by stagnant water, leading to the temple's name, which means "Shiva residing in water."
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Key highlights of the temple include:
Architectural Features:
The temple features intricate sculptures, including life-size representations of mythical creatures like Yalis, dragons, and lions. One notable sculpture depicts a wild animal being tackled by men, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
Mandapam and Pillars: The hall near the entrance is supported by richly ornamental pillars, each a masterpiece of detail and design. Unique sculptures like the revolving earthen lamp and the two-faced giant bull and elephant add to the temple's artistic significance. The temple is surrounded by an 8000 ft circumference moat, adding to its grandeur.
Daily Rituals: Water from the Ganga Gouri well on the temple premises is used for daily anointing rituals.
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The temple has a tumultuous history:
Islamic Invasion: During an Islamic invasion, the temple was damaged, and a mosque was established within its premises for namaz. The main deity was moved to the Jalakanda Vinayakar Temple in Sathuvacheri for safekeeping.
Colonial Period: For nearly 400 years, the temple remained vacant and was used as an arsenal, with no Hindu rituals performed. The historical Vellore Fort of Vellore (now in Tamil Nadu) saw the first instance of a short-lived large-scale violent revolt against the English company's misrule by the Indian soldiers (10 July 1806 ).
ASI Control: In 1921, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) took control of the temple, along with other heritage sites within Vellore Fort, including St. John's Church, Tippu Mahal, and others.
The temple was re-opened for religious practices in 1982, following the secret installation of the main deity in 1981 and subsequent re-consecrations in 1997 and 2011. After the 2011 kumbabishekam, a special gold-plated chariot, weighing 7 kg and costing ₹3 crore, was donated for temple services.
Today, while the ASI oversees the heritage aspects of the temple, the local Tamil Nadu government's HR&CE department manages its daily operations and revenue. Despite its challenges, the Jalakandeswarar Temple remains a vital repository of Vijayanagara architecture and a significant religious site.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalakandeswarar_Temple,_Vellore
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Temple inside historical Vellore fort,TN - a fine example of Vijayanagara architecture){kind=link}