Jalantheeswarar Temple

10-03-2025

06:28 AM

1 min read

Jalantheeswarar Temple Latest News

The Jalanatheswarar temple at Thakkolam in Ranipet district, a treasure trove of Tamil history, particularly the reign of Cholas, is in bad shape.

Location: Jalantheeswarar Temple (also known as Thiruvooral) is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in Thakkolam village of Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu.
Deity: The presiding deity is Lord Shiva worshipped as Jalantheeswarar, represented by a lingam made of sand (prithvi lingam), known as Theenda Thirumeni.
Construction: The original temple complex was constructed by Pallavas and later expanded by Cholas. The present masonry structure dates back to the Nayak period in the 16th century.
Architectural Features: The temple complex spans approximately 1.5 acres, featuring a three-tiered gopuram (gateway tower) and concentric granite walls. The main sanctum houses the deity Jalantheeswarar in the form of a lingam made of sand.
Religious Significance: It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams - Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Tevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanars Sambandar.

Thirugnana Sambandar, also known as Sambandar, was a 7th-century CE Saiva poet-saint from Tamil Nadu and a contemporary of Appar.
As per Tamil Shaiva tradition, he composed 16,000 hymns in intricate meters, of which 383 (or 384) hymns with 4,181 stanzas have survived.

Q1. Q1: What is the architectural style of Jalantheeswarar Temple?

Ans. The temple showcases Dravidian architecture, characterized by its three-tiered gopuram and intricate granite structures.

Q2. Which dynasties contributed to the construction and expansion of the temple?

Ans. The Pallavas initiated its construction, with subsequent contributions from the Cholas and Nayaks.

Q3. What is the main deity of Jalantheeswarar Temple?

Ans. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Jalantheeswarar.

Source: TH