Thread by @History_Mystery

#JalakantesvaraTemple is dedicated to #LordShiva which is located in the Vellore Fort, Tamil Nadu, India. According to legend, there used to a giant ant-hill at the location where the sanctum sanctorum of temple now stands.

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Chinna Bommi Nayaka, a Vijayanagar chieftain, who was controlling fort had a dream where LordShiva asked him to build temple at that location

The temple was built during reign of Vijayanagar king Sadasivadeva Maharaya (1540–1572).

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📷:Sculptures in #JalakantesvaraTemple.

Nayaka, proceeded to demolish anthill & build the temple in 1550 CE, and since the Lingam was surrounded by water (called Jalam in Tamil) the deity was called as Jalakantesvara (translated as "Lord Siva residing in the water").

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#JalakantesvaraTemple has exquisite carvings on its gopuram (tower), ceilings,
richly carved stone pillars, large wooden gates & stunning monoliths & sculptures.

📷Ceiling carved in stone
📷Stunning Gopuram is over 100 ft. in height.

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#JalakantesvaraTemple also has a Mandapam, with the hall supported by carved stone pillars of dragons, horses and yalis.

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📷The wedding hall (Kalyana Mantapam) inside the temple has a 2 faced sculpture, that of a bull and an elephant.

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#HistoryEncyclopedia #JalakantesvaraTemple

Temple itself built in middle of a water tank (Agazhi) & there is water surround temple like a garland. The circumference of water tank is 8000 ft.

📷1:God Shiva & Goddess Parvati
📷2: Mahishasurmardani sculpture carved on pillar

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