Description

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Context

Jalanatheswarar Temple in Thakkolam significant historical & cultural site from Pallava & Chola periods is in urgent need of restoration due to structural damage & neglect.

Jalanatheswarar Temple

Jalanatheswarar Temple located in Thakkolam, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu is 6^th century temple built by the Pallavas.

The temple is currently in a dilapidated state requiring urgent restoration efforts.

Historical Significance:

Constructed by the Pallavas in the 6th century CE. Dedicated to Lord Shiva locally known as Jalanatheswarar.

Mentioned in Saivite hymns by Tamil saint-poets (Nayanmars).

51 inscriptions found in the temple including those from Pallava king Aparajita.

The town original name was Thiruvural as mentioned in these inscriptions.

Role During the Chola Period:

Battle of Thakkolam (949 CE) was fought here between Cholas & Rashtrakutas.

Rajaditya Chola son of Parantaka Chola I was killed in battle by an arrow.

Chola inscriptions found in the temple help establish their dynasty’s timeline.

Epigraphic records mention temple ancient name as Aparajita-chaturvedimangalam after Pallava king Aparajitavarman.

Connection with Chalukyas:

King Vimaladitya of Chalukya dynasty married Kundavai daughter of Rajaraja Chola I.

During this period town was renamed Thakkolamana Thiruvuralpuram.

Architectural Features:

Built in Dravidian-style architecture with intricate carvings.

Features massive temple tank now in a derelict state.

Inscriptions on temple walls document land donations, religious activities & temple grants.

A grand outer wall which has partially collapsed due to neglect & natural calamities.

The temple complex spans approximately 1.5 acres featuring three-tiered gopuram (gateway tower) & concentric granite walls.

The main sanctum houses the deity Jalantheeswarar in form of a lingam made of sand.

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.

Current Condition & Restoration Needs:

Outer wall on the northern side has collapsed risking further structural damage.

Temple tank is overgrown with vegetation & filled with debris.

The last kumbabishekam (temple consecration) was performed over 15 years ago.

Restoration efforts are pending approval from the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department.

Recent Developments:

CISF Recruits Training Centre (RTC) in Arakkonam was renamed Rajaditya Chola RTC, Thakkolam in honor of Prince Rajaditya Chola.

Thirugnana Sambandar

Aspect	Details
Birthplace	Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu
Time Period	7th century CE
Parents	Shivapada Hrudayar (father) and Bhagavathi Ammal (mother)
Divine Experience	At the age of 3, received divine milk from Goddess Parvati, leading to his first hymn
Major Contribution	Composed Thevaram hymns, which form part of the Tirumurai, the Tamil Saiva canon
Number of Hymns	383 hymns with over 4,000 verses
Philosophy	Emphasized Shaiva Bhakti, surrender to Lord Shiva, and devotion as the ultimate path
Miracles	Performed several miracles, including reviving a devotee’s daughter and defeating Jains in spiritual debates
Association with Other Saints	Contemporary of Appar (Thirunavukkarasar) and Sundarar, together forming the Tamil Saiva Trinity
Devotional Impact	His hymns are still sung in Shiva temples, particularly during Panniru Thirumurairecitations
Final Journey	Attained Mukti (salvation) at the age of 16 in Thirunallur Perumanam (believed to have merged with Lord Shiva)

Pallava Temples

Temple Name	Location	Built By	Period	Architectural Style	Key Features
Kailasanatha Temple	Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu	Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha)	7th-8th century CE	Dravidian Style	Oldest stone temple in Tamil Nadu, intricate sculptures, sandstone construction
Shore Temple	Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu	Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha)	8th century CE	Dravidian Style	UNESCO World Heritage Site, first structural temple, dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu
Pancha Rathas	Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu	Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla)	7th century CE	Rock-cut Monolithic	Five rathas (chariots) carved from a single rock, each dedicated to different deities
Varaha Cave Temple	Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu	Narasimhavarman I (Mamalla)	7th century CE	Rock-cut Cave Temple	Depicts Varaha rescuing Bhudevi, intricate Pallava-era sculptures
Mahabalipuram Cave Temples	Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu	Various Pallava Kings	7th-8th century CE	Rock-cut Cave Style	Several cave temples with carvings of Hindu mythology
Muktesvara Temple	Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu	Nandivarman II	8th century CE	Dravidian Style	Features detailed sculptures and Pallava inscriptions

Chola Temples

Temple Name	Location	Built By	Period	Architectural Style	Key Features
Brihadeshwara Temple (Peruvudaiyar Kovil)	Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu	Rajaraja Chola I	1010 CE	Dravidian Style	UNESCO World Heritage Site, 216 ft vimana (tower), massive Nandi statue
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple	Jayankondam, Tamil Nadu	Rajendra Chola I	11th century CE	Dravidian Style	Larger sanctum than Brihadeshwara, grand Shiva Linga, intricate bronze sculptures
Airavatesvara Temple	Darasuram, Tamil Nadu	Rajaraja Chola II	12th century CE	Dravidian Style	UNESCO World Heritage Site, fine stone carvings, dedicated to Lord Shiva
Kampahareswarar Temple	Thirubuvanam, Tamil Nadu	Kulothunga Chola III	12th century CE	Dravidian Style	Tall vimana, intricate carvings, Shaivite inscriptions
Thirukkadaiyur Temple	Thirukkadaiyur, Tamil Nadu	Chola Kings	10th-11th century CE	Dravidian Style	Famous for the story of Markandeya and Lord Shiva
Nageswaraswamy Temple	Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu	Aditya Chola I	9th century CE	Dravidian Style	Chola-era inscriptions, circular sanctum