Lord Theenda Thirumeni
Another story reveals that Goddess Parvati installed a
lingam made of sand here. One day, while she was
performing penance, the area was completely flooded
and to protect the lingam from dissolving, she
embraced it. This is still evident from the markings on
the idol. Since the goddess embraced the idol – and is
still believed to be doing so – not even the priests of
the temple touch the lingam. Ceremonies are
performed without any human contact.
Other deities of the temple:-
The temple also has shrines for deities Ganesh,
Muruga, Saint Sambanthar, Ayyappan, Nataraja,
Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Maha Vishnu, Durga, Sapta
Mata, Bhairava, Chandra, Surya, Perumal,
Mahalakshmi, Nalvars and the Nava Grahas.
Unique Features of the Temple
?The Shiva lingam here is unique as during the
Utharayana period or winter solstice it appears
red in color, and during Dakshinayana or summer
solstice, it turns white.
?It’s one of the main remedial temple for doshas
related to Planet Jupiter or Guru. It is also an
important Guru Parihara Sthalam after
Abathsahayeswarar Temple in Alangudi and
Medha Dakhshinamurthy Temple in
Mayiladuthurai. Lord Dakshinamurthy appears in
a unique posture. Seated, his head slightly tilted,
his left leg raised and placed on a platform, the
south facing god removes afflictions and fulfills
wishes.
?Ceremonies to the goddess Sri Giriraja
Kannigambal or Sri Umaiyammai attract large
number of devotees. She appears in a standing
posture facing north. Poojas are performed to her
first and then to her consort Lord Shiva.
?Goddess Durga looks charming as she’s seen in a
dancing form called Nadana Durga.
?Poet-Saint Arunagirirnathar sung praises of
Muruga in this temple, revered in Thiruppugazh, a
15th century anthology of Tamil religious songs.
?There was once a sacred tree in this temple called
Pottu or Thakkolam which does not exist anymore.
Blessings of the temple
According to Sthala Puranas, any good deeds that
devotees perform in this temple would bring multifold
benefits.
Important festivals of the temple:-
–Masi Makam (February-March), Thai Poosam
(January-February).
–10-day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chithirai
(April-May)
–Vaikasi Visakam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-
June)
–Aani Tirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-
July)
–Aadi Pooram in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August)
–Navarathri in the Tamil month of Puratasi
(September-October)
–Skanda Sashti in the Tamil month of Ippasi (October-
November)
–Thirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai
(November-December)
–Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi
(December-January)
–Pradosham and Guru Peyarchi (Jupiter transit)
ceremonies are observed regularly.
The Arulmigu Giriraja Kannigambal Sametha
Jalanatheswarar temple is situated in Thakkolam, on
the Kanchipura- Arakkonam route. It is revered as one
of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalam or temples that were
sung in the verses by poet saints of ancient Tamil
literature.
The linga in this temple is swayambumurthi or self-
manifested and its unique feature is that it has never
been touched by human hands – not even by the
priests of the temple and therefore it’s also is known
by the moniker, ‘Theenda Thirumeni’ which means
‘untouched sacred body’.
According to ancient temple literature, the temple was
built by King Rajaraja Chola II and the Puranas refer to
this temple as Kalikai Maanagar.
The Penance of Sage Udhadhi
The story of Sage Theerkadar, son of Sage Udhadhi –
brother of Jupiter or Guru – and Mamathai is a part of
the temple’s glorious history. Once, Theerkadar
spotted the divine cow Kamadhenu grazing near his
hermitage. He requested the bovine goddess to assist
him in a yagya that he was about to perform. The holy
cow refused saying that she won’t oblige without the
permission of Lord Indira. As the sage used force to tie
the cow, it cursed the sage to become an ordinary,
blind man who would spend the rest of his life doing
menial jobs. The sage also cursed the cow in return to
become an ordinary animal without divine powers.
Meanwhile, Sage Udhathi was saddened by the plight
of his son and sought the help of Maharishi Narada
who advised him to worship Lord Jalanatheeswarar in
the Thakkolam temple. Lord Shiva appeared before
him and suggested that he pray to Nandi – his vehicle,
and also bring water from the Holy Ganges to this
place and perform abhishekam.
As per lord Shiva’s instructions, Sage Udhathi installed
a separate Shiva lingam and a Nandi near the
Jalanatheeswarar temple and started his penance. This
place, to this day, is known as Sri Gangadhareswarar
Temple and the goddess is Sri Mohanavalli.
Nandi was pleased with the sage’s penance and
created a tank near this temple, filled the water of
Holy Ganges in it. It is believed that the water was
channeled from the Ganges through its mouth. The
sage performed the abhishekam to the lord with this
water and completed his arduous yet sacred task. He
also asked his son to take a dip in the holy tank and
pray to Lord Shiva. And thus Theerkadar was relieved
of Kamadhenu’s curse.
The holy cow also worshipped the lord here by offering
its milk on the lingam. She was relieved of her curse
too and got back her original form and power. After
hearing the story, Lord Indira came to Thiruvooral and
took the cow back to the celestial world.
Temple Timings
From 08.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and from 04.30 PM to
08.00 PM.
Temple Address
Sri Jalanatheeswarar Temple
Thakkolam Post
Arakkonam Taluk
Vellore District
Tamil Nadu 631 151
Telephone no: +91- 4177-246 427.
Temple Pedia
Devotion
Statues & Paintings
Fashion & Jewellery
