Umapatheeswarar temple, Tiruvooral (Takkolam)

Location: Tiruvooral (Takkolam)

Deity known as: Jalanatheswarar, Umapatheeswarar

Female Deity: Giriraja Kannikambal

Pathikam: Sambandar - 1

Gallery - Umapatheeswarar Temple

3 tier Gopuram

Nandi and Balipeetam

Four primary Nayanmars

How to Reach

This Shiva temple is located about 29 km from Thiruvallur Railway Station and 7 km from Arakkonam Railway Station. Regular bus services are available from Thiruvallur to Thakkolam via Marimangalam–Perambakkam, as well as from Kancheepuram and Arakkonam.

Temple Address

Arulmighu Jalanaadeswarar Temple
Takkolam
Takkolam Post
Arakkonam Taluk
Vellore District
PIN 631151

Temple Hours

Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Nearby Temples

1	Tirumarperu - 18 kms

Temple Layout and Architecture

Temple Complex

The Shiva temple spans an expansive area of about six acres along the banks of the Kuchasthalai River and is enclosed by protective walls on all sides. The temple is distinguished by its impressive three-tiered west-facing Rajagopuram and two concentric prakarams surrounding the sanctum. The outer prakaram is embellished with finely crafted stucco sculptures. Aligned along the western axis are the dwajasthambam, balipeetam, and Nandi, and a small opening is visible in the wall directly opposite Nandi.

Outer Prakaram Features

Nearby, a separate sannidhi for Vinayaka is present. The sannidhi of the Goddess is situated on the southern side of the outer prakaram, where Goddess Giriraja Kannigai stands facing north, bestowing protection through the gesture of Abhaya Varadam. Adjacent to her is the Subramanya sannidhi, with Valli and Deivanai by his side. An entrance located opposite the Goddess’s sannidhi leads towards the sanctum of the presiding deity. Along this path, devotees first offer prayers to Dwara Ganapati and Dwara Subramaniar, before proceeding to the Navagraha sannidhi.

Sanctum Deities

Further within the temple complex are the Utsava murtis of Somaskandar, Chandrasekhar, Bikshadanar, and the Nataraja Sabha. Proceeding through yet another gateway guarded by Dwarapalakas, one reaches the sanctum housing the sand-formed Linga of the presiding deity. Owing to its unique composition, the Abhishekam ritual is performed exclusively for the Avudaiyar and not directly upon the Linga.

Sand Linga Protection

As the presiding deity is a sand-formed Linga, the Abhishekam ritual is performed exclusively for the Avudaiyar in order to preserve the sanctity and structure of the Linga.

Inner Prakaram and Deities

Sannidhis

The inner prakaram houses several sannidhis dedicated to deities including Shakthi Vinayaka, Subramanya, Pancha Linga, Mahalakshmi, Nataraja, Surya, Chandra, Bhairava, and the Saptha Mathas.

Goshta Murtha

Encircling the sanctum, the Goshta murtis on the surrounding wall depict Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, and Vishnu Durga. All are portrayed in seated postures, with the exception of Vishnu Durga, who stands in a graceful pose. Dakshinamurthy is shown with his right leg placed downward and the left leg folded, while Mahavishnu is depicted with the left leg down and the right leg folded, his right hand held in Abhaya Mudra, signifying reassurance, and his left hand resting on his thigh. Brahma is also seated, whereas Vishnu Durga stands elegantly—reminiscent of Krishna playing the flute—with one foot gently bent and the other placed upon Mahisha’s head, creating a striking and captivating visual.

Temple Legend

Sacred Origins

Thiru-Ural, a place of profound spiritual significance, derives its name from pivotal events of the past. According to tradition, sacred water once flowed from the mouth of Nandi, and water springing from the earth beneath the presiding deity.

Daksha's Yagna

This sacred site is associated with Veerabhadra’s intervention in Daksha’s Yagna, an act that dishonoured Lord Shiva and ultimately led to Daksha’s downfall. It is believed that in his final moments, Daksha cried out “Oh,” which is said to have given rise to the name Thakkolam for this region.

Sathya Ganga Theertham

Adjacent to the northern boundary wall lies the revered water source known as Sathya Ganga Theertham, situated to the west of the Gangadharar shrine. This sacred spot holds special significance, as tradition holds that Nandi, following the guidance of Sage Uthathi, channelled the waters of the Ganga through his mouth. It is believed that even today, during periods when the Kallaru River flows in abundance, the water continues to pass through Nandi’s mouth, adding to the mystical and sacred aura of Thir-ural.

Historical Incident

This is the site where the Battle of Thakkolam was fought between the Cholas and the Rashtrakutas during 948–949 CE. The battle proved decisive, resulting in the death of the Chola prince Rajaditya on the battlefield.