Jalanatheeswarar - Shiva Temple, Thakkolam

This temple sung by Gnanasambandar is located on the banks of Kosasthalaiyar river about 7 kms from Arakkonam. The Shiva lingam is made of sand and believed to be still embraced by Parvathi Devi because of which the lingam is not touched by anyone including the priest(lingam is referred as Theenda Thirumeni nathar). Since Kamadhenu worshipped in this temple, it is believed praying in this temple will get better farm yields.

Lord Muruga of the temple is praised by Saint Arunagirinathar in his Tirupugazh hymns.

The temple is open from 8 am to 12 noon and from 4:30 pm to 7 pm daily.

Lord Siva: Jalanatheeswarar, Umapatheeswarar

Ambal (Goddess): Giriraja Kannikambal

Theertham : Parvathi Satya Ganga Theertham, Kosasthalai River

How to reach

This temple is located at a distance of about 7 kms from Arakkonam railway station. Arakkonam can be reached from Chennai by electric train. It can also be accessed from Thiruvallur-Perambakkan road.

Temple legend

As per the legend, once upon a time there was a water spring emanating from the mouth of Nandhi and also there was a stream of water flowing near the Shiva lingam. Hence the ancient name for this temple was Thiruooral (ooral in Tamil means oozing of water stream).

Thakkan had enmity with Lord Shiva and he conducted a grand Yagam (sacrificial ceremony) without inviting the Lord. In order to correct Thakkan and teach him a lesson, Shiva sent Veerabhadra to destroy the sacrifice. Having recognized the impending doom, Thakkan cried out aloud in agony. Hence this place is referred as Thakkolam (Thakkan + Olam, which means crying aloud in tamil).

Also Kamadenu the divine cow, Indira, Chandra (moon), Yama, Saptha Kannikas – seven divine virgins, Sages Uthadhi and Theerkatha have worshipped the Lord in this temple.

Nearby Attractions

There are several significant Shiva temples around this area as given below.

1.       Sri Gangatheeswarar Temple

2.       Sri Somanatheeswarar Temple

3.       Sri Thirumambazhanathar Temple - (a wellknown pancha pandavars legend story associated with this temple)

4.       Sri Palleeswarar Temple

5.       Sri Theneeswarar Temple

6.       Sri Yammaneeswarar Temple