Jwarahareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram, India

Kanchipuram, which is called the city of thousand temples, has around 250 temples in and around the city. Even though most of the temples are very ancient, historically significant or architectural marvels, only a few temples are famous and visited by the devotees. Jwarahareswarar temple is one in such category, an architectural wonder but remains lesser-known.

This temple, currently under the control of the archaeological department of India, is located in Ekambaranathar Sannadhi Street near the famous Ekambaranathar temple.

This temple is indeed a marvel and gives us artistic delight. Out of three inscriptions found in this temple, the oldest one belongs to the period of Vikrama Chola. Hence, it is generally believed that the temple was constructed during his period in the 12th century CE. However, as per Kanchipuram Sri Sankaranarayanan, a scholar on multiple subjects, few fragments of inscriptions are found in the prakara of the temple, which belong to the 10th century CE. Hence, I presume that this temple could have been constructed much before the period of Vikrama Chola. However, it is undoubtedly the work of the Cholas.

Although the temple's presiding deity is named Jwarahareswarar, he is found in the form of Shiva Linga. Otherwise, as per the iconography, Jwarahareswarar is seen with three legs. Also known as Jura Devar or Sura Devar, he is one of the manifestations of Lord Shiva. The Chola inscription calls the deity Suravattaramudaiya Nayanar.

Although the original structure was built by the Cholas, a few additions, such as the three-tiered Raja Gopuram, were done later. In terms of stone inscriptions, too, we find the inscription from the Telugu Chola Vijayakanda Bhoopati (13th century CE) and the Vijayanagara King Kampanna (14th century CE).

Kanchi Puranam talks about this temple. As per one version of the legend, a Rakshasa named Juraha was annihilated by Shiva on this site, and hence he is called Jwarahareswara. However, the popular belief is that he cures fever (Jwara) and heat-related ailments. Due to this reason, he is also called Veppu Erinathar in Tamil, which means the deity who would cure heat-related illness.

The east-facing sanctum and the artistic Mukha Mandap are situated atop a high-raised platform. The vimana is Vesara Vimana; the shrine is circular, which is rare. It is often mistaken as Gajaprshtha.

Facing the sanctum, there is a small but beautiful Nandi Mandap and Bali peetha behind that.

There are floral designs found on the pillars in the Mukha Mandap. The entrance has relief images of Sankha Nidhi and Padma Nidhi. Also, the images of Brahma and Vishnu are found. In the Torana area, the bas-relief images of Shiva, Uma, and Ganesha are found. In addition, there are a lot of miniature icons found on the top portion of the wall, such as Bhuta Ganas, sages, dancers, and those who play musical instruments.

Although the temple is artistically beautiful, no bigger size sculptures are found. The temple's highlight is the extraordinary miniature sculptures found all over. The bottom portion of the walls has many figures such as lions, Yazhis, elephants, and the depiction of various deities and humans in different styles.

The stone windows in different designs enhance the elegance of the structure. There are niches found but without the icons. We could see the small images of sages, a lion, and deer in one niche, indicating that this slot is meant for Dakshinamurti. Similarly, there is another niche that has Dwarapalikas on either side. It suggests that it is intended for Durga.

The Nasikutas of Upa peetham have a few of the best icons of the entire temple, such as Nisumbha Sudini and Jwara Deva.

The vimana has some fine stucco images, such as Sadasiva Murti and Sarbeswara, but they are partly damaged.

The temple has a tank named 'Vepperi Kulam' or 'Upperi Kulam'. It is located outside the temple complex.

Happy travelling.

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