Jalakanteshwara Temple Kalyana Mandapam, Vellore

The Jalakanteswara Temple in Vellore Fort at Vellore (State: Tamil Nadu) is the home for exquisite Kalyan Mandapam (marriage hall). Built approximately between 1542 - 1565 AD, the architecture is a mix of Dravidan and Chalukyan style of architecture.

It is believed that, British had planned dismantle this and export it to their land to be kept in the museum before the independence of India. Fortunately for India, they did not succeed.

Here, on the outer pillars there are sculptures of soldiers riding the horse who belonged to Vijayanagar infantry.

Each pillar has upon its faces, figures from one to two feet in height. They are well proportioned and magnificently carved.

The very ornate pillared pavilion has a raised central platform used for the reception of the deity and his consort during the annual celebration of their marriage. The base of the platform is also engraved with sculptures.

The inner pillars are of different designs and highly artistic. Each of these pillars in the Kalyan Mandapam has a unique and different carving.

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