Jambukeswarar Temple also known as Thiruvanaikal and Jambukeswaram is a famous and ancient Shiva temple in Srirangam, Thiruvanaikkaval, Trichy, Tamil Nadu. Kochengat Cholan built this shiva temple. Jambukeswarar Temple is one of the Panchabhoota Sthalams (which means the 5 natural elements) and represents water Neer in Tamil. Therefore, this temple is also called Appu Sthalam and the ShivaLingam here is called Appu Linga. The Presiding Deity worshiped are Lord shiva as Jambukeswarar and Parvati Devi as Devi Akilandeswari Amman.
Akhilandeshwari means ‘Ruler of the Universe’ (Akilam – Universe, Aanda – Ruler, Eswari – Goddess).
This temple is situated between two rivers, Cauvery in the south, coleroon in the North. Jambukeswara Shrine has an underground stream and despite the water being pumped, it is still filled with water. This is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where the four most revered Saivite saints / Nayanars sang the glories of the deity in this temple. Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple is just 2,2 km from this temple.
Devotees pray for unity between husband and wife, for good matches for virgins, high yields in agriculture and for plenty of water to live on.
Jambukeswarar Temple Timings:
Morning: 5:30 am to 1:00 pm
Evening: 3:00 am to 9:00 pm
Tiruvanaikovil Temple Pooja Time:
Ushakkala Pooja – 6:30 A.M to 7:30 A.M
Kaalasandhi Pooja – 8:00 A.M to 8:45 A.M
Uchikkala Pooja – 11:00 A.M to 12:00 P.M
Saayaraksha Pooja – 5:00 P.M to 5:45 P.M
Ardhajama Pooja – 9:00 P.M
Jambukeswarar Temple History:
Mother Ambica was born as human as instructed by Lord Shiva. She made a Shiva Linga with the waters of the Cauvery river. The Lord appeared on the Linga and bestowed darshan to Parvati Devi. It is a miraculous place. From Pancha Bhudas, the place became Appu sthala-water sthala.
A sage named Jambu did penance on Lord Shiva at this place. The Lord granted darshan to the sage and offered him Naaval fruit (called mulberry) like Prasad. While consuming the Prasad, the sage also swallowed the seeds, thinking it was a sin to spit out the seeds. Upon reaching the Rishi’s stomach, the seeds began to grow ino a tree and pierced his head, leading to his salvation. Naaval is called Jambu in Sanskrit. The Water Linga created by Mother Ambica is located under this tree. As the Lord granted salvation to sage Jambu, he is praised as Jambukeswarar.
Other Deities in Tiruvanaikovil Temple:
Maha Saraswathi without Veena
Chandra with Karthika and Rohini
Lord Panchamukha
Vinayaka (with five faces)
Sani Baghwan with Jeshtadevi
Kubera Linga on the bank of Jambu Theertham abishek performed with three fruits-plantain, mango and jack on Aani Poornima day-full moon in June-July.
Jambukeswarar Temple Holy Water Points:
There are 10 Theerthams (temple tanks) in Tiruvanaikovil Sri Jambukeswarar Akhilandeswari Temple they are:
- Sreemath Theertham: Inside the Sanctorum.
- Rama Theertham: Outside the temple. Thai Poosam theppam festival is celebrated in this Theertham.
- Chandra Theertham:
- Agni Theertham: Opposite side of Vasantha Mandapam and temple Nandhavanam.
- Indira Theertham: Opposite to Kasi Viswanatha Swami sannathi.
- Akasthiya Theertham:
- Jambu Theertham: Near the old Jambukeshwara temple
- Surya Theertham: Opposite to the 1000 pillar mandapam. Theppam festival is celebrated in this Theertham in Aadi month on Pooram day. This Theertham is architecturally beautifully built with two floors of Mandapams around the Theertham. Each mandapam was built with 100 pillars.
- Brahmma Theertham: In the Southside of 4th Praharam.
- Agamam
- Sacred Tree
Sri Jambukeswarar Akhilandeswari Temple Festivals:
- Vaikasi – Vasantha Urchavam is celebrated for 10 days.
- Aadi – Aadipuram festival is celebrated for 10 days, Aadi Friday is celebrated.
- Purattasi – Navarathiri festival is celebrated for 10 days.
- Thai – Thai Poosam, Thai theppam (Float) Festival Special poojas are performed on Fridays of Thai month.
- Panguni – Brahmotchavam is celebrated for 40 days.
- Car festival and Panchaprakara festival are important festivals celebrated in Jambukeswarar Temple.
How to reach Jambukeswarar Temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport is at Trichy 12.8 km.
Coimbatore International Airport is 207 km.
By Rail:
Trichy junction is the nearest Railway station which is just 11.6 km.
By Road:
Trichy is well connected will all major cities in Tamilnadu. Private and Government-run direct busses are available from Chennai, Selam, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Bangalore, Chochin and many other cities.
The temple is 3.2 km from the central bus stand and 3 km from the Chathiram Trichy bus stand. From here one has to get a Taxi, private, or government bus service to reach Thiruvaanaikkaval Jambukeswarar Temple.
Jambukeswarar Temple Address:
Tiruvanaikovil Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Akhilandeswari Temple,
N Car Street,
Srirangam,
Thiruvanaikkaval,
Tiruchirappalli,
Tamilnadu – 620 005.
Phone – 0431 2230257
e-mail: jambukeswarar@tnhrce.org
