Tiruvanaikovil Jambukeswarar Akhilandeswari Temple Story:
As an elephant was blessed hereafter worshiping here, this temple became known as “Thiruvanaikka”. While Lord Siva is seated under the Jambu tree in this temple, he received his name Jambukeswaram. When Goddess Ahilandeswari did penance here, Lord Siva, satisfied with her prayer, blessed her. For this reason, this temple is also known as Gnanashethram.
A spider, which worshiped Lord Jambukeswarar in its previous life, was lucky enough to be born as Kochengat cholan on his next birth. He built this temple about 2,500 years ago. Uma Deviyar, Thirumal, Brahman, Attathikku Balakhar, Attavasukkal, Jambu Munivar, Gowthamar, Aghasthiyar, a spider known as Gananatharul maliyavan, an elephant named Pushbadhanthan, Suryan and Chandran achieved glory by worshiping in this temple.
Thirugnana Sambanthar, Appar, Sundarar, Arunagirinathar, Iyyadigal kadawarkon, Thayumanavar have enchanted the glory of Lord Jambukeswarar in their literary works. Goddess blessed poet Kalamega Pulavar with the talent to write poems at this temple.
This temple has 5 praharams. (Corridor) As Lord Siva himself built the fifth praharam, which appears in the form of a spider, it is known as “Thiruneettan thirumathil”. It is here that Lord Siva blessed a spider and an elephant to achieve moksha.
Monolithic stone pillars (made from single stone) are found in the mandapam, situated at the entrance of Aariyavittan tower in 3rd Praharam. Stone chains and 12 zodiac signs are beautifully carved on these pillars. Pillars found in the 1000 pillar halls and in various parts of the temple have artistic sculptural works. Temple cars In the year1910, 2 big temple cars were made for gods & goddesses. ‘Coratham’(used for procession) and several wooden Vahanas are present in this temple. Inscriptions 156 Inscriptions have been found at this temple. Inscriptions of King Madurai Konda Parakesari varman paranthaka cholan are the oldest among them. Information about renovations and the wealth of this temple are found in these inscriptions.
Jambukeswarar Temple Theerthams (temple tanks):
- Sreemath Theertham
- Rama Theertham
- Chandra Theertham
- Agni Theertham
- Indira Theertham
- Akasthiya Theertham
- Jambu Theertham
- Surya Theertham
- Brahmma Theertham
- Agamam
- Sacred Tree
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.