Jambukeswarar Temple Thiruvanaikaval – Sacred Water Shrine of Lord Shiva

The Jambukeswarar Temple at Thiruvanaikaval, near Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu, is among the most sacred Shaivite shrines of South India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Jambukeswarar (Appu Lingam) and Goddess Akilandeswari (Parvati), it holds a special place as one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams—the five temples symbolizing the fundamental elements of nature.

What makes this temple extraordinary is the natural underground spring that continuously surrounds the sanctum, a phenomenon unparalleled in Indian temple traditions.

Located just 3 km from the world-renowned Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Jambukeshwar is not only an architectural masterpiece of Dravidian design but also a profound spiritual center, enriched by timeless legends.

Updated on: 12th, Sept 2025

Explored on: June' 2025

Table of Contents

• Pancha Bhoota Sthalams

• Legends of Jambukeswarar Temple

• Visiting Information

• Architecture of Jambukeswarar Temple

• Fascinating Facts about Jambukeswarar Temple

• Frequently Asked Questions

• The Jambu Tree & Sage Jambu

• The Elephant & The Spider(Origin of Thiruvanaikaval)

• Goddess Parvati's Penance (Upadesha Sthalam)

Pancha Bhoota Sthalams – Temples of the Five Elements

Indian philosophy believes that the universe and even the human body are made up of five basic elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Sky. To honor these elements, Lord Shiva is worshipped in five temples across Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, collectively known as the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.

• Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswarar Temple – Water (Appu)

• Kanchipuram Ekambareswarar Temple – Earth (Prithvi)

• Chidambaram Nataraja Temple – Sky (Akasha)

• Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleshwarar Temple – Fire (Agni)

• Kalahasti Nathar Temple – Air (Vayu)

Among these, the Jambukeswarar Temple represents water. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Appu Lingam, the water Lingam, making this temple also known as Appu Sthalam.

Beyond the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, Shiva’s divinity is also celebrated in the twelve Jyotirlingas spread across India. One of the most sacred among them is the Mallikarjun Jyotirlinga in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh — a revered hill temple where Lord Shiva is worshipped along with Goddess Bhramaramba.

Legends of Jambukeswarar Temple

The name “Jambukeswarar” has its roots in an ancient legend about Sage Jambu. The sage once offered a sacred Venn Naaval fruit to Lord Shiva. After eating it, Shiva spat out the seed, which the sage reverently swallowed, considering it holy. From his head soon sprouted a Naaval tree, under which he prayed that Lord Shiva take abode.

In later times, Goddess Akilandeswari performed penance beneath the same sacred tree, where Lord Shiva appeared before her and resided as Jambukeswarar. The tree, revered as the Sthala Vriksha (sacred tree of the temple), still thrives within the temple premises, centuries old, with the Shivalinga enshrined beneath it.

The Jambu Tree and Sage Jambu

Another story speaks of two cursed devotees of Shiva, reborn as an elephant and a spider. Both worshipped the Lingam in their own ways—the elephant by bathing it daily with river water and the spider by spinning a protective web over it. Their conflict ultimately led to both losing their lives, but Lord Shiva, moved by their devotion, granted them salvation.

Because an elephant worshipped Shiva here, the place came to be called Thiru Aanai Kaa (thiru means sacred, aanai means elephant, and kaa (kaadu) means forest). Later, the name 'Thiruaanaikaa' became 'Thiruvanaikaval' and 'Thiruvanaikoil.'In his next birth, the spider was reborn as King Kochengot Chola, who later constructed this temple.

The Elephant and the Spider – Origin of Thiruvanaikaval

Goddess Parvati’s Penance – Upadesha Sthalam

According to mythology, Goddess Parvati once playfully interrupted Lord Shiva during his meditation. To atone, she was sent to earth to perform penance. She chose the serene forests of Thiruvanaikaval, where she molded a Lingam from the waters of the Cauvery River under the shade of the Jambu tree. Worshipping with deep devotion, she finally received the divine vision of Lord Shiva.

Pleased with her penance, Lord Shiva gave her Upadesa (sacred teachings) while facing her directly. Because of this unique moment, the temple is also revered as Upadesha Sthalam. Even today, the shrines of Lord Jambukeshwarar and Goddess Akilandeswari are positioned facing each other – symbolizing the eternal exchange of wisdom between the divine couple.

Closer to the gopuram, closer to the timeless whispers of Jambukeshwar.

Spread across 18 acres, the Jambukeswarar Temple is an excellent example of Dravidian-style architecture. Originally built by King Kochengot Chola (circa 600 BC), it was later expanded by the Hoysalas, Pandyas, and other dynasties.

• The temple consists of five concentric prakaras (corridors), the outermost being the famous Vibudi Prakara, a 25-feet-high wall stretching for more than a mile, believed to have been built by Lord Shiva himself in the form of a spider.

• Interestingly, the main entrance was built unusually small—only 4 feet high and 2.5 feet wide—a design linked to the legend of the king’s past life as a spider.

• The sanctum sits slightly below ground level and is surrounded by a stone window with nine holes, symbolizing the nine human orifices. Devotees offer prayers through these openings.

• The Akilandeswari shrine, located in the fourth prakara, is supported by 796 ornate pillars.

• The temple also boasts a magnificent 1000-pillared hall, with monolithic stone pillars engraved with zodiac signs, chains, and intricate carvings.

• The gopurams (towering gateways), including a seven-tiered Rajagopuram, add to its grandeur.

The temple is also home to a temple car (Coratham) used for processions and several traditional wooden vahanas. Inscriptions from the Chola, Hoysala, Vijayanagara, and Nayak dynasties provide historical evidence of patronage and renovations.

Architecture of Jambukeswarar Temple – A Dravidian Masterpiece

The towering gopuram of Jambukeshwar Temple – where legends rise as high as the stones.

Through the grand corridor, devotees walk into the morning light of Jambukeshwar.

Fascinating Facts about Jambukeswarar Temple

• The sanctum’s Lingam is always surrounded by water from a mysterious underground spring that refills even when drained.

• Every day, the temple priest performs rituals dressed as a woman, symbolizing Goddess Parvati worshipping Lord Shiva.

• The Pancha Bhoota temples are remarkably aligned in a straight line, an architectural wonder achieved centuries ago without modern tools.

Visiting Information

• Location: Thiruvanaikaval, near Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu

• Timings: The temple generally opens from 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM (may vary on festivals).

• Entry Fee: No entry fee; special darshan tickets may be available.

• Best Time to Visit: March–April (Phalgun month) and during Maha Shivaratri.

A visit to Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswarar Temple is not just about architecture or rituals – it’s about experiencing one of the most powerful symbols of spirituality in Tamil Nadu. With its connection to the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, sacred legends, and mysterious water Lingam, this temple leaves every traveler with a sense of awe.

If you are exploring Srirangam and Trichy travel destinations, make sure this ancient wonder is part of your itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions – Jambukeswarar Temple

Q. Where is the Jambukeswarar Temple located?
A. The Jambukeswarar Temple is located in Thiruvanaikaval, near Srirangam, in the Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) district of Tamil Nadu, India.

Q. What is the distance between Srirangam Temple and Jambukeswarar Temple?
A. The temple is situated just 3 km from the famous Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, making it convenient to visit both temples on the same trip.

Q. What is special about Jambukeswarar Temple?
A. The temple represents the water element and is revered for its Appu Lingam (water Lingam), always submerged by a natural spring. Unique features include the facing shrines of Lord Jambukeswarar and Goddess Akilandeswari, five concentric corridors, and a rare tradition where priests dress as women during the noon puja to symbolize Goddess Parvati worshipping Lord Shiva.

Q. What is the best time to visit the Jambukeswarar Temple?
A. The ideal time to visit the Jambukeswarar Temple is during March–April (Phalgun month) and on Maha Shivaratri, when the weather is pleasant and temple festivities are at their peak.

Q. What are the timings of Jambukeswarar Temple?
A. The temple is usually open from 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Timings may vary during festivals and special occasions.

Q. What is the dress code for Jambukeswarar Temple?
A. There is no strict dress code, but visitors are expected to dress modestly. It is recommended to wear clothes covering shoulders, arms, and legs, out of respect for the sanctity of the temple.

Q. Are phones allowed in Jambukeswarar Temple?
A. Mobile phones are not permitted inside the temple. Lockers are provided near the entrance where devotees can safely deposit their phones before entering.

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