Tiruvanaikovil Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple — Attraction in Trichy Corporation Limits

JAMBUKESHWAR AKHILANDEESHWARI TEMPLE - TIRUVANAIKOVIL - TAMILNADU.

Jambukeswarar Temple is a famous Shiva temple in Thiruvanaikaval near Trichy. The temple was built by Kocengannan (Kochenga Chola),one of the Early Chola, around 1,800 years ago.

Thiruvanaikal is one of the five major Panchabhoota Sthalams (5 Elements of creation) representing the element of Water. The sanctum of Jambukeswara has an underground water spring & it is always wet.

Parvathi (cursed by shiva) in the form of Akilandeswari found Jambu forest in Thiruvanaikoil to conduct her penance. She made a Lingam (Appu Lingam) out of water of river Cauvery (Ponni) under the Jambul or Jambu tree (Eugenia Jambolana, the rose-apple tree) and commenced her worship. Pleased with her devotion Siva taught her Siva Gnana. 'Malyavan' and 'Pushpadanta'. The Siva Ganas always quarreled with each other. 'Malyavan' cursed 'Pushpadanta' to become an elephant and the latter cursed the former to become a spider. The elephant and the spider came to Jambukeswaram and continued their worship of shiva. Daily the elephant immersed the lingam with water for ablutions & the spider constructed web over the Lingam to prevent dry leaves from dropping on it. The elephant tore the web and poured water to cleanse the lingam daily. The spider disliking this elephantine act became angry, crawled into the trunk and stung the elephant to death and was itself crushed in the trunk. Siva, in the form of Jambukeswara, gave both of them moksha. The elephant’s worship of Shiva here gave the place its name Thiru(Holy) Aanai(Elephant) Kaa or Kaadu(Forest) or became 'Thiruvanaikaval' and 'Thiruvanaikoil'.

The spider was born as King Kochengan Chola (kotchengannan cholan meaning red-eyed king)( Red eyed for delay in birth, for the auspicious moment) in order to atone for his sin of killing the elephant. Remembering his enmity with the elephant in his previous birth, he built the entrance to the Siva Sannidhi(sanctorum) so small, that even a baby elephant cannot enter. The entrance to the sanctum of is only 4 foot high and 2.5 foot wide.

After becoming the king, he built the temple for Siva and Goddess Akilandeswari in the name of Aanaikka (elephant protected) later it became to Thiruvanaikoil.

There are five enclosures or praharams inside the temple. The fourth precinct contains a hall with 796 pillars and a small tank fed by perpetual springs. The sculptures and pillars are intrinsically carved across the temple.The sanctum has the smallest entrance possible to prevent an elephant entering it. The Mukha Mantapa, containing four-pillars and houses a bronze idol of Nandi. The deity is viewed through a stone window which has nine viewing apertures, believed to represent the Navagraha. Jambukeshwar and Akilandeshwari are installed opposite to each other & represent the Guru and Shishya relationship, as Shiva taught Parvathi Shiva Gnana here & hence there is no Thiru Kalyanam (marriage) conducted in this temple. Things to See : 1.Lord Jambulingeshwar ( Water Lingam). 2.Akilandeshwari ( Opp Shiva’s sanctum). Double storied Theertham(Pond) & perennial spring. Subshrines including Prasanna Ganapathy. 5.796 Pillared hall. Bronze Nandi. 7.Painting of Shreechakra & Parvathi praying to shiva under the Jambu Tree. Palli (Lizard) on the outer prahara. Sculptures on pillar including Dattatreya,Vishnu,Bramha,Manikkavasagar,Narayani, Thillai kali, Nataraja,Mahalakshmi,Saraswathi,Menaka with a baby, Vishwamitra,Bhringu muni with 3 legs,Parvithi worshipping shiva under jambu tree,& many others including the sculpture of an unusual bird. 10 Zodiac signs on the roof above the dhwaja sthamba. 11.Yin & Yang symbols in dual, triple & quadruple nature. Spider & Elephant worshipping shiva.Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval is a famous Shiva temple in Tiruchirapalli district, in the state of Tamil...

ஆங்கிலத்தில் எழுதுவதற்கு மன்னிக்கவும்

Got up and reached the temple before 7.00 am, so that we can avoid the crowd which will come later.

When we reached the temple gopuram, we were taken by surprise by the arrangements my friend had done, providing us security and providing us with preferential treatment. It was quite embrassing to be in that position. We asked for help from our friend only because we assumed there would be heavy rush since the 48 days mandalam is getting over, weekend, plus it was an auspicious day also.

Had an wonderful darshan of the Goddess Akhilandeswari, but was surprised she was just in a simple saree, with not a spec of gold jewel on her. As we were waiting for the darshan of the Goddess, we met a good lady friend who explained that early morning the Goddess is in the form of Varahi avatar, hence only saree and no jewels.

She told us that the Goddess would be fully decorated with Gold / flowers etc only after 8.00 am. Decided to have a darshan of the Goddess again after 9.00 am.

Had a wonderful darshan of the Lord too.

Was very very sad because the security / preferential treatment that was provided to us, did not give us the required time to take photos of the temple gopuram etc and to relish the beauty of the temple.

Since the temple was so massive (lengthy) got tired literally by walking walking.

One of the Pancha bootha sthalam (Water).

West facing temple, Beautiful rajagopurams, kodimaram present. Lord faces west, Goddess faces east. Temple with 5 praharams, with massive thick walls.

Thiruganasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar, Manikavasagar, Arunagirinathar, Iyyadigal kadawarkon, Thayumanavar have prasied the lord.

Thiruganasambandar has sung 2 pathigams on this Lord. and in one of the pathigam (3.053) he sings

வானைக்காவில் வெண்மதி மல்குபுல்கு வார்சடைத் தேனைக்காவில் இன்மொழித் தேவிபாக மாயினான் ஆனைக்காவில் அண்ணலை அபயமாக வாழ்பவர் ஏனைக்காவல் வேண்டுவார்க் கேதும்ஏதம் இல்லையே. 1

Appar peruman has sung 3 pathigams on this Lord and in one of his pathigam (5.031) he warns people against atheism by singing

நடையை மெய்யென்று நாத்திகம் பேசாதே படைகள் போல்வரும் பஞ்சமா பூதங்கள் தடையொன் றின்றியே தன்னடைந் தார்க்கெலாம் அடைய நின்றிடும் ஆனைக்கா அண்ணலே. 6

Sundaramurthy nayanar has sung 1 pathigam on this Lord (7.075) and in that he says

மறைகள் ஆயின நான்கும் மற்றுள பொருள்களு மெல்லாந் துறையுந் தோத்திரத் திறையுந் தொன்மையும் நன்மையு மாய அறையும் பூம்புனல் ஆனைக் காவுடை ஆதியை நாளும் இறைவன் என்றடி சேர்வார் எம்மையும் ஆளுடை யாரே. 1

If not for bakthi, atleast visit these temples to see the beauty of construction, and also to see, how Tamil has played huge role in building such wonderful temples.

We did go back at 9.00 am to have a darshan of the goddess, and it was simply breathtaking to see the Goddess so beautifully decorated.

Felt so happy that we were able to visit the temple and have such a wonderful beautiful darshan before the 48 days (kumbhabhishekam) got over.

Deep in our hearts we thanked the friend who got us the room in the service apartment, and the friend who surprised us with the protection and preferential treatment at the temple.

Temple steeped in wonderful history, definitely worth the visit.

Planning another visit soon, just to relish / enjoy the beauty of breathtaking gopurams, and to...

The Chola's Masterpiece: Building Beyond Belief !!

As I sit in the temple, marveling at the walls and sculptures, my mind drifts to the Chola period. I can't help but wonder about the incredible craftsmanship and dedication of the Cholas who built this place. Imagining them here at that time, creating these intricate details, is truly fascinating.

The Thiruvanaikovil Arulmigu Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari temple is an exquisite and spiritually vibrant site located in Thiruvanaikoil, Tamil Nadu, India. As one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple holds immense historical, architectural, and religious significance.

Upon entering the temple complex, one is greeted by its stunning architecture adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The sprawling temple premises house various halls, shrines, and intricately designed corridors that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is dedicated to Lord Jambukeswarar, representing the element of water, while the goddess Akilandeswari's shrine symbolizes the element of earth. This unique aspect of the temple, honoring the five elements of nature, adds a profound layer of spirituality to the experience.

I was drawn not only by the architectural beauty but also by the spiritual aura that envelops the temple. The rhythmic chants, the fragrance of incense, and the mesmerizing rituals create an atmosphere that facilitates deep introspection and reverence.

The temple's festival calendar is vibrant and lively, with numerous celebrations and rituals throughout the year. The annual Panguni Brahmmotsavam and Aadi Pooram festivals are especially significant, attracting devotees from far and wide to participate in the festivities and seek the blessings of the deities.

What makes the Thiruvanaikovil temple truly special is its amalgamation of history, spirituality, and architectural grandeur. Whether one seeks solace, cultural enrichment, or simply marvels at the craftsmanship of ancient artisans, this temple stands as a testament to the rich heritage of India and its deep-rooted religious traditions.

NOTE:

1. The temple ceremonies start at 6:00 am every morning. Pantuality matters here.

2. Both Lord Shiva and Agilandeshwari are worshipped at the same time, and during this ritual, the sanctum doors are closed.

3. Special tickets, costing around 100 rupees, offer a more in-depth experience, and it's best not to pay more than that.

4. One of the temple's special traditions is an elephant carrying water for the daily ceremony. This ritual has been happening for generations, adding a timeless charm to the temple's customs.

5. Maha Varahi Amman rituals are also...