Sri Jambukeshwarar Temple - Thiruvanaikaval
The image of Ekapada Tirumuthi, the trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, is present in the temple, which can be seen only in Thyagaraja Temple, Tiruvottriyur.
This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 60 Shiva Sthalams on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
In this temple, Lord Jambukeswarar is facing the west and Goddess Akilandeswari is facing the east.
This is the first of the 70 Madakkovils built by King Kochengat Cholan.
All three saints (Moovar) have rendered hymns on Lord Shiva of this temple.
The east-facing main tower (Rajagopuram) has 13 tiers and the west-facing Rajagopuram has 7 tiers. This temple has 7 main towers and 5 corridors.
Thiruvanaikkal is also called as 'Jambukeswaram' and the Lord as Jambukeswara, Jambunathan and Jambulingam. The myth behind this is, that there was a Sage named 'Jambu Munivar' (Munivar – sage). He once got a rare and sacred 'Venn Naaval' (Venn – White, White variety of Naaval fruit) fruit and he offered that fruit to Lord Siva. The Lord after eating the fruit spitted the seed. Jambu Munivar took and swallowed the seed, as it is sacred as the seed came from the Lord’s mouth. Immediately a 'Naaval' tree began to grow in the Saint's head. The Saint prayed to Lord Siva that he should take his abode under that tree. Lord accepted and asked him to continue his penance in the forest on the banks of river Cauvery and said that he would one day come there and abode under that tree. After many years Devi Akhilandeshwari worshiped Lord Shiva under that tree doing her penance. Thus as he took adobe under the tree on Jambu Munivar he was called 'Jambukeshwara' and the place is called 'Jambukeswaram' 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.
Sundarapandiyan Gopuram : The East Gopuram is located on the 4th praharam. Pandiya King Jadavarman Sundarapandian constructed this Gopuram.
Mallappan Gopuram : This is the West Gopuram in the 4th Praharam. King Sandhirabendiran son of King Adhithya Devan built this in 1435 A.D.
Karthigai Gopuram : This Gopuram is the West Gopuram after Mallappan Gopuram. This was constructed in the early 13th century (at the period of Third Kulothunga Chola).
Temple Walls: 5 prakarams, the second and third prakarams date back to the 13th century and the first prakaram has been renovated in this century. The massive outer wall covering the fifth precinct, known as the Vibhuti Prakara, stretches over a mile and is two feet thick and over 25 feet high. Legend maintains that the wall was built by Shiva working with the laborers. The fourth precinct contains a hall with 796 pillars and measures 2436 feet by 1493. It also has a small tank fed by perpetual springs. The third enclosure is 745 feet by 197 surrounded by a wall 30 feet high. A coconut Thoppu and a small water tank. The second enclosure is 306 feet by 197, a gopuram 65 feet high, and several small shrines. The innermost enclosure measuring 126 feet by 123 has the sanctum. Vikrama Chozha built the 3rd prakara, Sundara Pandyan the 4th prakara, while Shiva Siddhar built the outermost and biggest 5th prakara. An inscription refers to the Hoysala King ruling this place from Samayapuram (Vikramapuram). There are eight other “Kodi Maram” (flag masts) in this temple in the 3rd praharam. Apart from the main huge “Kodi Maram” in front of the Lord and one in front of Devi Akilandeswari. All the temple “Madhils” (wall) are 35 ft. high and 6 ft. thick and measures 2436 feet by 1493 feet.
Fifth Enclosure: The temple has a huge and magnificent seven-tiered Raja Gopuram at the entrance. The idols of Kali and Veerabhadra are on either side of the entrance. The outermost fifth enclosure is a massive outer wall known as the Vibhuti Praharam. It is two feet thick, over 25 feet high, and stretches over a mile. Legend says that Lord Shiva himself assisted the laborers who built the wall.
Fourth Enclosure: There is another seven-tiered tower with a shrine of Lord Ganesha at the entrance. The fourth precinct encloses a hall with 796 pillars and is 2436 feet by 1493 feet. It also has a tank with ever-flowing springs.
Third Enclosure: At its entrance, it has another tower called the Mallappan Tower with two shrines of Ganesha and Subramanya. The third precinct encloses two gopurams (gateway towers) which are 73 and 100 feet tall, a coconut grove, and a small water tank. It measures 745 feet by 197 feet and is surrounded by a wall 30 feet high.
Second Enclosure: Beyond that there is a huge seven-tiered tower. The actual temple starts from this area. The second precinct is 307 feet by 197 feet with a gopuram 65 feet high and several small shrines and pillared mandapas. On the left side, there is a big sub-shrine almost like a separate temple dedicated to Jambukeshwarar-Akhilandeshwari. Beyond that, there is ‘Oonjal Mandapa’. After that, there is a mandapa full of pillars containing beautiful sculptures.
First Enclosure: In the first enclosure there is a sub-shrine that houses the tall idols of Nataraja and Sivakami. In this enclosure, the idols of Dakshinamoorthy, Chandikeshwarar, Bhairava, and two Jura Deva (sandalwood idols of Shiva with three legs and three arms) are all located. The important sub-shrine here is the Kochenganan shrine, the Chola King built this temple. There is a sub-shrine housing the big idol of Vallabha Ganapathi with 10 arms and holding his Consort.
Mandapams: There are many mandapams in the temple, a 1000 Pillar (This Mandapam is on the North West corner of the 3rd pra haram. To be precise it’s on your left when you enter the temple) and a 100 Pillar Mandapam (this is on the North East corner of the 3rd Praharam), Vasanta mandapam (The mandapam is surrounded by pool of water where Lord Shiva and Goddess Akilandeswari are worshipped on summer evenings), Somaskanda mandapam, Nataraja mandapam, Trimurthy mandapam, etc. The thousand-pillared mandapam looks like a chariot.
Nandi Mandapa: The Nandi Mandapa is adorned with four wide decorated pillars. There are intricate sculptures on the ceiling of this mandapa. Navagraha shrine is located near the Nandi Mandapa. Facing the main shrine stands the tall flag post (Dhwajasthambha) and an adjacent small flag post along with Bali peetham and a big Nandi idol. The Nandi mandapa is adorned with four wide decorated pillars; the ceiling of this mandapa also has intricate sculptures. Navagraha shrine is located near the Nandi mandapa.
Mukha Mandapam: The western side of the sanctum, from where the deity is viewed, is continuous with a large closed hall, the Mukha Mantapa, containing four pillars and housing a bronze idol of Nandi. The Mukha Mantapa has a large, ornate western door gilded with silver that forms the principal entrance. There are two additional entrances to the Mukha Mantapa on the southern and northeast sides as well. A set of three steps descend to the level of the sanctum sanctorum from the Mukha Mantapa. The deity is viewed through a stone window that forms an integral part of the western face of the sanctum sanctorum. The window has nine viewing apertures, believed to represent the Navagraha. There is a panel in bas-relief over the window depicting the sthala Puranam.
Ardha Mandapam: The sanctum sanctorum is divided into the Ardha Mantapam or Antaralam (whose western wall bears the window) and the Garbha Griha where the deity of Jambukeswarar is housed. Entrance into the Sanctum is through a small door on the southern wall, about 4 feet in height. The Ardha Mantapa is about 4 feet X 4 feet and contains an idol of Goddess Parvati on the right side of the door to the Garbha Griha. Devotees are admitted in groups of six into the Ardha Mantapa during Sevas like Abhishekam or on payment of a small fee.
Theerthams - There are nine Theerthams in this temple, all of which are held very sacred.
Brahma Theertham: This is on the South side of 4th Praharam (South Car Street).
Indira Theertham: This is in the 3rd Praharam opposite to Kasi Viswanatha Swami Sannathi.
Jambu Theertham: This is in the South West 3rd Praharam near the old Jambukeshwara temple (Opposite to Sangareshwarar temple and opposite to Kubera Linga).
Rama Theertham: This is outside the temple. Just directly opposite the temple across the G.S.T Road. You can see this on the way to the Srirangam. This is where the “Thai Poosam Theppam” festival is celebrated. This Theertham is full of beautiful Lotus flower plants.
Srimath Theertham: This is nothing but the water spring oozing inside the Sanctorum of Lord Shiva.
Agni Theertham: This is the well in the South East corner of 3rd Praharam. Just opposite on the side of Vasantha Mandapam and temple Nandavanam.
Agathiya Theertham: This is the small well opposite Amman Sannadhi and close to the “Palli Arai”.
Soma Theertham: It’s believed that this is the “Chandra Pushkarani” in the Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy temple (adjacent to Sri Rama Sannadhi).
Soorya Theertham: This is in the southwest corner of the 4th Praharam. Just opposite the 1000 pillar mandapam. This Tank is architecturally beautifully built with two stories of Mandapams around the tank. Each mandapam is built with 100 pillars. “Theppam” festival is celebrated in this tank in the Tamil month “Aadi” on “Pooram” day (the day when the star is Pooram, which is the star of Akilandeswari).
The Formation of 'Appu Lingam' (Parvati’s Penance): Once Devi Parvati mocked Lord Shiva’s penance for the betterment of the World, Lord Shiva wanted to condemn her act and directed her to go to the earth from 'Kailayam' and do penance. Devi Parvathi (Akhilandeshwari) as per Shiva's wish found the 'Jambu' forest (Thiruvanaikoil) to conduct her penance. Devi made a Lingam out of the water of river Cauvery (also called river 'Ponni') under the 'Venn Naaval' tree (the Venn Naaval tree on top of the saint Jambu) and commenced her worship. So, the Lingam is known as 'Appu Lingam' (Water Lingam). Lord Siva at last gave darshan to Akhilandeshwari and taught her Siva Gnana. Devi Parvati took 'Upadesa' (lessons) facing East from Shiva, who stood facing West. So as the temples idols are also installed in the same direction. Such places are known as 'Upadesa Sthalams'. As the Devi was like a student and the Lord like a Guru in this temple, there is no 'Thiru Kalyanam' (marriage) conducted in this temple for the Lord & the Devi, unlike the other Shiva temples. Since Devi Akhilandeshwari worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple, even today at noon the 'Archakar' (priest) dresses like a female and performs Puja to Lord Jambukeswara and the holy Cow. The Shrine of the Devi Akhilandeshwari and the Shrine of Lord Prasanna Vinayaka opposite the Devi Shrine is in the shape of the Pranava Mantra called "OM".
LEGEND 2: The Legend of the Name - 'Thiru Aanai Kaa': There were two Siva Ganas (Siva’s disciples who live in Kailash) by the name 'Malyavan' and 'Pushpadanta'. Though they are Shiva Ganas they always quarrel with each other and fight for one thing or another. On top of all in one fight 'Malyavan' cursed 'Pushpadanta' to become an elephant on Earth and the latter cursed the former to become a spider on Earth. Both the elephant and the spider came to Jambukeswaram and continued their Shiva worship. The elephant collected water from river Cauvery and conducted Abhishekam to the lingam under the Jambu tree daily. The spider constructed its web over the lingam to prevent dry leaves from dropping on it and prevent Sunlight from directly falling on Shiva. When the elephant saw the web and thought that as dust Lord Shiva tore it and cleaned the Linga by pouring water. This happened daily. The spider became angry one day and crawled into the trunk of the elephant and bit the elephant to death killing itself. Lord Siva, moved by the deep devotion of the two relieved them from one other curse. As an elephant worshipped the Lord here, this place came to be known as 'Thiru Aanai Kaa' (Thiru – Holy, Aanai – Elephant, Kaa (Kaadu) – Forest). Later the actual name ‘Thiruaanaikaa’ becomes 'Thiruvanaikaval' and 'Thiruvanaikoil'. In the next birth, the Spider was born as the King Ko Chengata Chola and built 70 temples and Thiruvanaikoil is the one among them. Remembering his enmity with the elephant in his previous birth, he built Lord Shiva 'Sannathi'(Sanctorum) such that not even a small elephant could enter. The entrance to the sanctum of Lord Shiva is only 4 feet high and 2.5 feet wide.
LEGEND 3: Thaadanga Pradhishtaa / Adhi Shankara: Once Goddess Akhilandeshwari was fierce like 'Ugra Devatha', Sri Adhi Shankara transferred her ferocity into 'Thadangas' (earrings) and adorned her with the 'Thadangas'. He also installed 'Prasanna Vinayaga' (Lord Ganesh), opposite her shrine so that she might look on with a beneficent eye. The Thaadanga Pratishtha is done even today (once in a few years) by the Sankaracharya (successors of Adhi Shankara) of the Kanchi Kamakoti Pitham. The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam is also running a 'Vedha Paadasalai' (religious school where the Vedas are taught) on North Car Street at its Mutt.
LEGEND 4: Kalamega Pulavar: Once a learned Saivite started to penance to Akhilandeshwari to achieve wisdom in all arts, Devi Akhilandeshwari came before him in an ordinary women disguise wearing a white sari and asked him to open the Saivites mouth to spit the petal leaves she was chewing. The Saivite out of much dislike insulted Devi. At that time 'Kalamegam' was sleeping on the temple premises, Devi Akhilandeshwari appeared before him and spat into his mouth the betel that she was munching. “Kalamegam” immediately obtained wisdom and went into poetic raptures. He became a very great Tamil poet and then was called “Kavi Kalamegam”. He then sang 'Tiruvaanaikka Ula' praising Devi Akhilandeshwari. Kalamega Pulavar sang the 'Saraswathi Maalai' on Akhilandeshwari, envisaged her as Goddess Saraswathi (Goddess of Wisdom).
LEGEND 5: Uchchi Kaalam Pooja: Ambal takes 3 forms every day here at Thiruvanaikaval. Early in the morning, she provides darshan as Lakshmi. At noon she is seen as Parvathi and in the evening she presents herself as Saraswathi in a white sari. Legend has it that Goddess Parvathi once scoffed at Lord Shiva’s deep penance and his yogic style. Angered at this gesture, Shiva directed her to Earth. She reached this Jambu Vanam (Rose- Apple Forest) and performed pooja with sacred water that turned into Lingam, thus invoking his blessings. This tradition is followed every day during the Uchchi Kaalam Pooja. The priest dressed as Parvathi (draped in a sari) performs pooja at Jambukeswarar Sannidhi. Following this, he performs pooja on the sacred cow. This form of Uchchi Kaalam Pooja is the only one of its kind in Saivite temples in India.
LEGEND 6: Brahmma’s Penance: Once, Brahmma created a beautiful girl in this world. Instead of seeing her as his own daughter, Brahmma cast his eyes on the beautiful damsel. Inflicted with Brahmma Hathi Dosham, he came here, bathed in the Theertham south of the temple, and undertook penance invoking the blessings of Jambukeswarar. A pleased Lord Shiva decided to provide darshan to Brahmma and liberate him from the Dosham. As Shiva was preparing to leave, Goddess Akilandeswari too wanted to join. Shiva cautioned that Brahmma had gotten into this situation lured by the beauty of a young girl and did not want to take a chance once again. They decided to interchange roles – Shiva took the form of Akilandeswari and the Goddess went there as Jambukeswarar and provided darshan to Brahmma. After liberating Brahmma from his Dosham, it is said that they got back into their original forms. During Brahmotsavam, this interchange between Lord and Ambal is re-enacted on the Rohini day on the South Street of the fifth Prakara. As part of this Pancha Parva Utsavam, the Lord comes on a procession in each of the five prakarams – one of the highlights of the year at this temple.
LEGEND 7: Viboothi Prakara: The fifth prakara is referred to as the Viboothi Prakara. Several thousands of laborers toiled hard through the day to construct the prakara. As a reward for their hard work, these committed laborers were each given Viboothi as Prasadam. As they went back home, to their pleasant surprise they found that the Lord’s Prasadam had magically turned into money – a testimony to the truth that the Lord rewards those who offer their sincere prayers and work sincerely in their daily lives.
LEGEND 8: Sundarar’s Devaram Verse: One of Sundarar’s Thevaram verses on Thiruvanaikaa refers to an interesting episode that suggests that every devotee should first offer to the Lord before consuming it. A Queen who was gifted a set of glittering necklaces adorned herself and showcased it with all joy. After bathing in the Cauvery, she found the necklaces missing. Shocked at this loss, the king and the queen invoked the blessings of Lord Jambukeswarar to help find the necklaces. Shortly after, as the priest provided the Lord with the sacred bath the necklaces were seen on the Lord’s Lingam making them realize that in their hour of joy and greed, they had forgotten to first thank him for their state of happiness. This story is beautifully narrated by Sundarar as a message to all devotees that we should not forget the Lord in our hour of happiness.
LEGEND 9: The unfortunate street of Thiruvanaikaval: A few centuries ago, an expert Vaishnavite cook from the Madapalli at Srirangam used to make a trip every day to Thiruvanaikaval to meet his beloved and they used to converse hours together. One evening, he stayed back and slept inside the temple in tiredness. That night, he heard the noise of anklets and woke up to the sprinkling of water on him. As he opened his eyes, he had the darshan of Akilandeswari. The sacred water initiated him into sacred thoughts and transformed him into ‘Kaala Megha’ Pulavar. He went on to sing many verses of praise – ‘Thiruvanaikka Ula’ - on the Goddess. However, he never visited that girl again. After this episode, the story goes that the street in Thiruvanaikaval from where the girl came became one where girls have not gotten married since.
In the third enclosure,
there is a coconut grove having a small tank where the processional idol of the
neighboring Sriranganathaswamy Temple used to be brought one day a year.
As the goddess Akhilandeshwari worshipped her husband Lord Shiva in this
temple, even today at noon the 'Archakar' (chief priest) dresses like a female
and does puja to Jambukeswara and Cow. The noon pooja is very famous and a
host of pilgrims attend it every day. A special variety of black cow, called
Karum Pasu is used for the occasion. Annabhishekam to lingam (ablution with
cooked rice) is a daily ritual performed in the temple. The temple is one of
the hosts for the annual Natyanjali, a festival of classical Indian dance. The
temple has also a school for training nadhaswaram, a classical pipe instrument
in Tamil Nadu.
There is a legend that Parvati as Akhilandeshwari worshipped Shiva here and installed the idol in the sanctum. Following the legend, a priest performs the pooja every day. It is believed that the saint Adi Shankara offered earrings with a Sri Yantra carving on them to the goddess Akhilandeshwari. There are a total of nine water bodies associated with the temple.
Panguni Brahmotsavam in March-April and Aadi Pooram and Fridays in July-August are the festivals celebrated here.
Nearby Temples
Srirangam, Sri Ranganatha
Swamy Temple – 2 km
Tirukkarkudi, Uyyakondan
Thirumalai Temple – 9 km
Samayapuram, Sri
Mariamman Temple – 10 km
Thiruverambur, Sri
Erumbeeswarar Temple – 12 km
Thiruppanjili, Sri
Gneelivaneswarar Temple – 14 km
Thiruvellarai, Sri Pundarikaksha Perumal Temple – 15 km
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