Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval, Tiruchchirappalli

Tiruchchirappalli, Tamil Nadu

Also Known As:

Thiru Aanai Ka,

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval, located in Tiruchchirappalli, is a remarkable testament to the rich blend of cultural heritage and spiritual devotion. With a history that spans centuries, the temple has preserved its original charm while adapting to the evolving times. Its unique architecture reflects the craftsmanship of skilled artisans, while its rituals echo ancient traditions passed down through generations. Visitors are captivated by the intricate carvings, sacred idols, and the serene courtyards that invite both prayer and reflection. This temple has not only served as a centre of worship but also as a cultural hub where stories, art, and traditions thrive. For both devotees seeking divine blessings and heritage enthusiasts exploring India’s spiritual landscape, Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval in Tiruchchirappalli offers a truly enriching experience. Its legacy also resonates with the grandeur of Historic temples in Tamil Nadu.

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval History and Significance

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval, is a significant Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu. It represents the element of water among the five major Shiva temples. The temple was built in the 2nd century AD by King Kochengat Cholan.

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval Opening Time
Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval Pooja Timing
Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval Information Facilities and Accommodation
Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval Transportation and Accessibility
Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval Interesting Facts
Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval Nearby Temples
Other Shiva Temples
Famous Temples from around

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval Opening Time

Day	Timings
Monday	6:00 AM – 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday	6:00 AM – 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday	6:00 AM – 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thursday	6:00 AM – 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday	6:00 AM – 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday	6:00 AM – 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sunday	6:00 AM – 1:00 PM 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Ushakala poojai	06:30 AM to 07:30 AM IST
Thirumanjana Kudam	07:30 AM to 07:45 AM IST
Kalasandhi pooja	08:00 AM to 09:00 AM IST
Uchikkala Pooja	11:00 AM to 12:00 PM IST
Ko Pooja	11:00 AM to 11:30 AM IST
Sayaraksha Pooja (Evening)	05:00 PM to 06:00 PM IST
Ardhajama Pooja	08:30 PM to 09:00 PM IST
Palliyarai Pooja	08:45 PM to 09:00 PM IST

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval Location Details

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval is located in Tiruchchirappalli, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. The temple is well connected by road, rail, and air, making it easily accessible for devotees and tourists. Below are the location details.

Address

Thiruvanaikkaval, 620005

04312230257

How to Reach Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval

By Road:

Thiruvanaikaval is well-connected by road to major towns in Tamil Nadu. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly from cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Tiruchchirappalli Junction and Srirangam Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Thiruvanaikaval.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Thiruvanaikaval, which is approximately 15 km away.

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval Nearby Temples

Best time to visit (season/months):

The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for temple visits. Avoid the peak summer months (April to June) due to high temperatures.

Temple Facility

Wheel Chair:

A two-wheel chair has been installed for the use of devotees at the west entrance of the temple.

Free Footwear Stand:

Free Chappal Stand facility available near the west entrance.

Battery Car:

A battery powered car is in use in this temple for the use of elderly and differently able persons. It has been in use since 2011.You can use it for free.

Wooden Chariot:

At the Forth Pragaram, by the main tower, there are two legendary wooden chariots. They come around the pragaram on mandala promothsavam the day of Revathi Natchathram in the month of Panguni.

Golden Chariot:

Golden chariot promenade is conducted in the third round about path of this temple. The permit fee for Golden chariot Walk is fixed as Rs.1600/-. Devotee birthday, wedding day arrangements have been made to conduct gold chariot promenade departures.

Toilet Facility:

6 toilets for men and 6 toilets for women are provided free of cost at the western entrance gate of the temple for the pilgrims visiting the temple.

Wheel Chair:

Temple West Entrance and Amman sannathi North entrance

Drinking Water R.O.:

At the western entrance of the temple, and Lunch Hall, there are water purifiers for the visitors of the temple.

Other Shiva Temples

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval Information Facilities and Accommodation

Temple Speciality

Historical:

Speciality description - The Name Thiruvanaikka was derived river a white elephant with four horns worshiped lord shiva and attained Salvation (Moksha) Thiru - Moksha - Salvation, Aanai-Elephant, Kka - Forest. Goddes Akilandeshwari Chose this island to worship lord shiva.. She took water from river cauvery and made a shivalinga out of it and erected it. under the White Jamun Tree Which evolved out of Jambu Maharishis head and she started worshiping still the worship persists in this temple. The Temple priest who is coming to conduct the peak time worship comes from the temple of Akilanda Nayagi in the form of a women goddess with garland ruddharaksha, flowers and water in her hand entire the third circulatory path with drums and goes inside lord shrine for worship representing them she perform worship to the holy cow and the she is back to the shrine. The Shri Chakras shining in both years of goddess are divine and holy light unlike any other goddess. The sanctum of Jambukeswara has an underground water stream - despite pumping water out, it is always rich with water.

Thala Virutcham:

Sthala Virksham ( Tree of the Temple) is White Jamoon Fruit Tree. (Ven Naval Maram).

Structure:

Importance of 8 flag trees erected at the third circle or enclosure. There are 8 different directions representing eight different deities which is symbolically represented as 8 flag trees erected around the third circle of thiruvanaikka temple. They are as follows. 1. West- The water god called varunan in tamil language Northwest- The air god vaayu in Sanskrit language North- The wealth God Kuberan (name in tamil language ) North east - Lord eesanan (name in tamil language ) East - Lord Indhiran (name in tamil language) South east - The fire god Akni (name in tamil language ) South - The soul remover god Yemen (name in tamil language ) South west - In the name nirudhi (name in tamil language ). All the above mentioned deities have worshipped the superior God JAMBUKESHWARAR (LORDS NAME IN SANSKRIT ) at thiruvanaikka temple which we say as SHIVAN in tamil language and who is the GOD RESPONSIBLE FOR TOTAL DESTRUCTION with him alone remaining undestroyed and who is also called the one and the only superior lord.

Subshrines Details

vinayagar sannathi near elephant mahal:

The sannathi is in the front of Mallappan Gopuram.

Kasiviwanathar sannathi near (elephant Residence):

This shrine is located near the elephant Mahal.

subramaniyar sannathi near Elephant Residence:

Subramaniyar Shrine Near to elephant Residence

Baladhandayuthapani Shrine:

Baladhandayuthapani Shrine - Retreated at the third enclosuer

Thatchnamoorthy Shrine:

Takshinamurthy shrine situated at the first entrance 3 of the main sanctum facing the South Direction

Sandigeswarar Shrine:

Sandigeswarar Shrine Situated behind the main Sanctum

Meenatchi Sundareswarar sannathi Kosali(Old) near:

Meenatchi Sundareswarar Shrine near old Cow - Shed.

Kasiviswanathar sannathi indra Pond:

This shrine is located behind the Indra Theertha in the temple

Lord Ganesh Shrine at the West Entrance:

Name of the Deity: Ganesh Shrine near elephant residence

Sangameswarar Sannathi:

Sangameswarar shrine is located at the back of the sangameswarar sanctum temple.

Sandigeswari sannathi:

The shrine is located in the left side of Amman Sannathi

Prasanna vinayagar:

Prasanna vinayagar shrine is situated opposite to Amman Shrine.

Vallaba ganapathy sannathi:

This shrine is located in the second round about path of Swami Shrine.

A/m.Jambukeswarar and Akilandeswari sanathi:

This shrine is located opposite to the old Gosalai

Temple Services

Annadhanam:

Meals provided for 100 persons at 12.30 PM every day. Special meals with vadai, payasam and appalam offering every Friday. Devotees are invited to donate Rs.3500/- for one day expenses for offering meals for 100 persons. They also invited to pay Rs.70,000/- for Fixed deposit and the annual interest amount to be spent for one day expenses the date mentioned by the devotee. The donation amount exempted from income Tax under Section 80G of Income Tax act.

Temple Services:

Devotees are requested to pay the amount for donation and other services at the temple information center only.

Donation:

Devotees are requested to pay the amount for donation and other services at the temple information center only.

Tank Information

Aditheertha theppakulam:

Description of Thirukkulam- This is Theppakulam opposite 1000 pillars palace in south west corner of 4th circular path. Surrounding this there is 100 pillars palace. In this, Theppathruvizha will be held in the month of Adi(July- August) in Pura Nakshatra (star).

RamaTheetha Theppakulam:

A Sacred Pond called Rama Theertham. There is a celebration called Theppam during the Tamil month Thai

Sculpture Details

Uthsavar Mandabam:

UtsavarMandapam Sculpture made in black stone Details of the sculpture: The pediments of the hall where the UtsavaMurthys are made like wooden carvings . They were designed in the model of The Avudaiyar temple style.

Four Pillars:

Description of Sculptures The Swami Sanctum has four large pillars in the third round with sculptures and stone chains hanging from the top. Significance of four giant pillars near the Lords shrine flag tree which is otherwise called kodimaram in tamil language. There are four giant pillars erected in a square form wherein two plus two pillars facing opposite to each other. Each pillar represents a single holy shrine. They are as follows . 1.Thirukailayam in tamil language - The great Himalayas (kailash) The pillar facing the north carrying the Lord with his consort in the holy bull. 2.Thiruvanaikka in tamil language - The pillar opposite to the above which is facing the south direction. The pillar is embedded with an elephant , spider, Goddess and Saint Jambu worshipping Lord in the form of water which we say as Jalalingam in Sanskrit language and sezhuneerthiral naadhar in tamil language. 3. Thiruvaaroor in tamil language. The pillar adjacent to the above which is facing the south direction. The pillar carries a stone carved statue of God, Murugan and Goddess which is called as somaskandhar in Sanskrit language. 4. Thirumayendhiram in tamil language . The pillar opposite to be above which is facing the north direction. This pillar carries God and Goddess in a standing posture which is called as Chandira sekarar in tamil language.

Kurathi:

In the lower four pillar hall in the third circle, you can see the beautiful sculptures of a dancing women.

Mural Details

Mural:

Mural detail- The painting of kings visiting Swami Amman is located above the PrasannaVinayagar shrine. Its period is not known. Paintings are located above the Omkara Ganapati Sub shrine on the west side of the first round about path of the Shiva shrine. Its period is unknown.

Legends Beliefs

Once, Parvati mocked Shiva's penance. Shiva sent her to earth to perform penance. She made a lingam from the Cauvery river water and worshipped it. Shiva appeared and taught her Siva Gnana. The lingam is known as Appu Lingam.Two Siva Ganas, Malyavan and Pushpadanta, cursed each other to become an elephant and a spider. They worshipped Shiva at Thiruvanaikaval. The elephant cleaned the lingam with water, and the spider protected it with its web. They died in a fight, and Shiva relieved them from their curses.The spider was reborn as King Kochengat Cholan, who built the temple. He made the entrance small to prevent elephants from entering, remembering his past life.
Deities and Sub Deities

The main deity is Jambukeswara, representing water. The temple also houses Akilandeswari, a form of Parvati. The deities are installed opposite each other, symbolising a teacher-student relationship. No marriage rituals are conducted here for Shiva and Parvati.
Offerings

Annabhishekam, an ablution with cooked rice, is a daily ritual. Devotees offer prayers and perform various rituals to seek blessings from the deities.
Architecture

The temple has a massive outer wall called Vibudi Prakara, stretching over 1 mile. The fourth precinct has a hall with 796 pillars. The third enclosure has two gopurams and a small water tank. The inner sanctum is a square structure with a vimana on the roof.The sanctum sanctorum has a stone window with nine apertures representing the Navagraha. The Garbha Griha houses the self-manifested linga of Jambukeswarar. The temple also has a shrine for Akilandeswari, shaped like the pranava mantra 'Aum'.
Festivals

The temple hosts the annual Natyanjali festival, celebrating classical Indian dance. The noon pooja is famous, where the chief priest dresses like a female and performs rituals. The temple also celebrates various other Hindu festivals with great fervour.
Religious Practices

The temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the element of water. Daily rituals include Annabhishekam and various poojas. The temple has a school for training in nadhaswaram, a classical pipe instrument.

FAQ's

Where is the Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval located?

The Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval is located in Tiruchchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Tiruchirappalli district.

Which God is Sri Jambukeswarar?

Sri Jambukeswarar is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval?

The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for temple visits. Avoid the peak summer months (April to June) due to high temperatures.

Why is Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval famous among tourists and devotees?

How to reach Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Tiruchchirappalli Junction and Srirangam Railway Station. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Thiruvanaikaval. Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Thiruvanaikaval, which is approximately 15 km away.