Thiruvanaikoil / Jambukeshwar Temple

Sri Thiruvanaikoil or Thiruvanaikaval, of Trichy, holds great importance because of its famous Jambukeswarar Temple. The temple holds a sacred place in the hearts of the Shiva Devotees across the world. The temple is considered one among the five major Shiva Temples, regarded as  Panchabhoota Sthala, representing elements of water. The construction of the temple is thought to be about 1800 years ago by Kochengon, one of the Early Cholas of the city. The temple worships Lord Shiva or Shiva Lingam in the form of Appu Lingam (water lingam). The attraction of the temple is the underground water stream in the sanctum of Lord Jambukeshwara with water coming out of it continuously. The temple also worships Goddess Parvati in the form of- Devi Akilandeswari Amman. People say many stories about the importance and the history of the place. Many regional stories are depicting the gratefulness of the god and his blessings upon his devotees. A story of a spider and elephant, showing their devotion for the god id frequently said here. You must visit here to learn more. The architecture of the temple is complex, with 5 enclosures. The outermost enclosure is gigantic and known by the name Vibudi Prakara, which measures 1mile long, 25 feet high and 2 feet thick. The next enclosure includes a hall harboring 796 pillars and a small tank fed. The younger or the 3rd enclosure is blessed with 2 gopuras, of heights 73 feet and 100 feet respectively. The 2nd last enclosure houses a 65feet high gopura and several shrines of various gods and goddess. The final enclosure has the sacred sanctum with the Appu Lingam. The entrance gate of the sanctum sanctorum measures 4 feet in height and 2.5 feet in width. Festivals- The temple commences Panguni Brahmmotsavam in the months of March-April and Aadi Pooram in the months of July-August every year. These festivals see thousands of Shiva devotees from across the country.