Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval is a famous Shiva temple in Trichy district. The temple was built by Kochengannan chola king, one of the Nayanar saint and an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, who will never take his food without worshipping Lord Shiva. Thiruvanaikaval is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalam in Tamil Nadu. This temple represents the element of water. The sanctum of Jambukeswara has an underground water stream. It is one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, where all the four famous Nayanar saints have sung the glories of the deity in this temple. This temple was praised by ancient Shaivite saints and they have sung excellent songs on Lord Shiva at this temple. Similar to Kasi and Tiruvannamalai, this temple is also regarded as a MuktiStalam.
Many kings have donated lot of golden ornaments, and renovated this temple. It is believed that those who whole heartedly worship Lord Shiva and Ma Parvati at this temple would be blessed with all of the riches in this world. Their life would prosper and after their death, they would attain salvation also. It is believed that during Shiva Rathri festival day, some of the demi gods in the heaven also would visit and worship Lord Shiva in this temple, and they would perform Shiva puja during the midnight of Shiva Rathri festival, and it is not possible for us to see them in our naked eyes.
The temple has inscriptions from the Chola period. According to legend, Once Parvati closed the eyes of Lord Shiva as a playful act. Shiva got angry with her act and asked her to do penance in the earth. Parvathi in the form of Akilandeswari worshipped Lord Shiva at this place, and after some time, she merged with Lord Shiva. This is a very holy temple, where lot of devotees would visit this temple especially for their career growth and for getting a suitable job. I have visited this sacred temple during the year 2012 with much pleasure.
“OM”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR