Jambukeshwara Temple –Aarti Timings, Best Time to Visit

The Jambukeswarar Temple at Tiruchirappalli is a famous Shiva temple in the state of Tamil Nadu, South India. The history of this temple is about 1800 years old, which was built by King Kokenganan of the powerful Hindu Chola dynasty. Adding to the religious appeal of the state, the Trichy Jambukeswarar Temple is located on the island of Srirangam which also houses the famous Ranganathaswamy Temple. The Jambukeswarar Temple is counted among the five most prominent Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. These five temples represent the Pancha Maha elements of which Jambukeswarar represents water. There is an underground water stream in Jambukeswarar, therefore, there is no shortage of water here.

Jambukeswarar Temple Story

Many mythological legends are attached to this Trichy Jambukeswarar Temple, it is believed that Goddess Parvati once mocked Shiva's penance for the betterment of the world. Shiva wanted to condemn this work of Parvati, he instructed Parvati to go to earth with Kailash and do penance. Goddess Parvati arrived on earth as Akilandeshwari and started her penance as directed by Lord Shiva in the Jambu forest. The goddess built the Shivalinga under the Ven Naval tree near the Kaveri River and became absorbed in Shiva worship. Later known as Linga Appulingam. Pleased with penance, Lord Shiva appeared to Akilandeshwari and got Shiva knowledge.

There is another legend associated with this Trichy Jambukeswarar Temple that once there were two Shiva disciples named 'Malayan' and 'Pushpadanta'. Though they were Shiva devotees, they always quarreled with each other. Once the two were fighting among themselves, during this time 'Malayan' cursed 'Pushpadanta' to become an elephant on earth and later 'Malayan' also got cursed to become a spider. Both the elephant and spider came to Jambukeswarar and started worshiping Shiva. The elephant collects water from the river Kaveri and worships a Shiva lingam in the Jambu tree. The spider weaved a net over the Shivling to show his reverence so that the strong light of the sun and the dry leaves of the tree would not fall on the Shivling.

When the elephant saw the spider web made on the Shivling, he considered it dirt and removed it from the water. One day, the spider bribed the elephant in the trunk and killed it. After which, Shiva, impressed by the deep devotion of both of them in Jambukeswarar form, came to the same place and freed both of them. The place was named Thiruvanakaval when Shiva worshiped by elephants. Hence Jambukeswarar Temple is also called Thiruvanakaval.

Jambukeswarar Structure and Architecture

Jambukeswarar Temple architecture is much more than Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple. Although both are constructed at the same time. There are five courtyards inside the temple. Huge walls have been constructed to protect the fifth complex of the temple, known as Vibudi Prakash, which extends for about a mile and is 2 feet wide and 25 feet high. According to legend, the walls were built by Lord Shiva along with the laborers. The fourth complex has a large hall and 769 pillars. There are two large Gopurams in the third complex which are 73 and 100 feet long. Similarly, the rest of the premises are also known for their special architectural features. The sanctum of the temple is square. There is also a harp on the roof of the sanctum of the Trichy Jambukeswarar temple.

The idols in the temple are installed opposite to each other, such temples are called Upadesha Sthalams. Since Goddess Parvati is present as a disciple and Jambukeshwar as a guru in this temple, Thiru Kalyanam i.e. marriage is not performed in this Trichy Jambukeswarar temple. The temple also has Ekapathatha Tirumuthi, Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma present in the temple, which can only be seen in the Thyagaraja temple. As told to you, this temple was built during the time of the Chola kings, so here you also have related inscriptions of the Chola kings of the middle of 11 to 12 centuries.

How to reach Jambukeswarar Temple

This amazing Trichy Jambukeswarar temple can be reached easily through all three routes. The nearest airport here is Tiruchirapalli Airport. For the rail route, you can resort to the Tiruchirapalli railway station. If you wish, you can also reach here via roadways. Tiruchirapalli is connected to many major cities in South India by better roadways.

Best time to visit Jambukeswarar Temple

The best time to visit the temple is during the winter season from November to March when the weather remains pleasant and favorable for outdoor activities. The temperature ranges from 19 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius. The climatic conditions during this time are cool and comfortable.

Places to visit near Jambukeswarar Temple

Trichy is dotted with several tourist attractions. This city is famous for ancient temples, waterfalls, and a dam. The famous places to visit near the Jambukeswarar Temple are Kallanai Dam, Rockfort Ganpathi Temple, Samayapuram Amman Temple, Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Puliyancholai Waterfalls, etc.