A Guide To Jambukeswarar Temple, Tiruchirappalli

Highlights

Legends of Jambukeswarar Temple

Many legends are associated with Jambukeswarar Temple, which are reflected in the temple’s architecture and construction.

One such story tells how the goddess Parvati was sent to Earth in the form of Akilandeswari as penance for mocking Shiva. Akilandeswari found Jambu Forest (Thiruvanaikoil), where she built a lingam (abstract representation of Shiva) and worshipped it. This lingam is known as the Water Lingam, or Appu Lingam. Impressed by Akilandeswari’s devotion, Shiva appeared to her in his holy form and presented her with knowledge. This legend is represented in the Akilandeswari Shrine, where idols of Shiva and Parvati stand opposite each other to express how Akilandeswari received lessons from Shiva.

In another legend, two disciples of Shiva quarreled and were subsequently cursed into the forms of a spider and an elephant. Each continued to worship Shiva in their own way; the spider by building a web to protect the lingam, and the elephant by collecting water and cleaning the lingam. However, one day the elephant mistook the spider’s web for dust, and ripped it down. The spider, angry at the elephant for ruining its web, climbed into the elephant’s trunk, and bit the elephant until it killed itself. Shiva was impressed by the devotion of both animals, and removed their curses, but the spider was born into the next life as the King Kochengot Chola, who built many temples as a penance for killing the elephant. Jambukeswarar Temple was one of the temples built by King Kochengot Chola, and the temple features many symbols of elephants and spiders throughout the complex.

Architecture

Jambukeswarar Temple was built by the Chola dynasty around 1,800 year ago, and is filled with fantastic architectural features like towering walls, expansive halls, and two large pyramidal towers known as gopurams. There are five courtyards inside the temple, and each features ornate details. In the fourth courtyard is a large hall, with a staggering 769 pillars inside, while the second and third courtyard feature the colorful gateway gopurams. In the innermost courtyard is the square sanctum, which includes idols, linga, Akilandeshwari’s shrine, and intricate artwork and Chola inscriptions.

Festivals

Jambukeswarar Temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, with the major ones being the Aadipuram festival, Navarathiri festival, and Pancha Praharam (Brahmotsavam).

Travel tips

When to visit

Jambukeswarar Temple is open daily from 5:30 am to 1:00 pm in the morning and 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the evening. The temple is open year-round, but the cooler temperature (ranging from 19-22 degrees Celsius, 66-72 degrees Fahrenheit) from November to March makes it very pleasant to explore the temple and other nearby attractions.

Entry to Jambukeswarar Temple

There is no entry fee to enter Jambukeswarar Temple.

Appropriate dress

Visitors should make sure to dress appropriately while visiting the Jambukeswarar Temple. Regardless of faith, all guests should wear modest or conservative clothing while visiting the temple. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended as the temple complex is quite a large area to explore.

How to get there

Jambukeswarar Temple is located on Srirangam Island in Tiruchirappalli (which is also known as Trichy), and is accessible via private vehicle and public transit. The nearest airport is 7 miles (12 km) away in Tiruchirappalli.

By private vehicle

The town of Tiruchirappalli is well-connected by roads to many nearby cities in Tamil Nadu and is easily accessible by car. There are several parking lots located near the temple, including the West Temple Parking lot and the South Parking lot.

By bus

Tiruchirappalli has several bus stops that are located close to Jambukeswarar Temple. The Tiruchirappalli Central bus stand is 5 miles (8 km) from the temple, while the Srirangam bus stand is nearly a mile (1.5 km) away. From Periyar Nagar stop, Jambukeswarar Temple is about a six minute walk away.

By taxi and auto-rickshaw

Many taxis can take you to Jambukeswarar Temple from nearby cities. Visitors can also travel by auto-rickshaw within Tiruchirappalli.

By rail

There are several railway stations located close to Jambukeswarar Temple. Srirangam railway station is nearly a mile (1.5 km) away from the temple, while Tiruchirappalli Town railway station is situated nearly 2.5 miles (4 km) away from Jambukeswarar Temple.

Jambukeshwarar Temple information

Jambukeswarar Temple

Address: N Car St, Srirangam, Thiruvanaikoil, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620005, India

Opening hours: 5:30am - 1pm, 3pm - 9pm (daily)

Price: Free

Website: Jambukeswarar Temple

Website: Department of tourism

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