Jambukeswarar Temple is one of the legendary temples of Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva it is located in the vicinity of Trichurapalli and Sirangam. It is one of the unique temples of Tamil Nadu which is based on the Panchbhoot sthalam. The temple signifies the five elements of nature namely wind, water, fire, earth and space. The element of water is signified through the underlying water stream which flows beneath the temple. Known for a number of legends this is one of the most revered places in Tamil Nadu.
Jambukeswarar Temple is mainly known for a number of legends. According to the legends this temple was mainly worshipped by an elephant and a spider. These were two devotees of Lord Shiva who had been cursed to be born as spider and elephant. While the Elephant worships the Shiva lingam with flowers and carries water in his trunk to throw water on the lingam. The spider worships the lingam by knitting a web net above the lingam in order to protect it from the leaves of the tree. Both the spider and the elephant wanted to prohibit each other from worshipping Lord Shiva. In their struggle they finally killed each other. This was supported by another legend in which it was claimed that the spider was reborn in the royal family of the Chola dynasty. His birth was predicted by the royal astrologer. Born as Chenkannan he later on turned to be one of the well known rulers of the Chola dynasty. He built a number of temples which was mainly built to keep the deity out of the elephant`s reach showing resemblance with the past legend.
Along with its legend the temple is also known for its architecture. The temple covers an area of 18 acres which is well decorated with a number of gopurams. The temple has a lavish gopuram, 5 prakarams and ornate mandapams. Decorated with artistic sculptures and statues this temple includes the image of trimurthy. The temple has the deities of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma who resembles with the deity of Trimurty.
Jambukeswarar Temple is also known for a number of festivals. Festivals like Pankuni Bhrammotsavam, Vasanta Utsavam, the float festival in Thai (Capricorn), Aadi Pooram (Cancer) and the Pancha Prakara are celebrated by in the temple. Located in Tiruchirrapalli district of Tamil Nadu this temple is well connected with railways and roadways which are connected with the capital of the state.
Thus known for its popular legends and architecture this is one of the well known temples of Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and other Hindu gods and goddesses this attracts a lot of devotees who get enchanted with the Dravidian style architecture and colourful sculptures.
