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Govindaraja Swamy Temple Tirupati Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Govindaraja Swamy temple is an ancient Hindu Vaishnavite temple in Tirupati city of Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh state in India. The temple is one of the earliest structures in Tirupati and also one of the biggest temple complexes in Chittoor district. This temple is closely associated with Tirumala Balaji Temple.

The Tirupati (downhill) city is built around this temple. Further, the temple is for Lord Vishnu, who is Govindarajaswamy. Govindarajaswamy, and the elder brother of Lord Venkateswara.

What is the history of Govindaraja Swamy Temple?

According to the history of Govindaraja Swamy Temple, a large number of inscriptions found in this temple and in the Sri Venkateswara Temple. The earliest of the records belong to the year 1235 A.D when the Chola King, Raja Raja III was ruling the place.

In the year 1239 A.D the queen of Viranarasinga of Yadavaraya made a gift for decoration of the chariot and carrying necessary repairs. The temple came in for greater importance in 1506 A.D. during the rule of Saluva dynasty of Vijayanagar and from then onwards different rulers in a different way developed the temple. Nayakas, the successors to the Vijayanagar Empire built it.

Before consecrating Govindarajaswamy as presiding deity, Sri Parthasarathy Swamy was the presiding deity of the temple. Kotturu, a village at the foot of Tirumala hills was shifted to the vicinity of Sri Govindarajaswamy Temple which was later emerged into city of Tirupati.

What is the significance of Govindaraja Swamy Temple?

Here’s the significance of Govindaraja Swamy Temple:

  • It’s outer Gopuram which is visible from quite a distance.
  • Govindaraja Swami Temple also has two main shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. The shrine to the north is Sri Govindaraja while the shrine to the south is Sri Parthasarathi (Lord Sri Krishna as the charioteer of Arjuna).
  • The idols of Rukmini and Satyabhama (Krishna’s wives) are also here. The original temple had Sri Parthasarathi on the main altar. ‘Sri Ramanuja’ added the Sri Govindaraja deity around 1130 AD.
  • The nearby shrine is in honor of Sri Ramanuja and on the left of the second entrance is a ‘Kurma’ Deity, Lord Vishnu as a tortoise. There are also carvings depicting the pastimes of the Ramayana and Lord Krishna’s pastimes on the second gopuram.
  • Sri Govindarajaswamy temple is a huge complex with many other sub-shrines in it. Parthasarathy temples, Kalyana Venkateswara Temple are of more importance among the sub-shrines. There are also Shrines dedicated to Pundarikavalli, Andal, Chakratalwar, Alwars, Lakshmi Narayana Swamy, Anjaneya, Tirumala Nambi, Bhashyakars.

What are the timings of Govindaraja Swamy Temple?

Here are the timings of Govindaraja Swamy Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Open 5:30  am9:30 pm
Viswarupa sarva darshan5:30 am6:30 am
Archanantharam darshanam8:00 amto 8:45 am
Sarvadarshanam1:15 pm4:45 pm
 Sarvadarshanam6:00 pm8:00 pm

Which festivals are celebrated at Govindaraja Swamy Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Govindaraja Swamy Temple are:

  • The Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple is home to many festivals of great perchance and importance. On every Saturday festival there is an onrush of visitors seeking blessings to gain health and immediate wealth.
  • Moreover, the celebrations of all the festivals of this temple take place with great aplomb. These involve Bramhostavam, Float festival, Rathasapthami and other utsavam’s that take place at Tirupati or surrounding temples.

How to reach Govindaraja Swamy Temple?

Here’s how to reach Govindaraja Swamy Temple:

  • Air:  Nearest airport to Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple is Chennai international airport, which is 108 km away from Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple.
  • Rail: Nearest railway station is renigunta which is 10 km away from Sri Govindaraja Swamy Temple.
  • Road: bus and car services are available on a fair amount basis.

Where to stay nearby?

Some of the places where one can stay near the temple are:

  • Hotel Bhimas Deluxe at G Car Street, Tirupati is Easily reachable from Tirupati RailwayStation (0.25 km). This hotel in Tirupati provides comfortable accommodation.
  • Hotel Fortune Select Grand Ridge is one of Tirupati’s five star hotels at the intersection of Chennai-Bangalore highway, on the Tiruchanoor road. This hotel is just beside Shilparamam Theme Park .

What are some places to visit nearby?

Some of the places one can visit nearby are:

  • Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple – This temple in honor of Sri Rama is within a distance of about a kilometer from Tirupati Railway station. The Temple is in memory of the visit of Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sita to Tirupati while returning from Lanka.
  • Alamelumangapuram Tiruchanur, also known as Alamelumangapuram, located about 5 kms from tirupati is also an ancient sacred place. The Temple of Sri Padmavathi Devi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara is in this place. Devotees also believe that the visit to tirumala is fruitful only after a visit to sri Padmavathi devi temple at tiruchanur.
  • Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple is at an easily commutable distance of 12 KM to the west Tirupati. It is also the alternative for Tirumala Devastana, and has great divine power.
  • Another important Lord Krishna temple is famous as the Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple. Also, this is the only Krishna temple in the vicinity of Tirupati, depicting the Childhood of Lord Krishna. It is in the town Karvetinagaram, at a distance of 42KM from the Tirupati.

Bhadrachalam Temple Guide – Sita Ramachandraswamy – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Bhadrachalam temple is the abode of Shri Sita Ramachandra Swamy. This temple is in honor of Lord Rama. The temple is on the banks of the Godavari river. It also relates to the life events of Saint Kancharla Gopanna, who was a great devotee of Lord Rama.

What is the history of Bhadrachalam Temple?

According to the history of Bhadrachalam Temple,  Gopanna the Tahasildar of Bhadrachalam (second half of 17th century), used money from government treasury to build this temple, and hence faced imprisonment in a dungeon at Golconda. Lord Rama miraculously gave the Sultan the money spent by Gopanna, after which he released him.

Gopanna then became Bhadrachala Ramadasa and went on to compose innumerable songs in praise of Rama.

Ramadasa heard the news that the villagers of palvoncha paragana were proceeding to witness Jatara at Bhadrachalam. He found the deities in an amazing appearance; and Ramadas then asked the villagers to contribute liberally for the construction of the temple.

So, the villagers appealed to him to spend the revenue collections for the construction of the temple with a promise to repay the amount after harvesting the crops.
The Golconda king Tanishah realized the devotional spirit of Ramadas after his imprisonment and took over the charge of temple administration.

Golconda king, Tanishah then realized Ramadas’s devotional spirit and dedication towards Rama, when Rama and Lakshmana repaid 6 lakhs Mohurs in the form of Ramoji and Lakshmoji, the servants of Bhakta Ramadas for the release of their devotee from imprisonment.

Thanisha gave voucher to these divine looking persons who approached him at his house during late night. Then they kept the voucher under the pillow of Gopanna where he was jailed.  Tanishah who woke up the next morning realized that those divine looking persons were none other than Rama and Lakshmana and made arrangements to get release of Gopanna and prayed to forgive him by placing all the Gold Mohurs received previous night at the feet of Gopanna.  But he refused to take back those mohurs except two as a mark of divine significance, and these two coins can still be seen in Bhadrachalam temple.

What is the significance of Bhadrachalam Temple?

Here is the significance of Bhadrachalam Temple:

  • Shri Rama is a charming person, of handsome beauty, and well-built physique, wearing in his two hands, the Dhanus, and the Bana, and standing in the ‘Tribhanga’ attitude as opposed to the ‘Samabhanga’ pose.
  • Sita stands near him, also in the Tribhanga attitude, with a lotus in one hand and the other hand shown in the ‘Katyavalambita’ posture.
  • Temple also exhibits the importance of Ramayana, one of the great canons of Hindu literature.
  • Moreover, the location Bhadrachalam exists in Dandakaranya, the spiritual significant region where Lord Rama, Goddess Seetha, and Lakshmana had spent 14 years of Vanavasam.
  • Lord Rama takes His abode on the head of the sage Bhadra (immovable hill) famous as Bhadrachalam.
  • A sub shrine of Goddess Lakshmi is also there inside the temple complex of Bhadrachalam temple.

What are the timings of Bhadrachalam Temple?

Here are the timings of Bhadrachalam Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Open4:30 am8:30 pm
Abhishekam00 AM 8.00 AM
Kesavanaamaarchanaa8:30 AM8.00 P.M
Sahasranamarchana8.30 A.M9.30 A.M
Suvarna Tulasi Astotharanamarchana (on Saturdays)8.30 A.M9.30 A.M
Suvarna Pushpa Astothara Namarchana (on Sundays)8.30 A.M9.30 A.M
Sakalbhishtaprada Sree Ramapuja8.30 AM
Nitya Kalyana Ubhayam9.30 A.M11.00 A.M
Rajata Ratha Seva 6.30 PM
Alaya Chuttu Seva8.00 PM8.30 P.M
Vahana Seva (Garuda, Hamsa, Hanumantha, Rajadhiraja)8.00 PM 8.30 P.M.

What are the festivals celebrated at Bhadrachalam Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Bhadrachalam Temple are:

  • Vykuntha Ekadasi occurs in either December or January on the day of either Pushya or Margasira shuddha Ekadasi. The ten day festival Adhyayanotsavams and Dasavatara Mahotsavams (10 incarnations) of Sri Maha Vishnu are preceded to Vykuntha Ekadasi Fete.
  • Sri Rama Navami occurs on every ‘Chaitra shuddha navami ‘ on ‘Punarvasu’ -‘Janma Nakshatra’, of Lord Sri Rama. Further, the priests recite hymns in Kalyanamantapam near the stadium, where devotees witness it.

How to reach Bhadrachalam Temple?

Here’s how to reach Bhadrachalam Temple:

  • Air: Vijayawada is the nearest airport from where flights are available.
  • Rail: The nearest Railway station is Bhadrachalam (Kothagudem) which is 40 km.
  • Road: The state bus service, TSRTC operates numerous buses connecting the town to various places like Kothagudem, Hyderabad, Khammam, Warangal, Tirupati, Rajahmundry, Nalgonda, Chennai, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam.

Where to stay nearby?

Some of the places where one can stay near Bhadrachalam Temple are:

  • The Sita Nilayam Cottage, Bhadrachalam at Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Vaari Devasthanam is a good place to check in. It has nice accommodations that the travelers find to be refreshing.
  • Srinidhi Resdidency at Rajaveedhi is a great place that has excellent accommodations and closest to the bhadrachalam temple entrance.

What are some places to visit nearby?

Some of the places one can visit near Bhadrachalam Temple are:

  • Parnasala is a significant and wonderful sightseeing destination of Bhadrachalam. Parnasala is a popular village in the Khammam district of Telangana, India.
  • Jattayu Paaka (Yetapaka)- This Place is 2Kms away from Bhadrachalam. Jatayuvu, a devotee of Rama obstructed Ravana while he was proceeding on the chariot after kidnapping Sita. After the battle between Ravana and Jataayuvu, the heavily injured bird waited at this place for Rama. A wing of this bird fell at Rekkapalli, about 55 Kms from here, in V.R. Puram Mandal.
  • Sabari in Bhadrachalam is the place where River Sabari joins River Godavari. Also, a woman named Dhammakka used to live here that used to have dreams in which Lord Rama appeared.
  • Annavaram temple is located nearby.
  • Yadagirigutta Temple

Shani Shingnapur Temple – Timings, Rules, Poojas, and History

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Shani Shingnapur Temple is a popular temple of Lord Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet Saturn. It is located in the Ahamadnagar district in the state of Maharashtra. The presiding deity here is ‘Swayambhu’. This means a ‘self-evolved’ deity.

Planning to visit the Shani Shingnapur Temple? Have a look our Shirdi-Shingnapur Tour Package.

Shani Shingnapur Temple – Facts

DeityLord Shani
LocationShingnapur, Maharashtra
Entry FeeGeneral Darshan: Free
Best Time to VisitJune to December
PoojasShani Pooja and Abhishekam
FestivalsShani Amavasya, Shani Jayanti
Shani Shingnapur Temple, Video

Shingnapur is also famous for the fact that no house in the village has doors, only door frames. Despite this, the villagers did not report the occurrence of theft until 2010. Also, devotees believe that the Shani Shingnapur temple is a “jagrut devasthan” that translates into “alive temple”, meaning that the deity still resides in the temple icon. Further, villagers believe that Lord Shani punishes anyone attempting theft.

What are the timings of Shani Shingnapur Temple?

The Shani Shingnapur Temple is open all 24 hours in a day.

Here are the timings of Shani Shingnapur Temple:

RitualFromTo
 Darshan12 AM12 AM

What are the poojas and sevas at Shani Shingnapur Temple?

Shani-Shingnapur-Pooja

There are poojas and abhishekams which are conducted on a daily basis for the devotees to be a part of. The black stone signifying Lord Shani is bathed by the devotees with sesame oil.

What are the rules of Shani Shingnapur Temple?

Are-women-allowed-in-Shani-Shingnapur-Temple

There are certain rules one needs to follow if they want to get on the platform to worship Lord Shani in Shani Shingnapur.

  1. Only men are allowed on the platform to worship Shani Maharaj.
  2. The devotee must take a head bath and get on the platform in wet clothes.
  3. The devotee must be bare-headed (not wearing a cap or a covering cloth on the head).
  4. Collect water for the worship of Lord Shani only from the holy well.
  5. Devotees also use sesame oil for worship.

What is the significance of Shani Shingnapur Temple?

Shingnapur Shanidev

The significance of the Shani Shingnapur Temple is that the shrine for Shani Dev consists of a five and a half feet high black rock installed on an open-air platform, which symbolizes the godi. Unlike other pilgrimage centers, devotees here can perform pooja or abhishekam or other religious rituals themselves.

A Trishula (trident) is placed along the side of the image and a Nandi (bull) image is on the south side. In front are the small images of Shiva and Hanuman.

In the times of Acharya Udasi Baba, there would be only three people visiting the shrine. Namely, Dagdu Changediya, Hastimal Chnagediya and the mother of Badri Tokse. They too used to come only on Saturday. Now, daily there are over 13, 000 visitors.

Generally, the temple has 30–45, 000 visitors a day, which swells to around three lakh (i.e. three hundred thousand) on Amavasya (the no moon day), believed to be the most auspicious day to appease Shani.

According to a 400-year tradition, women could not enter the inner sanctum. Therefore, on 26 January 2016, a group of over 500 women, led by activist Trupti Desai, marched to the temple under the group “Bhumata Ranragani Brigade”, demanding entry into the Inner sanctum. But the police stopped them.

In a landmark judgment on 30 March 2016, the Bombay High Court asked Maharashtra government to ensure that women are not denied entry to any temple. Hence, On 8 April 2016, the Shani Shingnapur trust finally allowed the women devotees to enter the sanctum.

The official website of the Shani Shingnapur Temple is:
http://www.shanidev.com/index.html

What is the history of Shani Shingnapur Temple?

According to history, Ahamadnagar is popular as the place of saints. Also, there are four legends around this temple. The story of the swayambhu statue handed down from generations through word of mouth goes something like this: when the shepherd touched the stone with a pointed rod, the stone started bleeding.

This surprised the shepherd. Soon the whole village gathered around to watch the miracle. On that night Lord Shanaishwara appeared in the dream of the most devoted and pious of the shepherds.

He told the shepherd that he is “Shanaishwara”. He also told that the unique looking black stone is his swayambhu form. The shepherd prayed and asked the Lord whether he should construct a temple for him. To this, Lord Shani said there is no need for a roof as the whole sky is his roof and he prefers open sky. He asked the shepherd to do daily pooja and ‘Tailabhisheka‘ every Saturday without fail. He also promised the whole village will not have to fear of dacoits, burglars, or thieves.

Which festivals are celebrated here?

Shani Shinganapur Amavasya

Some of the festivals celebrated at Shani Shingnapur Temple are:

  • Shri Shaneshchar Jayanti: This day marks the birth of Lord Shani. From ‘Chaitra Shuddha Dashami’ to ‘Chaitrya Vadya Pratipada’, continuously, the priests chant God’s name and perform the ‘Granthraj Dnyaneshwari Parayan’.
  • Aashadi Ekadashi: From 1991, on Aashadi Ekadashi of every year, from Shanishingnapur to Pandarpur, Shaneshwar Palki is taken on foot with great fanfare. In this, all the trustees and devotees participate.
  • Ekanaathi Shashti: Similarly, from 1991, during Ekanaathi Shashti of every year, all the trustees and devotees participate in taking Shaneshwar Palki on foot, with great fanfare, from Shanishingnapur to Paithan.

How to reach Shani Shingnapur?

Here’s how to reach Shani Shingnapur Temple:

  • Air: Nearest International Airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai.
  • Rail: The suggested railway stations are Ahamadnagar, Rahuri, Shrirampur, and Belapur.
  • Road: Shingnapur is a village at a distance of 6 km from Ghodegaon on Aurangabad Ahamadnagar road in Maharashtra. It is 84 Kms from Aurangabad and 35kms from Ahamadnagar.

Where to stay near Shani Shingnapur?

Some places where one can stay near Shani Shingnapur Temple are:

  • Daiwik Hotel, Shirdi near Pimplewadi road is a notable place to check-in. It offers a great dining experience and is a nice accommodating place.
  • The Temple View Hotel at Nagar Manmad road is at close proximity to the temple. Travelers often also check-in for its convenient location and well-suited accommodation.

Maharashtra is also home to five Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Have a look at the 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra. There are a total of 12 Jyotiringas of Lord Shiva in India.

What are some places to visit nearby?

Some of the places that one can visit near Shani Shingnapur Temple are:

  • Shirdi: Shirdi is around 70 km away from Shani Shinganapur which is the famous place of Shri Sai Baba. Saibaba pent most of his life in Shirdi Village. Millions of visitors visit Shirdi temple daily and take blessings from Sai Baba.
  • Ajanta and Ellora: The Ajanta and Ellora caves are considered as the greatest historical monument in the Maharashtra, India; which are about 79 km southwest from Shinganapur.
  • Nashik: The city of Nashik is 143 km from the Shani Shinganapur and is famous for its religious culture. There are many places to see in the Nashik city; some of which include Muktidham, Trimbakeshwar, Pandavleni Caves, Sula Vineyards, Kalaram Temple, Naroshankar Temple, Sundarnarayan Temple, Shri Kailas Math etc.

If you have any questions about the Shani Shingnapur Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Golden Temple Vellore

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Golden Temple Vellore is in Malaikodi at Vellore city in Tamil Nadu.The temple’s chief deity is ‘Sri Lakshmi Narayani’ where devotees from all religions are welcome to visit the temple and have darshan. The Sri Lakshmi Narayani temple inside Sripuram held its consecration (maha kumbhabhishekam) on 24 August 2007.

It is a sight to behold. Constructed by Sri Narayani Peedam and headed by Sri Sakthi Amma, a spiritual leader, the grand temple boasts of spectacular art work.

What is the history of Golden Temple Vellore?

According to history, Sripuram Golden Temple was built in 7 years which is a very short time. It was then inaugurated onAugust 24, 2007 . The golden temple has attracted thousands of devotees. The entire temple had a covering of 9 to 15 layers of gold foil.

The temple is decorated with sculptures of the human person, richly decorated with columns and a roof.

What is the significance of Golden Temple Vellore?

Here’s the significance of Golden Temple Vellore:

  • Temple of Mahalakshmi or temple of Lakshmi Narayan who is Ardha Mandapam and Vimanam has a coating pure gold including both interior as well as exterior.
  • Vellore-based Sri Narayani Peedam has designed the temple, advancing by religious head Sri Sakthi Amma also known as Narayani Amma. The forehead with gold protecting has complex designs and art forms in silver.
  • The illumination is organized in such a way that the forehead papers even during evening. The forehead consists of more than 1500 kg of gold.
  • There was individual creation of details, such as transforming the gold sections into gold foils and then increasing on the gold foils on birdwatcher.
  • Sripuram design symbolizes a star-shaped path(Sri chakra), in the center of the lushgreen surroundings, with a duration of over 1.8 km.
  • Sahasra deepam or 1008 lamps is a sacred installation here.
  • Messages by ‘Amma’ are there out along the path to the temple with messages from the Gita, Bible and Quran.

What are the timings of Golden Temple Vellore?

Here are the timings of Golden Temple Vellore:

Timings From To
Open 4.00 AM 8.00 PM
Abishekam 4.00 AM 8.00 AM
General Dharshan 8.00 AM 8.00 PM
Aarthi Seva 6.00 PM 7.00 PM

 

How to reach Golden Temple Vellore?

Here’s how to reach Golden Temple Vellore:

  • Air: airports of Bangalore and Chennai are the nearest airports with regular flights.
  • Rail: The nearest railway station is Vellore katpadi Jn railway station, which is only 12 km distance from Sripuram.
  • Road: there are many buses that run from Bangalore, Chennai, Tirupati and some other main cities.

Where to stay near Golden Temple Vellore?

Some of the places where one can stay near Golden Temple Vellore are:

  • Hotel Gold in the heart of the city on national highway no.1, is a famous hotel that has a promising atmosphere and well suited accommodations.
  • Hotel Khanna Fiesta at Anna Sallai , Vellore is another place to check in during your visit. It is rather popular for its complementing decor and accommodations.
  • Hotel Surabi at Officer’s Lane is also a great place to tuck in. It has great staff and room service that has received much praise.

What are some places to visit near Golden Temple Vellore?

Some of the places to visit near Golden Temple Vellore are:

  • Vellore Fort was built during the 16th century AD by the Aravindu Dynasty of the Vijaynagar Empire. Later the fort’s ownership passed through the various dynasties like the Marathas, Bijapur Sultans, the Carnatic Nawabs and the British. The massive ramparts and moats have made the fort a strategic location, it was also known to have Tipu Sultan’s family and the last king of Sri Lanka as prisoners during the time of the British. The fort complex contains a church, a temple and a mosque.
  • Jalakandeswarar Temple is within the Vellore fort complex and is for Lord Shiva. The Temple is also one of the amazing specimens of the Dravidian architecture and houses one of the most intricately carved stone pillars. The temple also has a huge 7 tiered gopuram and adorned with various intricate carvings.
  • Yelagiri is another small hill station in Vellore. The town is in the middle of flowery meadows, tea estates and orchards. The various lakes and waterfalls in Yelagiri attract a huge number of tourists.

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Jambukeswarar Temple Thiruvanaikaval

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The Jambukeswarar temple in Tiruchirapalli of Tamil Nadu is one of the  Pancha Bhoota Stalas (the five Shiva temples). The presiding deity is the Appu Lingam – the water element. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where all the Nayanars (Saivite Saints) have sung glories of the deity.

Another famous temple in the Pancha Bhoota Stalas is the Arunachalam Temple located in Tiruvannamalai.

What is the history of Jambukeswarar Temple?

The history of Jambukeswarar temple is that it was built by Kocengannan (Kochenga Chola), one of the Early Cholas, around 1,800 years ago. It is in the Srirangam Island, which has the famous Ranganathaswamy temple. Hundreds of devotees gather here every year to watch the Lord and get his blessings.

What is the legend of Jambukeswarar temple?

Devotees believe that once, Devi Parvati made fun of Lord Shiva’s penance for the improvement and welfare of the world. So, Shiva asked her to go to the earth from Kailash (Shiva’s abode) to perform her penance.

Parvati in the form of Akilandeswari as per Shiva‘s wish found Jambu forest (Thiruvanaikoil) to conduct her penance. Hence, she made a lingam out of water of river Cauvery under the Venn Naaval tree (the Venn Naaval tree on top of the saint Jambu) and commenced her worship. Threfore, the lingam is known as Appu Lingam (Water Lingam). Siva at last gave darshan to Akilandeswari and taught her Siva Gnana. Further, Akilandeswari took Upadesa (lessons) facing East from Shiva, who stood facing west.

Also, Malyavan and Pushpadanta were two Shiva Ganas or disciples. They always were on conflict over something or other and once Malyavan cursed Pushpadanta to become an elephant on Earth. The latter cursed the other to become a spider. The elephant and the spider came to Jambukeswaram and continued their Siva worship.

The elephant collected water from river Cauvery and conducted ablution to the lingam under the Jambu tree every day. Shiva, in the form of Jambukeswara, moved by the deep devotion of the two, relieved them from the curse. As an elephant worshipped Shiva here, this place was famous as Thiru Aanai Kaa (thiru means holy, aanai is elephant, kaa (kaadu) means forest). Then, later the name ‘Thiruaanaikaa’ becomes ‘Thiruvanaikaval’ and ‘Thiruvanaikoil’.

For committing the sin killing the elephant, the spider was born as the King Kochengot Chola meaning red-eyed king and built 70 temples and this temple is the one among them.

What is the significance of Jambukeswarar Temple?

The significance of Jambukeswarar temple is that the main deity is Jambukeswara, representing the element water. Also, Jambukeswara is depicted sitting under a jambu tree. It grows over a small stream that engulfs the deity during the rainy season. The sanctum of Jambukeswarar is always abundant in water.

The massive outer wall covering the fifth precinct is famous as the Vibudi Prakara. It stretches over a mile, and is two feet thick and over 25 feet high. Legend maintains that Shiva built the wall with the laborers. The fourth precinct contains a hall with 796 pillars.

The temple is also the abode of goddess Akilandeswari, one of the forms of the goddess Parvati.

Moreover, the sannathy of the goddess Akilandeshwari and the sannathy of Prasanna Vinayaka are in the shape of the pranava manthra “Om”.

Also, the temples idols are opposite to each other. Such temples are Upadesa Sthalams. As the Devi was a student and Jambukeswara a Guru (teacher), hence Thiru Kalyanam (marriage) does not take place in this temple for Shiva and Parvathi, unlike the other Shiva temples.

What are the timings of Jambukeswarar temple?

The timings of poojas and rituals at Jambukeswarar temple are:

Timings From To
Morning Darshan 6AM 12 PM
Evening Darshan 5 PM 9 PM
Ushakkala Pooja 6:30 AM 7:30AM
Kaalashandhi Pooja 8 AM 8:45 AM
Uchikkala Pooja 11 AM 12 PM
Saayaraksha Pooja 5 PM 5:45 AM
Ardhajama Pooja 9 PM

 

What are the festivals celebrated at Jambukeswarar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at jambukeswarar temple are:

  • Panguni Brahmmotsavam in March-April and Aadi Pooram in July-August are the famous festivals of the temple.
  • Also, Purattasi is the Navarathiri festival taking place elaborately over 10 days.
  • Thai – Thai Poosam, Thai theppam (Float) festival. Special poojas take place during Fridays of Thai month.
  • Another name for Vaikasi is Vasantha Urchavam. It is another important 10-day festival.

How to reach Jambukeswarar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Jambukeswarar Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Trichy at a distance of 15km.
  • Rail: The Trichy junction is 8km away.
  • Road: Thiruvanaikaval is about 320 km on Chennai & Kanyakumari national highway. The temple is 8 km away from central bus stand and 3 km from Chathiram bus stand at Trichy.

Where to stay near Jambukeswarar Temple?

Some places to stay near Jambukeswarar temple are:

  • Sri Maruti Pilgrims House offers accommodation in Tiruchchirappalli. The temple is 2.1 km away. It has a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Mayas Kem Pride at 75-I, Salai Road , Thillai Nagar is a famous hotel.
  • Also, Hotel Mayas at Hotel Mayas 46, Karur Bye Pass Road, Chatram Bus Stand features good accommodations.

What are some temples near Jambukeswarar Temple?

Some of the temples nearby Jambukeswarar temple are:

  • Arulmigu saptharisheeswara Temple has won a unique place among the temples of Tamil Nadu. The seven rishis, atri, brihu, pulsithar, vasistar, gauthamar, angeerasar and marichi, prayed here to the presiding deity, saptharisheeswarar, to ward off the bad period they were passing through. Also, the parantaka kings extended the temple.
  • Arulmigu Vekkalaimman Temple– It is dedicated to Lord Mother Vekkali Amman. She is holding a trident, Udukkai, the rope-pasam and Akshaya Patra (a vessel from which food would be constantly flowing to feed all beings) in Her four hands.

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