Jambukeswarar Temple

Jambukeswarar Temple at Thiruvanaikaval is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing the water element (Appu Lingam). Built around 1,800 years ago by the Chola king Kochenga Chola, the temple enshrines a Shivlinga that sits permanently in a natural underground stream which cannot be drained. Goddess Parvati, having descended to earth as Akilandeswari to perform penance after displeasing Shiva, fashioned this lingam from the waters of the Kaveri. The complex has five concentric walls and seven gopurams, and is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams praised by all four major Nayanmars.