Nallicheri Jambukeswarar Temple, Thanjavur (Nandimangai)

Address

Nallicheri Jambukeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Nallicheri,

Papanasam Taluk, Thanjavur District

Tamil Nadu 614206

Moolavar

Jambukeswarar / Jambunathar

Amman

Akilandeswari

Introduction

The Jambukeswarar Temple, situated in Nallicheri, Papanasam Taluk, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the seven places forming the seven Holy Kshetras around Pasupathi Koil.

Puranic Significance

The Jambukeswarar Temple is believed to be about 1500 years old.
It is one of the seven shrines associated with the Saptha Matrikas (Seven Divine Mothers) in the Ayyampettai/Pasupathi Koil region of the Thanjavur–Papanasam (Kumbakonam) route.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Jambukeswarar or Jambunathar, and his consort, Akilandeswari.

Association with Saptha Matrikas:

This temple is specifically associated with Vaishnavi, one of the Saptha Mathas (Divine Mothers). Vaishnavi is believed to visit this temple with Parasakthi on the fourth day of Navarathri (Chaturthi) during the Navaratri festival.
This day is considered auspicious, as both Sakthi and Vaishnavi had darshan of Lord Shiva’s feet as well as the attendant closest to Shiva, Nandeeswarar.

The Legend of Nandi and the Lotus Feet of Shiva:

A significant legend is associated with this temple. It tells the story of how Nandi, Lord Shiva’s divine bull, longed to experience the touch of Shiva’s lotus feet.

It is said that once, Lord Shiva’s leg ornament, known as Kazhal, touched Nandi’s back, and Nandi was overcome with ecstasy. He wished for the Lord’s feet to touch him directly.
To fulfill this wish, Nandi performed 1008 Pradosha Poojas (special worship rituals performed on the 13th day of each lunar fortnight) for Lord Shiva. As a result of his devotion, Lord Shiva granted Nandi’s request, and his divine feet were placed upon Nandi.
This episode is beautifully depicted in the temple through Sudhai (sculpted) work.

Nandi Mangai:

The village where the temple is situated was originally known as Nandi Mangai, but it is now called Nallicheri.

Unique Temple Features:

One notable feature of the Jambukeswarar Temple is that it faces west, which is unusual as most Shiva temples face east.
The temple is believed to offer salvation (Mukthi) similar to Kashi, and this is why it faces the direction of the cremation ground.

Deities in the Temple:

The presiding deity, Jambukeswarar, is enshrined in the temple and is believed to provide blessings and salvation to devotees.
Akilandeswari, the consort of Jambukeswarar, is located in the temple in a south-facing standing posture.
The temple also has a shrine dedicated to Vishnu Durga, which is quite popular among devotees.
Two Irattai Vinayagars (twin Ganesha idols) can be found at the temple’s entrance.

Special Features

Saptha Mangai Sthalams:

Jambukeswarar Temple is one of the seven shrines associated with the Saptha Matrikas in the Ayyampettai/Pasupathi Koil region. Each temple is dedicated to one of the Saptha Matrikas.

Navarathri Worship:

During the nine-day Navaratri festival, the Universal Mother, along with the Saptha Mathas, visits these temples to have darshan of various aspects of Lord Shiva.

Festivals

The temple celebrates various festivals, including Maha Shivaratri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November, and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January.