 The presiding deity is Sri Jambukeswara, also known as Appu (Water) Lingam. The sanctum, in a low level, is always damp with water. As one of the Pancha Bhutha Sthalas, a lot of significance is attached to this pilgrim centre. The deity is said to have been installed by Parvati. To signify that the Devi is worshipping the Lord, even today the priest wears a sari and performs the noon puja. The Goddess is Akhilandeswari. Adi Sankara had offered Sri Chakra as Thaadanga (ear rings) for the Devi. There are nine Theerthams in the temple. An elephant and a spider once worshipped a Swayambu Lingam, sprouted under a Jambu tree here and attained Mukti. Hence the name Tiruvanaikaval or Jambukeswaram. Legends say that Devi Parvati made a Lingam out of water particles and offered prayers to Lord Siva. She took Upadesa from the Lord and hence it is also known as Upadesa Sthala.
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