Water

The Jambukeswarar Temple in Thiruvanaikaval, Tamil Nadu, has its roots in a legend where Goddess Parvati, as Akilandeswari, was sent by Lord Shiva to earth to atone for mocking his penance. She worshiped Shiva as a lingam made of water under a Jambu tree. Two of Shiva's disciples, Malyavan and Pushpadanta, were cursed to become a spider and an elephant, respectively. The elephant worshiped the lingam daily, while the spider protected it with webs. Their rivalry led to the elephant's death, and Shiva, moved by their devotion, relieved them from the curse. The spider was reborn as King Kochengot Chola, who built 70 temples, including this one, with a narrow entrance to prevent elephants from entering, remembering his past enmity. The legend of Thiruvanaikaval is deeply intertwined with the presence of an underground water stream that flows beneath the sanctum sanctorum. This stream perpetually fills the lingam (the symbolic representation of Lord Shiva) with water, symbolizing the continuous and life-sustaining nature of this element. Devotees believe that this sacred water has purifying properties and can cleanse one's soul and body.