Since it was Parvati who worshipped the lord at Thiruvannaikaval, even today, the temple priest dresses up like a woman when he performs the puja at noon.

At Thiruvannaikaval, Shiva, as Jambukeswara, embodies water. In the days of yore, a sage called Jambu, came across a rare white tree, Venn Naaval, and offered its fruit to Shiva. So intense was his devotion that he swallowed the seed that Shiva spat out. Soon, a white tree grew out of the sage’s head. Pleased with Jambu’s devotion, Shiva accepted his offer to reside in the tree. Many years later, Shiva banished Parvati to the earth for disturbing his meditation. A repentant Parvati made a lingam from the waters of the Cauvery river, placed it under the Jambu tree and prayed for forgiveness. Shiva forgave her frivolity, taught her the Shiva Jnana, merged with the water lingam and stayed under the Jambu tree. He came to be known as Jambukeswara. Since it was Parvati who worshipped the lord here, even today, the temple priest dresses up like a woman when he performs the puja at noon.

Om Namah Shivay.