Akilandeswari

Therefore, Goddess, the divine mother who protects the entire universe in her womb (cosmic egg), is known as “Akhilandeshwari”.

Parvati in the form of Akhilandeshwari as per Shiva's wish found the Jambu forest to conduct her penance.

The elephant and the spider arrived at Thiruvanaikovil and found the Appu Lingam under the Venn Naaval tree in the Jambu forest.

The elephant collected water from the nearby Kaveri River and performed abhishekam (ablution) to the lingam.

The spider constructed a web to prevent dust, dry leaves and direct sunlight from falling on the lingam.

Moved by the deep devotion of the two, Shiva appeared and gave moksha (liberation) to the elephant and the spider, who were his attendants in their past lives.

There's also a story in which Shiva came in the form of a saint called Vibhooti Seethar and built a wall, as per the wish of the King who ruled the place.

It is also believed that Brahma and Indra worshipped Akhilandeshwari here and composed stotrams, namely the, The idols (moola murtis) of Jambukeswarar (Shiva) and Akhilandeswari are installed opposite to each other – Such temples are known as Upadesa Sthalams.

It is believed that Akhilandeswari was originally an angry deity (ugra devata) in the form of Varahi and devotees would pray to her only from the outside of the temple.

Apart from this, she becomes Lakshmi in the morning, Durga at 12 Noon, Saraswati in the evening and as Varahi after the Arthajama puja at 9 pm.

Hence during the Tamil month of Margazhi, it is believed that Ranganatha sends garlands, jewellery, sarees and gifts to his sister Akhilandeswari.

In 2012, P. Unni Krishnan and Harini, the renowned vocalists rendered songs on Adi Parashakti through a devotional album titled Om Nava Sakthi Jaya Jaya Sakthi, in which Goddess Akilandeshwari was also praised through a dedicated song.