Parvathi in the form of Akilandeswari as per Shiva's wish found Jambu forest (Thiruvanaikoil) to conduct her penance.

[8] The sanctum sanctorum is a square structure, found independently situated at the center of the innermost enclosure.

The structure is open on three sides, with a shallow moat separating it from the circumambulatory path of the innermost enclosure.

The sthala-vriksham, or holy tree here is the White Jambuka (Tamil: வெண் நாவல் மரம்) (Syzygium cumini), found growing along the south-eastern wall of the sanctum sanctorum.

The western side of the sanctum, from where the deity is viewed, is continuous with a large closed hall, the Mukha Mantapa, containing four-pillars and housing a bronze idol of Nandi.

The Mukha Mantapa has a large, ornate western door gilded with silver that forms the principal entrance.

The deity is viewed through a stone window that forms an integral part of the western face of the sanctum sanctorum.

The sanctum sanctorum is divided into the Ardha Mantapam or Antaralam (whose western wall bears the window) and the Garbha Griha where the deity of Jambukeswarar is housed.

Devotees are admitted in groups of six into the Ardha Mantapa during sevas like Abhishekam or on payment of a small fee.

The upper conical part of the linga is of the color of copper, whereas the yoni-bhaga or the pedestal is of black granite.

The Garbha Griha and the Ardha Mantapa are unadorned from the inside, the only source of illumination within the sanctum being ghee lamps.

Jambukeswara is depicted sitting under a jambu tree, which grows over a small stream that engulfs the deity during the rainy season.

[9] During 1236-37 CE, he built a lot of shrines namely Vallaliswara, Padumalisvara, Vira Narasingeswara and Somleswara evidently named after his grandfather Ballalla II, grandmother Padmaladevei, father Vira Narasimha and aunt Somala Devi.

[11] Pancha Bhoota Sthalam (Sanskrit: पञ्चभूतस्थलानि Pañcabhūtasthalāni) refers to the five Shiva temples,[12] each representing the manifestation of the five prime elements of nature - space, air, fire, water, earth.

[14][16] In the third enclosure, there is a coconut grove having a small tank where the processional idol of the neighbouring Sriranganathaswamy Temple was used to be brought one day a year.

As the goddess Akhilandeshwari worshipped her husband Lord Shiva in this temple, even today at noon the 'Archakar' (chief priest) dresses like a female and does puja to Jambukeswara and Cow.

It is believed that the saint Adi Shankara offered ear rings with a Sri Yantra carving on it to goddess Akhilandeshwari.

[17] The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.