Ekambareswarar Temple, Ekambaranathar Temple

TamilNadu, Kanchipuram, Chennai

Representing earth, one of the five elements of the nature, Lord Shiva, in the Ekambaranathar Temple is believed to have manifested himself in the form of Prithvi Lingam. One of the best known temples of Kancheepuram, this shrine of Ekambareswarar is believed to have been in existence since at least 600 AD. The temple initially built by Pallavas was later rebuilt by the Cholas. Adi Shankara is also believed to have expanded this temple with the help of the then rulers.The Vijayanagar kings, during the 15th century, also made lot of contributions to the shrine. It was also developed by Vallal Pachiyappa Mudaliar.

Legend

Legend has it that Parvati devi did a penance under the temple's ancient Mango tree near Vegavathi river. In order to test her, Shiva first send fire. Hearing Parvati's prayers Vishnu helped cool down the tree and Parvathi. Shiva then send Ganga. On Parvati's request, Ganga did not disturb her penance and Parvati made a Shiva Linga out of sand to get united with Shiva. Thus the God here came to be known as Ekambareswarar or "Lord of Mango Tree".

According to another legend, it is believed that Parvati worshipped Shiva in the form of a Prithivi Lingam (or a Lingam made out of sand), under a mango tree. The overflowing waters of the neighboring Vegavati river threatened to engulf the Shiva Lingam. Parvati embraced the Lingam to protect it. Shiva touched by the gesture came in person and married her.

This temple is part of

Saptapuri Yatra
Kanchipuram Divya Desam Yatra.
Pancha Bootha Stalam Yatra

Architecture

One of the ancient temples in India, the architectural marvel of Ekambareswar Temple epitomises the skills of the bygone era of Pallavas, Cholas and Vijayanagars. One of the tallest gopurams in India, the 59m thigh temple gate way is adorned with exquisite carvings. The hallway with a thousand pillars and the 1008 lingams that adorn the inner walls are sights to behold. There is a small shrine for Vishnu named Thiru Nilaaththingal Thundathan inside the temple complex, which is one of the 108 divya desams. The temple tree is a 3,500-year-old mango tree whose branches are said to yield four different types of mangoes from its branches.

Picture courtesy: "Ekambareshwarar5" by Ssriram mt - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ekambareshwarar5.jpg#/media/File:Ekambareshwarar5.jpg

Darsan Info

Ekambareswarar Temple timings : 6:00 AM - 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
There is no separate shrine for the female deity as is customary in all the Shiva Temples found in Kancheepuram. Heavy crowds can be expected on new moon, full moon and pradosha days.

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire while visiting Ekambareswarar Temple.

Famous Festival

April - Panguni Uthiram festival
November - Diwali, Kartikai Deepam

Culture

Kanchipuram, in the state of Tamil Nadu is one of the important religious places in India and a holy pilgrimage site for both Saivites and Vaishnavites. Historically, it was a centre for education and popular for the architectural beauty of its temples. Silk saree weaving is a major industry and Kanchipuram pattu(silk) is famous all around the country.