ABOUT EKAMBARESWARAR TEMPLE

Ekambareswarar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Kanchipuram in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu. This temple is believed to be reconstructed in  600 AD by Pallavas which means it is way older.

Kanchipuram is the historic capital of the Pallavas. Kanchipuram which is also a temple town, is considered to be the foremost among the seven prime pilgrimage centers in India. Along with Mamallapuram and Tirukkalunkunram, this city attracts the attention of several tourists in Chennai.

It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the five elements, the Pancha Bhoota Stalas(Pancha indicates five, Bhoota means elements and Stala means place), and specifically the element of earth, or Prithvi.

Main deity here is Ekambareswarar or Shiva, worshipped as the Prithivi Lingam. A Somaskanda panel featuring Shiva, Parvati and Skanda adorns the rear of the main shrine, which has been held in worship for centuries together.

It is believed that Parvati, the consort of Shiva worshipped him in the form of a Prithivi Lingam, or a Lingam improvised out of sand, under a mango tree.

Also Read: ABOUT JYOTIRLINGA IN INDIA

Legend has it that the neighboring Vegavati river overflowed and threatened to engulf the Shiva Lingam and that Parvati or Kamakshi, embraced the Lingam, and Shiva, touched by the gesture materialized in person and married her. In this context he is referred to as ‘Tazhuvakkuzhainthaar’ in Tamil.

There is no separate shrine for Ambal or the Goddess in the temple as she is worshipped along with Shiva, as in every other Shiva temple in the precincts of the town of Kanchipuram.

There is another shrine of Shiva and Kamakshi under the Stala Vruksham or the Temple tree, which is a mango tree said to be 3500 years old. The mango tree is said to be the embodiment of the four Vedas and the tree is said to bear fruits of four different tastes each season here.

This sprawling temple covers an area of more than 40 acres and reaches a maximal height of 57 meters. The temple’s main entrance – the ‘Raja Gopuram’ is among the tallest in South India and is carved with graceful art forms and sculptures in various poses. It was built by Raja Krishna Deva Raya and the intricate designing of this gopuram can keep connoisseurs of art entranced for hours.

The pillared hall in front of the sanctum was also built by the Vijayanagar Kings. All of the four revered Saivite Saints have sung the glory of this temple. The Saint poet Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is said to have recovered his eyesight (left eye) after offering worship here.

Pallavas, Cholas and the Vijayanagar Kings especially Krishna Deva Raya have contributed to this temple.

Achutaraya gifted a number of villages, according to inscriptions dating from 1532 CE (record 544 of 1919). The royal order was broken by Vira Narasingaraya Saluva Nayaka, who was guided by Achutaraya, who gave more lands to Ekambaranathar temple than to Varadaraja Swamy temple, despite the instruction of an equal gift to both temples. Hearing this, Achutaraya split the lands evenly between the two temples. 

Quick Facts

• Address: Ambigapadeeswar temple, Kilambi, Tamil Nadu 631502
• Affiliation: Hinduism
• Architectural style: Dravidian architecture
• Deity: Ekambaranathar (Shiva)
• Temple Timings: 6am–12:30pm, 4–8:30pm
• Festivals : Brahmotsavam(the golden car festival when Lord Shiva) ,Shivaratri Festival, Panguni Uthiram and Navaratri 
• Photography: Permitted within the temple, except in and of the sanctum
• Dress Code: No dress code(decent clothes are advised for both men and women)
• Entrance Fees: Nil
• Time Required:1 hour
• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Ekambareshwar Temple is in March and April as the annual Panguni Uthiram festival is celebrated. 

Also Read: ABOUT ARANMULA PARTHASARATHY TEMPLE

Ekambareswarar Temple Pooja Timings:-

Special Darshan ticket cost Rs.5. Six poojas are performed daily.

Astonishing Facts Ekambareswarar Temple:-

The Mango Tree Mystery

There is a Mango tree inside the famed Ekambareshwarar Shiva temple in Kanchipuram which is supposed to be more than 3500 years old & till today yields 4 varieties of mangoes ( 4 varieties from a single mango tree), signifying the four Vedas.

No Shadow Temple

The sun rays fall directly on the main shivalinga every 19, 20 and 21 of Panguni month (March-April).

Musical Corridors

In the inner corridor of the Ekambareswarar temple there are 10 pillars, they produce different musical sounds if we tap them with a stick.

Kubera Idol

The kubera idol in the temple is believed to grant riches to his worshippers.

What’s your Zodiac Sign

The most important thing is we can see all 12 zodiac signs on the roof of the temple. It is believed by many people that we need to pray to our zodiac sign at the temple to get rid of horoscopic defects (Jatakadosha).

How to Reach Ekambareswarar Temple?

By Air

The nearest airport is the Chennai International Airport which is 64 kms away.. One can a taxi or Government bus to the temple.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Kanchipuram Railway Station which is about 600 meters from the temple. One can take a rickshaw or a walk to reach the temple.

By Road

Tamil Nadu Government Buses to Kanchipuram are available from all the parts of the Tamil Nadu state and also from major cities in South India. It is 64 kms from Chennai which is the major city close to Kanchipuram from where you get frequent buses to Kanchipuram.

Where To Stay?

Hotel Tamilnadu – Kancheepuram

This is a Tamil Nadu Tourist department owned hotel.

Address: Kamakshi Amman Sannadhi Street, Opp. Old Railway Station – 631 502.

Approximate Costs: 1300 INR – 3200 INR

Note: We don’t make any guarantees if the above-stated facts are not correct. If you think any information provided by us is wrong then contact us.