Indian Temples: Ekambareswarar Temple | Kanchipuram- Tamilnadu- Highlights

 



The Ekambareswarar Temple, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the largest and most revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It represents the Prithvi (Earth) element among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, making it spiritually significant in Shaivism. Spread across nearly 25 acres, the temple is an architectural marvel showcasing the grandeur of the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara dynasties.

A distinctive feature of this temple is its sacred 3,500-year-old mango tree, believed to yield fruit of four varieties symbolizing the four Vedas. The temple attracts millions of devotees, particularly during the Panguni Uthiram festival, when Lord Shiva and Goddess Kamakshi’s celestial wedding is celebrated.

History in Detail

Ancient Origins

  • The origins of the Ekambareswarar Temple are rooted in ancient Tamil tradition and mythological references.
  • Legends suggest that Goddess Parvati performed penance under a mango tree, making a Shiva Lingam out of earth (Prithvi) and worshipping it.
  • This earned the temple its association with the Earth element.

Pallava Period (4th–9th Century CE)

  • The earliest stone structure of the temple is attributed to the Pallava kings.
  • Inscriptions suggest that they built the original sanctum, early shrines, and temple tanks.

Chola Contribution (10th–13th Century)

  • The Cholas expanded the temple significantly.
  • Added:
    • Larger mandapams
    • Pillared halls
    • Ornate shrines
  • Several inscriptions record gifts of land, gold, and temple jewels.

Vijayanagara Empire (14th–16th Century)

This era defined the grandeur we see today.

  • Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara dynasty built the imposing Raja Gopuram, standing at 59 meters (194 ft) — one of the tallest temple towers in South India.
  • Built expansive corridors, the Thousand-Pillar Hall, and large temple tanks.
  • Added elaborate carvings, mandapams, and decorative pillars.

Nayak and Later Periods

  • Final architectural refinements and artistic additions happened during the Nayak rule.
  • Additional shrines, murals, and sculptures were incorporated.

Significance

1. Prithvi (Earth) Sthalam

Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing Earth (Prithvi):

  • The Lingam is believed to be made of earth by Goddess Parvati.
  • Symbolizes stability, grounding, fertility, and creation.

2. Mango Tree Miracle

A sacred tree, over 3,000–3,500 years old, known as “Mavadi”, still stands in the temple courtyard.

  • Said to bear four different fruit varieties from a single tree trunk.
  • Represents the four Vedas.

3. Shiva–Parvati Legend

Here, Goddess Parvati is believed to have:

  • Performed tapas under the mango tree.
  • Created a sand Shiva Lingam.
  • Won Lord Shiva’s heart, leading to their celestial marriage.

4. Celestial Wedding – Panguni Uthiram

One of the most important festivals:

  • Celebrates the marriage of Shiva (Ekambareswarar) and Parvati (Gowri/Elavar Kuzhali Amman).
  • Thousands travel to Kanchipuram to witness this divine union.

5. One of Kanchipuram’s Five Major Shiva Temples

Known along with:

  • Kailasanathar Temple
  • Kamakshi Amman Temple
  • Varadaraja Perumal Temple (Vishnu)
  • Kumarakottam Temple

Temple Details

Main Deities

  • Ekambareswarar (Shiva) – worshipped as the Earth Element.
  • Elavar Kuzhali Amman (Parvati) – consort deity.

Architectural Highlights

1. Raja Gopuram

  • Height: 59 m (194 ft)
  • Built by Krishnadevaraya
  • Among India’s tallest temple towers.

2. Temple Complex

  • One of India’s largest temple complexes spread over 25 acres.
  • Massive stone walls and four gateway gopurams.

3. Aayiram Kaal Mandapam (Thousand-Pillar Hall)

  • A breathtaking hall with intricately carved pillars.
  • Vijayanagara architectural excellence.

4. Inner Sanctum

  • The Shiva Lingam is believed to be made of earth, protected during abhishekam.
  • Abhishekam is usually symbolic with liquids poured over a metal shield.

5. Sacred Mango Tree (Mavadi)

  • Over 3,500 years old.
  • Considered a living embodiment of Shiva–Parvati’s legend.

6. Temple Tanks

  • Sarva Theertham – main tank believed to contain water from all sacred rivers.

7. Various Shrines

Dedicated to:

  • Vinayaka
  • Murugan
  • Nataraja
  • Chandikeswarar
  • Navagrahas
  • Durga
  • Numerous forms of Shiva

Temple Timings

  • Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Pooja Timings (approx.)

  • Usha Kalam – 6:00 AM
  • Kalasandhi – 8:00 AM
  • Uchikala Pooja – 11:00 AM
  • Sayarakshai – 6:00 PM
  • Arthajama Pooja – 9:00 PM

Connectivity

By Air

  • Chennai International Airport – 70 km
  • Puducherry Airport – 120 km

By Rail

  • Kanchipuram Railway Station – 2 km from the temple.
  • Well-connected to Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tirupati, Vellore, and Bangalore.

By Road

  • Frequent buses from:
    • Chennai (75 km)
    • Vellore (65 km)
    • Tiruvannamalai
    • Puducherry
    • Bangalore (280 km)
  • Auto-rickshaws and taxis available locally.

Legacy

The Ekambareswarar Temple stands as a timeless symbol of:

  • Ancient Tamil architecture
  • Devotional Shaivite traditions
  • Cultural continuity spanning 2,000+ years

Its legacy includes:

  • Being one of the five elemental temples of Lord Shiva.
  • Housing one of the oldest living trees in India.
  • Preserving rich temple rituals, Vedic traditions, and classical arts.
  • Drawing saints, scholars, and devotees—from Appar and Sambandar to modern spiritual seekers.

With its towering gopuram, sprawling courtyards, and deeply sacred atmosphere, Ekambareswarar Temple remains one of India’s greatest spiritual landmarks, embodying serenity, devotion, and divine heritage.



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