Ekambareswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Shiva deity situated in Tamil Nadu, India, in the town of Kanchipuram. As one of the temples associated with the five elements, the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas and specifically the element of earth, it is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism. This is one of the famous Kanchipuram Shiva Temple. Shiva is worshiped as Ekambareswarar or Ekambaranathar and is portrayed by the lingam and his idol is called Prithvi lingam.
History of Ekambareswarar Temple – Kanchipuram
This ancient temple was renovated by Pallavas, Cholas, and then by KrishnaDeva Raya of the Vijayanagar dynasty during 1509 – 1529 AD. Raja Gopuram (Temple Tower) is 57 meters high, one of the tallest towers in South India. This Temple has five spacious corridors (prakarams) and a beautiful 1000 pillared hall (Aayiram Kaal Mandap). This temple has 1008 Shiva Lingas. Temple Tank Kampai Tirtha is believed to have an underground holy river and is located right opposite to the temple.
The Sri Chakra in this temple was installed by Adhi Sankaracharya, having 34 Trikonas (triangles). This Chakra is made out of eight herbals called Astagandham. Abhishekam will not be performed to this chakra. Pooja will be performed with Sandal and other cosmetic powders and Archana with Kumkum. On the day of Vijayadashami during Navarathri festival, this Chakra will be covered with gold and silver on all other days.
The base for this chakra is of Kurma shape and is respected as Raja Yantra.
Temple Timings
| Morning | 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Evening | 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM |
Ekambaranathar Temple Mango Tree
The sthala-virutcham or temple tree is a 3,500-year-old mango tree whose branches are said to yield four different types of mangoes from its four branches. Panguni Uthiram festival celebrated during the month of March-April is the most popular of all the temple festivals in Kanchipuram.
Major Festivals
January- February Brahmotsavam, the golden car festival when Lord Shiva is taken around the temple premises in a well-decorated temple car.
February- March Shivaratri Festival, a great gathering of Shiva devotees.
March- April Panguni Uthiram, the most important as per the Vedic tradition.
September- October Navratri Festival
How to reach Ekambareswarar Temple – Kanchipuram
Temple is 2 KMs from Kanchipuram Bus Stand.
Temple is at a walkable distance from Kanchipuram Railway Station.
Chennai is the nearest airport which is at a distance of 61 KMs.
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