Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram is one of the most ancient and significant temples dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Ekambareswarar, meaning \"Lord of the Mango Tree\". It is part of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, representing the element Earth (Prithvi Lingam) — the others being temples representing Water, Fire, Air, and Space. Ekambareswarar is worshipped as the Earth form of Shiva, symbolizing fertility, stability, and creation.
Ekambareswarar Temple History and Architecture
❀ The lingam in the sanctum sanctorum is believed to be made of sand, and due to its fragile nature, devotees are not allowed to perform abhishekam directly.
❀ The temple complex covers over 25 acres, making it one of the largest temples in Tamil Nadu. The Rajagopuram (main entrance tower) stands 59 meters (194 ft) tall — one of the tallest in South India. The Aayiram Kaal Mandapam (“Hall with a thousand pillars”) displays stunning stone carvings. The temple represents dravidian architecture.
❀ It is believed that Lord Shiva married Parvati under this tree, making it a sacred symbol of divine love and devotion.
❀ The ancient mango tree in the temple courtyard is said to be over 3,500 years old, and it bears four different varieties of mangoes symbolizing the four Vedas.
❀ According to legend, Goddess Parvati once performed severe penance under a mango tree (which still exists within the temple premises) to unite with Lord Shiva. She created a Shivalingam out of sand (earth), which is believed to be the one worshipped here. Lord Shiva, moved by her devotion, appeared and married her here.
❀ The temple is closely associated with Kanchipuram’s Kamakshi Amman Temple (Goddess Parvati) and Kailasanathar Temple (another form of Lord Shiva). It is also one of the 108 Divya Desams indirectly linked through its connection with Lord Vishnu’s presence in the city.
Ekambareswarar Temple Darshan Timing
The temple is open every day, offering free entry to all devotees. The darshan timings for Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram are 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Ekambareswarar Temple Prime Festivlas
Major festivals celebrated like Mahashiv Ratri and Panguni Uthiram (March–April) – marks the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Aadi Kritikai, Vaikasi Visakam are also celebrated with grandeur.
How to Reach Ekambareswarar Temple
Chennai and Kanchipuram lie at a distance of about 75 kms from each other. This distance is easily covered by car or by bus and thus travelling by road is the most preferrable mode of travel.
6 AM - 8:00 PM
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