Welcome to our guide on the magnificent Ekambaranathar Temple in Kanchipuram! Explore the rich history and timeless beauty of this sacred site nestled in the heart of South India.
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About Ekambaranathar Temple
The Ekambaranathar Temple, situated in Kanchipuram town, venerates Lord Shiva. This temple is located on the Shiva Kanchi side. Devotees worship Lord Shiva as Linga as Ekambaranathar or Ekambareswara, with Elavarkuzhali representing his consort, Parvati. Ekambaranathar is a prominent temple in Kanchipuram besides the Kamakshi and Varadaraja Perumal temples. Ekambaranathar is considered to be the consort of Goddess Kamakshi. This temple complex is one of the largest in the Shiva Kanchi zone, alongside the Varadaraja Perumal temple in the Vishnu Kanchi zone.
Ekambaranathar temple represents one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthala Shiva temples, embodying Shiva as the five primary elements of nature: land, water, air, fire, and sky. “Pancha” signifies five, “Bhoota” signifies elements, and “Sthala” signifies location. Within this temple, Shiva manifests as the Prithvi Linga.
Temple Legacy
The Pallavas were the first to build the temple in the Dravidian style. Later, in the 9th century, the Cholas rebuilt the temple, and subsequently, the Vijayanagara rulers expanded it. Additionally, Adi Shankaracharya remodeled Kanchipuram temples, including the Kamakshi Amma temple and the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, with the assistance of local rulers.
Legends of Ekambaranathar Temple
According to legend, Parvati sought to atone for her sins by performing penance under the ancient mango tree near the Vegavathi river. Shiva tested her resolve by sending fire first, followed by the river Ganga. However, Parvati, also known as Kamakshi, sought assistance from Lord Vishnu to save her from the fire. Vishnu brought the moon, whose rays cooled down the tree and Parvati. When Ganga threatened to disrupt her penance the second time, Parvati pleaded with her, reminding her of their sisterhood. As a result, Ganga refrained from interfering. Parvati then created a Shiva Linga out of sand to unite with Shiva. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva appeared as Ekambaranathar. From then on, people came to know the god Ekambaranathar, which translates as “Lord of the Mango Tree.”
Another legend suggests that Parvati worshipped Shiva as Prithvi Linga under a mango tree. When the Vegavati River overflowed and threatened to engulf the Linga, Parvati embraced it. Touched by her devotion, Shiva manifested as Tazhuva Kuzhainthaar, meaning ‘the one who melted in her embrace,’ and married her.
Temple Architecture
Covering nearly 25 acres, the temple complex ranks among the largest in India. It boasts four Gopurams, or gateway towers, with the southern tower, constructed by Krishnadevaraya, standing as the tallest at 11 stories. This tower is one of the tallest Raja gopurams in South India, soaring to a height of 59 meters.
Upon entering through the gateway tower, you’ll encounter two halls: the Vahana Mandapa and the Sarabesa Mandapa or Navaratri Hall. Besides, adjacent to the gateway tower stands the thousand-pillar hall from the Vijayanagar period, which is the most adorned structure in the precinct.
Within the temple courtyard, there’s a small Ganesha shrine beside the Kalyani. Continuing towards the sanctum, at the beginning of the corridor, you’ll find a small mandapa with a white Nandi facing the Shiva idol. Further, the hall of the flagstaff, or deepastambh, boasts pillars adorned with figures of various avatars and stories of Shiva. Additionally, intricate floral patterns adorn the entrance door and pillars, while depictions of Yalis, horses, and floral and lotus patterns embellish the inner walls and pillars.
Ekambaranathar sanctum
The inner main sanctum houses the Shiva Linga and Shiva’s image plaque. The image plaque depicts Shiva and Parvati, with Shiva portrayed as Tazhuva Kuzhainathaar and Parvati as Elavar Kuzhali. Locals believe that the Kamakshi of the Kamakshi Amma Temple is Ekambaranathar’s consort, hence there is no separate sanctum for Parvati within the complex.
Sacred Mango Tree
A 3500-year-old preserved sacred mango tree stands outside the sanctum. At present, a new mango tree has replaced the old one within the complex. Beneath the tree, worshippers revere a Shiva Parvati idol. According to legend, the four corner branches of the tree yield different kinds of mangoes, each with distinct flavors. Devotees consider its significance to the four Vedas.
Other Shrines
In the innermost area of the temple, you’ll find an array of Shiva Lingas, meticulously sculpted in a row totaling 1008. Additionally, the temple boasts 63 Nayanars depicted in stone sculpture and metal form. These Nayanars, a group of 63 Tamil Hindu saints, devoted themselves to Lord Shiva from the sixth to the eighth centuries. Furthermore, within the premises, there’s a row of 108 Shiva Lingas.
Moving on to the first precinct, you’ll encounter a shrine dedicated to Ganesha. As you circumambulate the sanctum, you’ll catch sight of the Utsav Murti in one of the shrines. The Utsav Murti represents the idol of the god that parades around the temple in palanquins during processions. Take a moment to admire the captivatingly decorated Shiva Parvati.
Additionally, within the temple, there’s a small shrine dedicated to the eight-armed goddess Kali, with Ganga positioned at the head of the idol. Further, there’s the Nilathingal Thundam Perumal shrine, a small shrine dedicated to Vishnu, where devotees pray to Vamana Murthy avatar of Vishnu. Notably, Nataraja and Sivakami also have their shrines here. Finally, flanking the entrance to the Shiva shrine, you’ll find a large Nandi statue, alongside the Kalyani, adding to the temple’s grandeur.
How To Reach Ekambaranathar Temple
Tips To Visit The Temple
- The Ekambaranathar temple opens from 6 am to 12.30 pm and 4 pm to 8.30 pm.
- There is no strict dress code to visit the temple, but it is advisable to wear modest dresses.
- Except on Mondays and during special occasions, the crowd in the temple remains moderate. It is good to allocate around 2 hours to explore and immerse yourself in the divine atmosphere.
- Parking space near the temple is limited, so finding a spot for your vehicle can be challenging.
- For the most enjoyable experience, plan your visit to the temple during winter when the weather is pleasantly cool.
- Located almost in the city center, just about 2 km from the main bus stop, reaching the Ekambaranathar temple is convenient. You can easily opt for an auto or bus ride to reach the temple.
In conclusion, Ekambaranathar Temple in Kanchipuram is a testament to ancient Hindu architecture and spirituality, offering visitors a rich cultural experience. Explore its legends and marvel at its grandeur. Immerse yourself in the divine aura of this sacred site during your next visit to Kanchi.
