EKAMBARESWARAR TEMPLE

EKAMBARESWARAR TEMPLE 

This is located in Kanchipuram in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is the largest temple in the town of Kanchipuram and is located in the northern part of the town. The temple gopuram (gateway tower) is 59m tall, which is one of the tallest gopurams in India.

It is one of the five major Shiva temples or Pancha Bootha Sthalams (each representing a natural element) representing the element - Earth. The other four temples in this category are Thiruvanaikaval Jambukeswara (water), Chidambaram Natarajar (Sky), Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire) and Kalahasti Nathar (wind). It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where all of the four most revered Nayanars (Saivite Saints) have sung the glories of this temple. The temple is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the city. Main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. Shiva worshiped as linga in this temple. This temple is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalams which represents five elements Earth, air, water, sky and fire that’s why the Shiva linga also called as PRITHIVI linga representing Earth.

The temple was built by ParanthakaChola around 600 AD in 23 acers of land. Ekambareswarar temple is very ancient and powerful temple in India. The temple is very big one and also famous for sculpture.

HISTORY:

One day, goddess parvathi closed lord shiva eyes for fun. At the time of lord shiva’s eyes were closed the universe became dark because sun and moon are the two eyes of Shiva and life of all creatures became stagnant. Immediately, Lord Shiva opened his third eye hence saved the universe. MaaParvathi felt sorry about what she did. Then Shiva said to penance to washout the mistake. Then Godess Parvathi born on earth with name Katyayani and started penance at kanchipuram (also known as Kanchi). Later on Shiva wants to test Karthyayani (Parvathi) and sent Ganga as flood. At the time Katyayani worshipping sand shivalinga and scared that the linga may flood, Immidiately she hugged the linga to protect it. At the time of hug the linga got marked by her bangles and Kuchas. Even still you can see the marks on the shivaliga at Ekambareswarar temple. Shiva pleased with her devotion and married goddess Parvathi. Still we can see the Kalyana idols under the mango tree in the temple.

Dharsan timings:

5 am to 12.30 noon

4 pm to 8.30 p