One of the largest temples in the world, the Ekambareswarar Temple Kanchipuram located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and it is a famous temple in the region. Kanchipuram has located about 70 km from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. This temple is also called the Ekambareswarar temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is no dearth of temples in South India and these historical temples were built thousands of years ago. This South Indian temple is a unique example of Indian art, which has thousands of devotees visiting it every year.
History and Architecture
This ancient temple in Kanchipuram was constructed by the rulers of the holy dynasty Pallava in the seventh century. The Ekambareswarar Temple was rebuilt by Adi Shankaracharya. In the 15th century, the kings of Vijayanagar reconstructed the temple along with the raja Gopuram of Ekambareswarar temple in Kanchipuram. And also, the leaders of Thanjavur have a major contribution to the reconstruction of the temple. The temple is not only the biggest in Kanchipuram but also considered in high regard for the Vijayanagar dynasty. It is “Pancha Bhoota Stalam”, one of the 5 holy temples of Shiva and the land is considered sacred.
Situated in Tamil Nadu the Ekambareswarar Temple Kanchipuram is spread over 40 acres of land and is 11 stories high. Being the highest temple in south India, this temple is built in Dravidian style. The temple has a 59-meter high Gopuram which is installed by king Krishdevaraya at the main entrance door.
When you enter the Ekambareswarar Temple premises you can see a long corridor. There are 5 such corridors in the temple. The main complex of the temple is where Lord Shiva is situated. There is no idol of goddess Parvati. As her idol is in Kamakshi Temple in the city. There is also a Shivalinga made of sand which about 2 and a half feet in height. This Shivalinga is worshiped every day by pouring oil. Devotees are not allowed to go near the Shivalinga.
There is also a small statue of the Lord Vishnu installed in the Ekambareswarar Temple, which is known as Vamana Murti. Avaram Kaal Mandap is one of the attractions of the temple, which has 1000 pillars. There is amazing artwork on the pillars. Along with the walls of the inner courtyard of the temple, 1008 Shiva lingams have also been installed. There is a courtyard inside the and along with the walls of it, 1008 Shivalinga has been installed. The temple also has a beautiful pond which is called Shiva Ganga Teertham. This pond has a statue of Lord Ganesh at the center.
Behind the Ekambareswarar Temple, there is a mango tree, which about 3500 years old. It is said that under this tree goddess Parvati meditated for Lord Shiv. Impressed by her devotion Lord Shiva appeared in the mango tree. And that’s why he is referred to as Ekambeshwar which means as the god of the mango tree. That under this growth, the Recipient had done severe penance to get the body. Lord Shiva. The tree trunk has been cut and kept as the heritage item in the temple. The tree is a symbol of the 4 Vedas and it is believed that it gives four different tasting mangoes.
How to reach Ekambareswarar Temple
The temple is situated in the city of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. The city is well connected with roads and trains from all the cities of the country. And the nearest airport is Chennai International Airport. One can avail of a taxi or cab from the airport to reach the city while one can also catch a bus to reach. In the city, auto-rickshaw is the best mode to transport to commute.
Best time to visit Ekambareswarar Temple
The best time to visit the temples is during the months of March to April as during this time the temple celebrates the largest festival. The Falguni Uthiram is celebrated in March and April. This festival lasts for 13 days and during this time the wedding of the presiding deity is celebrated.
Places to visit near Ekambareswarar Temple
The famous places to visit near the temple are the Kailasanatha Temple, Chitragupta Temple, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Ulhananda Perumal, and more. The bird sanctuary is situated at a distance of 80 km from the temple and this is a paradise for the nature buffs. From the watchtower in the sanctuary people can spot Cormorants, Egrets, Grey Herons, Night Herons, Open-Billed Storks, Darters, Ibises, Spoonbills, Grebes, Pelicans, Garganey Teals, Shovellers, Pintails, Stilts, Sandpipers, etc.
Ekambareswarar Temple KanchipuramTimings: 6:00 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. to 8.30 P.M.
Ekambareswarar Temple Kanchipuram Entry Fees: Nil
