Ekambareswarar Temple Kanchipuram Tamil Nadu History and Interesting Facts

Ekambareswarar Temple Quick Facts

Ekambareswarar Temple Overview

Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the largest temples in the world, is a famous Hindu temple located in the city of Kancheepuram in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This temple is also known as Ekambernath Temple. this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva

There is no dearth of temples in South India and these Historical Temples were not built now, but thousands of years ago. The temple is a wonderful example of South Indian architecture, which is visited by thousands of devotees.

Ekambareswarar Temple History

This Ancient Temple built in Kanchipuram was built in the seventh century by the rulers of the Pallava dynasty. Adi Shankaracharya of the 10th century got temple rebuilt and besides this temple, Kamakshi Amman temple and Varadaraja Perumal temple were also constructed.

In the 15th century, large-scale renovation works, including Rajagopuram, were carried out by the Vijayanagara Emperors, with the Nayaks of Thanjavur also contributing to the temple.

Apart from being the largest temple in Kanchipuram, it is a high symbol of Vijayanagara dynasty. Temple has the status of one of the 5 sacred Shiva temples of Panchabhuta Sthalam and represents the earth element.

Ekambareswarar Temple Interesting Facts

1. This magnificent temple covered over 40 acres located in Tamil Nadu is 11 storeys high.
2. Built-in the Dravidian architectural style, this temple is one of the tallest temples in South India.
3. The 59 m high gopuram (main entrance to the temple) was built in the temple by the Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya.
4. When you enter the main square of the temple complex, a huge corridor welcomes you. There are 5 such big corridors in the temple.
5. Lord Shiva is seated in the main mandapa of the temple, there is no temple of Mata Parvati here, as the Kamakshi temple of the city represents her.
6. Inside the temple, there is also a Shivling made of sand two and a half feet tall. It's not Jalabhishek, it is worshiped by performing Tailabhishek. Devotees are not allowed to reach the Shivling.
7. A small idol of Lord Vishnu is also installed in the temple, which is called Vamana Murti here.
8. Aviram Kaal Mandapam is one of the main attractions of the temple, which has 1000 pillars. Amazing carvings have been done on these pillars, which add to their magnificence.
9. Along with the walls of the inner courtyard of the temple, 1008 Shivalingams have also been installed.
10. There is also a beautiful pond with a mandapa on the temple premises, which is called Shiva Ganga Theertham. An idol of Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva, is also installed in the middle of this lake.
11. There is a Mango tree about 3,500 years old on the platform behind the temple. It is said that under this tree, Parvati did severe penance to attain Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared in this mango tree after being pleased, hence he was named 'Ekbareshwar' meaning the deity of the mango tree. The trunk of its tree has been cut and kept as a heritage in the temple. This tree is a symbol of the four Vedas and is believed to give mangoes of four different flavors.
12. The Temple is open for the general public daily from 6 am to 12.30 pm and in the evening from 4 pm to 8.30 pm.
13. The biggest festival of this temple is Falguni Uthiram celebrated in March-April.
14. The city of Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu is well connected to other states of the country by both road and rail. Kancheepuram is located at a distance of about 70 kms from Chennai. The nearest airport to Kancheepuram is Chennai.