- EKAMBARANATHAR TEMPLE
Ekambareswarar temple is located at the northern part of city (Shiva kanchi) Kanchipuram. The gopuram of the temple is tallest one (59 m long) and sculpture is very finest. Main deity of the temple is Lord shiva. Shiva worshiped as linga in this temple. This temple is one of the PanchaBoothaSthalams 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.
EKAMBARESWARAR TEMPLE 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 GodessParvathi born on earth with name Katyayani and started penance at kanchipuram (also known as Kanchi). Later on Shiva wants to test Katyayani (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.
3000 YEARS OLD MANGO TREE AT KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE:The mango tree has high importance; it is 3000 years old and still green. Lord shiva and parvathi get married under the mango tree in presence of Lord Vishnu and others. When you visit Ekambareswarar temple doesn’t miss to visit ancient mango tree.Local people believe that anyone with a wish should tie a holy thread to the tree and after fulfilling the wish they untie the holy thread. People who are seeking health, wealth, children, career and other needs will tie holy thread.
SPECIALITY OF EKAMBARESWARAR TEMPLE :
The sun rays will fall directly on the main shivalinga every 19, 20 and 21 of Panguni month (March-April).
At the inner corridor of the Ekambareswarar temple there are 10 pillars they produce different musical sounds if we tap them with a stick.
The kubera(gant riches) idol in the temple got very much importance. He will grant riches if we worship seriously.
The most important thing is we can see all 12 zodiac signs on the roof of the temple. It is believed by many people that we need to pray to our zodiac sign at the temple to get rid of horoscopic defects (Jatakadosha).
Godessparvathi created the Shivalinga herself in the temple.
Festivals at Temple:
January – February: Brahmotsavam along with Thaipoosam celebrated in the temple. Thaipoosam means lord shiva procession in the water. During festival Lord shiva procession takes place in a golden car around the temple streets and within city kanchipuram.
February – march :Sivarathri festival – this is dedicated to lord shiva. At shivaratri festival thousands of devotees visit the temple to gain blessings from lord Shiva.
March–April: PanguniUthiram will take place which is the most famous festival in Kanchipuram. According to ancient Indian vedic culture this festival is very important one.
July-August: Aadipooram festival.
August-September: Vinayakachavithi festival which is most important festival in Indian culture. The whole India celebrates Vinayakachaviti but, at Ekambareswarar temple the festival will be celebrated with high importance.
September-October: Navarathri festival will commence at the temple. This festival is related to Goddess parvathi who fight with dangerous demon about 9 days and killed him. At this time the temple celebrates the navaratri for 9 days.
October-November: Ekambareswarar temple also popular for celebrating Diwali (deepavali) festival. This is the festival of night. The whole city kanchipuram glows like a diamond with crackers in the night.
November-December: Tirukarthikai.
TEMPLE OPENING TIME :
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
How to reach :
Rail Station : Ariyalur Railway Stations
AirPort : Trichy
Bus : There are plenty of busses from Chennai to Kanchipuram. It takes 1:30 hr – 2:00 hr for travelling to Chennai to Kanchipuram.
Temple Adress :
Sri Kanchi Ekambareswarar Temple, Kancheepuram-631 501, Tamil nadu, India.
