Temple Darshan, Pooja and Sevas Information Infoirmation Website Kanchi Ekambareswarar Temple, Sthalapurana, Timings, Darshan, and route information
This Siva temple in Kanchi is close to the Kamakshi temple and roughly a kilometer from both the bus stop and the railway station. Similar to the Sri Varadaraja Perumal temple, it was not constructed all at once. The main temple dates back to the early Pallava era and is referenced in Mahendravarman I’s Mahatvilasa Prahasana. This place had a deeply rooted tree temple faith, with amra (mango) Ekamba serving as the Sthala Vriksha.
One of the five Pancha Bhuta kshetras, the Prithvi linga, is the primary linga (Siva). It is also the Vedic Sadasiva tattva reflected in the self-manifested (Swayambhu) linga.
The best time to visit Kanchi
- January to September is the best time to visit Kancheepuram
- It might be raining during the October and November months.
Kanchi Ekambareswarar Temple History
Several rulers’ inscriptions, including those of Raja Raja Chola, Vijayaganda Gopaladevan, Kampanna Udaiyar, Achudadeva Udaiyar, Kulothunga-I, and Kulothunga-III, have been found within the temple. These inscriptions mostly document contributions for improvements and expansions, among other things. The pre-Pallavian era original shrine had to be small in size, and the current temple complex was built piece by piece throughout various dynasties’ reigns at Kanchi. It is significant to remember that various Saiva saints from the 7th century A.D. have chanted the praises of the deity Ekamba.
The Prithvi linga’s Yoni-pitha is made of polished black stone. Because the Yoni-pitha is oblong, only this part of the body receives the abhisheka and other rituals. Since the linga is said to be composed of sandstone, this area is left dry. The linga is known as Devika linga since Parvati herself worshipped it.
Kanchi Ekambareswarar Temple Timings
- 6.00 am to 12.30 pm
- 4.00 pm to 8.30 pm
Puja Timings
- Morning Hours Puja Timings: 6:00 am, 9:00 am, 12:00 pm
- Evening Hours Puja timings: 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm
Kanchi Ekambareswarar Temple Mango Tree
It is believed that this tree represents Lord Siva. This tree’s unique origin story, as told in the Puranas, is worth exploring. When the divine couple saw that the 64 Shakti had risen and wished to control their egos, all 64 of them instantly lost their garments and showed up as nudists. The Saktis were so embarrassed and ashamed that they collapsed to Parvati’s feet on four legs. Mother Parvati felt sorry for them and urged the Saktis to stand up. As she did so, she briefly covered her Lord’s eyes with her fingers to prevent others from seeing them. That period portended a huge disaster; there was an eclipse, and the stars, moon, and sun went dark. The world sank, and the only one to see it was the strong Sage Markandeya.
The guru was swimming when he pleaded with Lord Siva to hold. Then, in His infinite kindness, the Lord appeared to be a large mango tree (Ekambara Vriksha), standing in the middle of the water with the four Vedas as its branches, leaves, and fruits. Sage Markandeya, puzzled by the Lord’s mysterious methods, took hold of the tree and, ascending to its summit, prayed loudly to it, regarding it as the Lord Himself.
The sage soon saw a dazzling light within its stem. When he arrived, the Sage saw a sizable city that was brightly lit, and among the people he saw was Young Skanda, the handsome son of the Siva couple, who was enjoying a delicious mango tree fruit. It was as if the sage were a child in an unreal world.
When Parvati hugged the Siva-linga during the river flood, she was able to break free from the curse of Siva and perform penance under this Ekamra (mango) tree.